Seibu Lions Takumi Kuriyama outfielder of 25 years held his retirement press conference in Tokyo on the 30th. After the conference, team alumnus and former manager Hisanobu Watanabe and third-team coach Norio Tanabe made surprise appearances and presented bouquets.

Mr. Watanabe expressed his appreciation, saying, "Thank you for your hard work during your long 25-year career. I feel that this day has finally come." He looked back on the reason why he selected Kuriyama as the number two hitter when he was the manager. He mentioned that he had a plan to "place a powerful hitter in the number two spot," and praised his ability as a player again, saying, "Being able to do your own batting even after being cornered with two strikes is not something that can be easily done."

Furthermore, they emphasized that the player was a valuable asset who inspired the team, stating, "I really loved the composure shown during matches, the presence, the focus, and the fighting spirit shown from time to time."

Kuriyama joined the team in the fourth round of the 2001 draft from Hyogo's Ikuei High School. He made his professional debut on September 24, 2004, against Kintetsu (at Osaka Dome). In the offseason of 2016, he exercised his overseas free agency rights but remained with the team. In 2020, he again acquired overseas free agency rights but decided to stay, saying, "I want to continue wearing this jersey in the years to come and do my best to make the fans happy." On September 4, 2021, he achieved 2000 career hit, becoming the first homegrown player in the team's history to do so. In November 2025, during contract negotiations, he announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season. In his 25th professional season this year, he appeared in 10 games, batting .111 with 1 hit. He had no RBI or Home Run.

The game against the Rakuten Eagles (Belluna Dome) starting at 5:00 PM will be held as Kuriyama's retirement game. A ceremony is also scheduled after the game, where he will wear his familiar uniform and show his final heroic appearance to the home fans.

Takumi Kuriyama. Born September 3, 1983, in Hyogo Prefecture. 42 years old. Joined the Seibu Lions from Ikuei as the 4th round draft pick in 2001. First appearance was on September 24, 2004, against Kintetsu. Achieved 2,000 hit in 2021. Four-time Best Nine, one-time Golden Glove winner. Stats as of August 29: 2,322 games played, 2,151 hit, 128 Home Run, 3,001 total bases, 914 RBI, 1,052 Walk. Career batting average is .277. 177 cm, 85 kg. Throws right, bats left.