Seibu Lions Takumi Kuriyama outfielder, who has been dedicated for 25 years, held his retirement press conference in Tokyo on the 30th. After the press conference, team alumnus and former manager Hisanobu Watanabe and third-team coach Norio Tanabe made surprise appearances and presented bouquets. He expressed his appreciation to the team's legendary player, who could be called his apprentice, in front of 600 fans.

First, he said emotionally, 'Finally, this day has come.' Regarding their first meeting, he looked back, saying, 'It was in 2004, the year I returned to The Lions. I still recall the sight of him working hard from morning till night in the farm system, truly aiming for the first team.' He also mentioned the reason why he appointed him as the number two hitter after becoming the manager. 'The very first thing I decided was this batting order: Kataoka as the first hitter and Kuriyama as the second. The reason was that I had a plan to place a good, powerful hitter as the number two hitter,' he said. He recalled that when Kataoka got on base and made a stolen base, 'He could still perform his own style of batting even after being cornered with two strikes. This is not something easily done, and I remember how grateful the team was to have such a player.'

He also revealed his feelings toward Kuriyama as his "protégé." "I loved the composure he showed during games, his presence, his focus, and the fighting spirit he would occasionally display. I personally feel he was a truly valuable player who really inspired the team," he praised. He stated firmly, "I consider it a point of pride to have shared so much time and space with Kuriyama for so long, and I believe he is a truly one-of-a-kind player."

Finally, he said, "Mr. Leo, Mr. The Lions, Takumi Kuriyama. I hope you will continue to instill and pass on the Kuriyama spirit for the sake of The Lions and for the sake of your juniors. Thank you so much for your hard work over the past 25 years," and was met with loud applause.