[Seibu Lions] The Lions blue flowers adorn the area around the home stadium for Takumi Kuriyama as he plays his retirement game. The Giants' Hayato Sakamoto, Masahiro Tanaka, and others say, "Thank you for your hard work for 25 years!" | Pacific League

[Seibu Lions] The Lions Blue flowers for Takumi Kuriyama, who is facing his retirement game, decorate the area around the home stadium; Hayato Sakamoto of The Giants, Masahiro Tanaka, and others say, "Thank you for your 25 years of hard work!"

Sports Hochi

August 30, 2026 13:54

Flowers sent by Hayato Sakamoto on the occasion of Takumi Kuriyama's retirement game (Photo by Aki Takematsu)

◆ Seibu Lions Pacific League: Seibu vs. Rakuten Eagles (30th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions outfielder Takumi Kuriyama (42) will play in his retirement game against the Rakuten Eagles, scheduled to start at 5 PM on the 30th.

Many fans gathered at Seibu Kyujo-mae Station, the closest station to Seibu Lions, Belluna Dome. Around the stadium facilities, numerous The Lions blue flowers were displayed, sent by baseball figures close to Kuriyama, including Yomiuri The Giants players Hayato Sakamoto, Masahiro Tanaka, Yoshihiro Maru, and Takahiro Norimoto, along with messages of appreciation such as "Thank you for your hard work for 25 years!" and "Thank you for your hard work during your playing career!"

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.