The Orix Buffaloes announced on the 31st that they will hold the "Naniwa HERO Special Ceremonial First Pitch" during their game against the Rakuten Eagles on Saturday, September 12, featuring a local hero who has contributed to brightening the city of Osaka.

In this special ceremonial first pitch, people with ties to Osaka Prefecture who brought bright news to Osaka, regardless of the field
—such as those who contributed to saving lives or preventing crimes, or those who were active nationally or globally—took the mound.

For this ninth edition, taking mound will be the pilots of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's aerobatic team, "Blue Impulse".
Shoya Matsuura (31) is active as a pilot. Originally from Osaka Prefecture, Matsuura played soft baseball from first grade of elementary school to third year of high school. At the age of 15, he was impressed by a video of the Blue Impulse aerobatic team's demonstration flight, and in 2024 he fulfilled his long-held dream of becoming a Blue Impulse pilot. In 2025, he showcased a magnificent acrobatic flight at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, drawing loud cheers and applause.

From a baseball youth to a Blue Impulse pilot. Mr. Matsuura, who fulfilled his dream, will perform the major role of the ceremonial first pitch on the mound at the long-admired Kyocera Dome Osaka.