On August 30th, Saitama Seibu Lions Takumi Kuriyama held a retirement press conference. Approximately 630 members of Kuriyama's official fan club were invited to the conference. Greeted with loud applause, Kuriyama appeared in a blue-gray suit and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your support over the past 25 years." Below is a Q&A from the press conference.

-- How do you feel right now, on the day of your retirement match?

"I have mixed feelings: a sense of relief that this day has finally arrived, and a feeling that it still hasn't quite sunk in."

—This season, you spent days with the first team, and days sweating it out in the second team.

"When I was with the first team, I was determined to get hits and contribute to the team's win. I learned a lot during my time with the second team, and being able to play alongside players who are aiming for the first team has become a valuable asset for me; I think it was a great learning experience."

--What was your best play during your playing career?

"There are so many, it's hard to choose just one as the best, but I've only had one hit so far this season, that one to center fielder. I think it was my first hit since turning pro. But I think the best one will be the one I get today (applause from the crowd)."

—What was the reason you chose those two hit?

"The one that made the biggest impact at first, and the one that's most recent and that I remember."

--What did you talk about with your teammate, Takeya Nakamura leading up to today's match?

"We didn't really talk much. We were drafted together, and before we knew it, 25 years had passed. We played in the same jersey. He was always there, but he was a special teammate."

--What kind of play would you like to show in your retirement game?

"I want to show everyone what I've been working on up until now. I want to put it into my play and see how people react. I think there are many people who are looking forward to seeing me play, including my teammates, coaches, and managers, so I hope to give my best performance with a sense of gratitude."

— What kind of influence did Tsuyoshi Nakamura have on Kuriyama?

"As you all know, I'm the complete opposite of me—our playing style is different. Even so, at first, I didn't have many thoughts, but as I played for a long time, I realized things like, 'Oh, I can incorporate things like this,' and I learned from them. Maybe we inspired each other, but I learned a lot from them."

— The intention behind using the phrase 'closing season' rather than 'retirement'

"Sometimes I talk with my kids at home. They told me I could stop, but please don't say it's retirement."

―― If you were to tell boys and girls doing baseball something important when doing baseball,

"I think people are enjoying it, so always keep a sense of enjoyment. And regardless of skill, I hope everyone gives it their all."

—25 years of pursuing batting. What kind of time was that? The change in my mindset

"For the past few years, I've been pursuing batting. Of course, at first, I just kept swinging the bat to figure out how to get results. Looking back, I've been playing baseball until now, and pursuing hitting has been fun."

— Kuriyama's eye contact is striking

"I don't remember (laughs). But I try to look them in the eye as much as possible to get what they want to say and how they're feeling."

—There were fans who were count Kuriyama's hit. How did you watch it?

"I was really happy, and since I don't always get hits smoothly, I was wondering if they would just pick it up on their own (laughs). Being able to build up each hit together one by one made me very happy, and I think it was a wonderful time."

—Finally, today, will count move forward?

"We will definitely move forward."

—Kuriyama, who achieved brilliant results. In 25 years, what supported you during difficult times

"Looking at the overall record, we've been able to accumulate quite a lot of numbers, but there were many things that just didn't go well. Thanks to the support of the staff around us, the manager, and the coaches, we were able to play. As we prepared thoroughly, every time there was a game, fans would come to the stadium and call out my name. That was a tremendous source of support."

—The days of swinging the bat end today. As for what comes after tomorrow,

"I'm not thinking about what comes after tomorrow. Now, I'm only thinking about today."

―― The reason you've been doing this for 25 years at The Lions, and the feelings that made you feel about reaching today,

"First, I was drafted and joined the team. I was able to focus on baseball in an environment where I could spend my time, and after debuting in the first team, The Lions needed me. I love The Lions too, and every year there's the accumulation of wanting to keep playing in front of this jersey and the fans, and I think I've been able to do this for 25 years."

—Today, all the players will compete number "1." What kind of feelings will you have when watching this?

"What do you think? Kaino (Ao) was happy though (laughs). I think it's something you can't even imagine, so I'm not sure if I have that much room for it, but I want to enjoy that special match where everyone is wearing the first jersey."

— You also put effort into social contribution activities

"As a pro baseball player, my mission is to play in ground, but I wondered if there were other ways to do it, so I started social contribution activities. I heard that many people are battling illness and can't come to the stadium, so I keep going because our performance can help refresh my mood or encourage me. Even after retiring, I want to continue doing what I can as much as I can."

— Second baseball: How do you think about life at this point?

"At this point, it's undecided. I want to focus on giving it my all in today's match."

—As you approach today's retirement match, what kind of conversation would you like to share with your family?

"He was still asleep this morning (laughs). But since they're kids, I'm looking forward to seeing your dad play in a first-team game. Today, probably the whole stadium is on my side. It's rare to get to see a game like that, so we had a conversation about enjoying it."

—After deciding to retire, do you still feel the desire to improve baseball?

"It hasn't changed at all."

—What made me want to play for another year

"Not really. Not really, but I've promised everyone that we'll wrap up this season with the year. Can we give it our all? That was all there was."

――What I most want to convey to my juniors

"If possible, I would have told the juniors directly. I think they were drafted, connected by some connection, and played in the The Lions and professional baseball. The Lions has a history, strong periods, and we juniors. It's hard to put into words, but there are things that have been passed down. As long as you wear this The Lions The Lions jersey, I want you to play with all your might and have no regrets."

――number What I want the player in '1' to pass on

"It's not about number or anything like that; first, I want them to focus on their own play. I think the younger players will show more of their strengths, so I want them to grow into players who understand that their number is their own number. I want the current players to develop their individuality."