On August 30th, a retirement press conference was held in Tokyo for Saitama Seibu Lions Takumi Kuriyama.

When Kuriyama appeared at the press conference, he said, "Thank you for gathering here today. I would like to announce that today marks the end of my 25-year playing career, and I have decided to hang up jersey. Thank you for your support over the past 25 years."

In the offseason of 2025, it was announced that 2026 would be his "final season." This season, as part of the "PR1DE SERIES," a total of three events were held, including this three-game series, and he walked through his final season with the team and fans, culminating in his retirement game today.

"I have mixed feelings: a sense of relief that this day has finally come, and also a feeling that it hasn't quite sunk in yet," Kuriyama said, expressing his honest feelings. He then shared his thoughts on his final game as an active player.

"I want to show everyone everything I've done 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."

Takeya Nakamura is a "special teammate": Hisanobu Watanabe and Norio Tanabe present him with bouquets.

Joined the Saitama Seibu Lions as a 4th round draft pick in 2001. Recorded his first appearance and first hit in a game against Kintetsu on September 24, 2004. In 2008, he contributed to the league championship and Japan Series title, winning his first title for most hits, and was appointed captain in 2012. For many years, he has led The Lions.

In a game against Tohoku Rakuten Eagles on September 4, 2021, he became the 54th player in history to reach 2,000 career hits, joining the Meikyukai. He created many opportunities with his outstanding plate discipline, boasting 1,052 Walks, which ranks 16th all-time. Regarding Takeya Nakamura, a player who could be called his close ally and with whom he played for 25 years, he said the following:

"We entered through the draft together, and before I knew it, 25 years had passed. We've been playing in the same jersey. He is a presence that I take for granted, but he was a special teammate."

After the questions ended, Hisanobu Watanabe, who was involved with Kuriyama for a long time as a coach, manager, and GM, and Norio Tanabe, the third-team fielder coach who had instructed Kuriyama since his rookie year as a coach and manager, presented him with bouquets. Watanabe expressed his deep emotions, saying, "I feel that this day has finally come."

"My meeting with Kuriyama was in 2004, the year I returned to The Lions (as a coach). I can still picture him in the farm system, working hard from morning until night to reach the first team. Kuriyama was, of course, great at hitting, but he was also very good at bunting and could execute strategies flawlessly. Even after (the number one hitter Kataoka) made a stolen base and he was cornered with two strikes, he could still perform his own batting. This is not something easily done. It was a blessing for the team.

Reaching 2,000 hits with a body that isn't particularly large for a professional baseball player is worthy of respect. The calmness, atmosphere, and concentration he showed during games, and the occasional display of fighting spirit. I loved that! He was a precious player who inspired the team."

Coach Tanabe, who presented the bouquet next, also looked back on his memories with Kuriyama as follows.

"Kuriyama and I joined in the same year, 2002 (*Mr. Tanabe as a coach), and most of my memories are of the time we spent in the farm system. From the first to about the third year, he practiced batting steadily and diligently every day, to the point where I was the one who was worn out... I assisted him in his practice with the sole desire for him to somehow make it to the first team and succeed.

He has become a great player who will remain in the history of The Lions. Although it was for a short time, I am proud to have helped with his practice. Recently, he has often been in the second team, but his practice posture and attitude have not changed at all. He continues to work hard as a role model for the players in the farm system. Today is his retirement day, but as a coach, I want to watch Kuriyama's play until the very end."

Finally, the last game begins today at 5:00 PM. The opposing starting pitcher is Takayuki Kishi, with whom he experienced a championship during his time with The Lions. Now, to the final batter’s box of his 25-year professional career.