On August 30th, at Belluna Dome, Saitama Seibu Lions Takumi Kuriyama A retirement game and retirement ceremony were held for the player. Kuriyama, who started as the "number 6 DH," had his final at-bat as an active player in the bottom of the 8th inning. Katsutoshi Tai He hit hit that went past pitcher and second baseman to his left, ending his career on a high note.

During the post-game ceremony, a video reviewing Kuriyama's career was shown, and then owner Takashi Goto spoke. Takayuki Kishi pitcher, Ginjiro Sumiya player, Takeya Nakamura Bouquets of flowers were presented by players Hiroyuki Nakajima, Yasuyuki Kataoka, and Hideo Nomo.

Next, Kuriyama gave a speech. The full text of his speech is below.

"Thank you for holding such a grand ceremony for me today. Thank you to all the Rakuten Eagles fans as well. Kishi-kun, nice pitch. He's a really good pitcher. I wanted to hit it, but I couldn't."

I was drafted in 2001 and have been able to play for 25 years until today. Last year, I said I would make it my "final season," and I want to thank all the PR1DE staff who helped me in various ways. It felt like a long time, but also a short time. Thank you for your work in connecting me with the fans. In recent years, I haven't been able to be a significant part of the first team's strength, but I think they've been winning quite a bit since I joined (laughs).

Since my retirement ceremony coincided with the end of summer vacation, I think it was a memorable end to August for the children, but also a challenging one for their parents right up until the very end.

To all The Lions fans, thank you so much for your support, both in tough times and happy times. You've given me so many kind words and looked at me with such passionate eyes, and each time it fueled my determination to get a hit here.

I feel a sense of sadness, but I believe the players here today will perform so brilliantly that they will blow away this sadness and take us to the Japan Series. For 25 years, I have been Kuriyama of The Lions. I am still Kuriyama of The Lions, and I will continue to be. Thank you so much for these 25 years."

After that, he took a lap around the field. He stopped in front of the left field stands and listened intently to The Lions fans' cheering songs. Then, he took a group photo with his teammates near mound, was tossed into the air three times, and left ground to the thunderous cheers of the entire stadium.