On the 10th, Softbank Hawks team chairman Sadaharu Oh paid tribute to Isao Harimoto, the professional baseball record holder with 3,085 career hits, who passed away on the 9th at the age of 86. At Mizuho PayPay Dome, he expressed his sorrow over the parting, commenting, 'It was just so sudden. I saw him from time to time, and although his legs were a bit weak after his hip surgery, his body itself didn't seem to be in bad condition, so I am surprised by this news.'

Harimoto joined Toei (now Nippon-Ham) from Nami-sho (now Daitaidai Nami-sho) and won the Rookie of the Year award. In 1961, he became the leading hitter for the first time, and went on to be crowned the leading hitter seven times, including four consecutive years starting from 1967, tying the record for the most in history.

In 1962, he contributed to Toei's championship victory and won the MVP award. In 1976, he transferred to The Giants and, under manager Shigeo Nagashima, formed the 'OH Cannon' with Sadaharu Oh during his playing days. He contributed to winning the Central League title.

In 1980, he became the first player in history to achieve 3,000 hits, and in 1981, he retired from active play. After that, he was active as a baseball commentator, and his 'Katsu!' on TBS's 'Sunday Morning' became a household favorite, gaining popularity for his comments filled with affection. When Mr. Harimoto made his final regular appearance on December 26, 2021, Chairman Oh also appeared as a guest.