Hokkaido Nippon-Ham to hold "Bread Festival in F Village" from May 19th to May 24th

"Bread Festival in F Village" will be held at ES CON FIELD for six days from Tuesday, May 19th to Sunday, May 24th. Since its first event at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in 2016, "Bread Festival" has attracted a total of over 1.6 million visitors, making it one of Japan's largest festivals for bread lovers, run by bread lovers, and boasting immense popularity. In addition to the bread produced by the athletes, some of the most popular stores from all over the country will be exhibiting, including popular stores with endless lines, trending stores, and rare breads that sell out and are hard to find.

Go player Ryo Ichiriki and singer-songwriter/actor Akinori Nakagawa attend Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Tohoku Opening Game

Rakuten Eagles announced that Go player Ryo Ichiriki will throw the ceremonial first pitch and singer-songwriter and actor Akinori Nakagawa will sing the national anthem at the Tohoku opening game to be held at Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi on Tuesday, March 31st.

Overview of the opening pitch by Go player Ryo Ichiriki
Date and time: Tuesday, March 31st vs. Fukuoka Softbank (game starts at 4:00 PM)

[Ryo Ichiriki's profile]
Born June 10, 1997. Originally from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Became a professional Go player in 2010. Joined the Kahoku Shimpo newspaper in April 2020. In August 2020, he won the Gosei title, becoming the first player to win one of the seven major titles. In March 2024, he became a director of the Kahoku Shimpo newspaper. In September 2024, he won the Oji Cup World Championship, a major international tournament held every four years. In October 2024, he became the Meijin title holder, becoming the sixth player in history to win four titles. In November 2025, he took the Oza title, becoming the third player in history to win five titles. He has won a total of 15 of the seven major titles. He is affiliated with the Nihon Ki-in Tokyo Head Office.

▼Comment from Ryo Ichiriki▼
"I'm Go player Ryo Ichiriki. I'm extremely honored to be here to throw the first pitch at the home opener. I hope that Rakuten Eagles will achieve their first Japan Series championship in 13 years, as the name 'Strongest Park' suggests."

Singer-songwriter and actor Akinori Nakagawa's national anthem solo performance
Date and time: Tuesday, March 31st vs. Fukuoka Softbank (game starts at 4:00 PM)

[Profile of Akinori Nakagawa]
Born November 5, 1982, in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. He made his debut as a singer in 2001 with the single "I WILL GET YOUR KISS," for which he won the Newcomer Award at the 34th Japan Cable Awards. In 2002, he played the title role in the musical "Mozart!", for which he received numerous awards. In 2016, he gave a passionate performance as the protagonist Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys," for which he won the Best Actor Award at the 24th Yomiuri Theater Awards and the 42nd Kikuta Kazuo Theater Award. Recent appearances include the stage productions "Something Rotten!", "Frankenstein," and "SONG WRITERS," as well as the TV series "Seishun Musical Comedy Oddboys" (TV Tokyo).

▼Comment from Akinori Nakagawa ▼
"Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles were founded in 2004. I moved to Tokyo right after graduating from high school, so I learned on the news that a professional baseball team had been established in my hometown. I remember being very happy. When I go back to my hometown, I can see many fans dressed in jersey. I also get strength from this special presence that energizes Miyagi in the Tohoku region. Thank you!

On a personal note, I served as the cheer leader in my junior high school days. And when I was a student at Tohoku High School, the entire school went to Koshien to cheer on the team. It's a joyful experience to be involved in baseball again after so many decades, and I can't help but feel a sense of connection. I'll be performing the honorable role of singing the national anthem at the Tohoku opening game in 2026. I hope for Rakuten Eagles' success this season, and I'll sing with gratitude, wishing happiness for everyone in Tohoku, where Rakuten Eagles are based, and Kyushu, where Fukuoka Softbank Hawks are based."

◇ Chiba Lotte Marines 's Andre Jackson arrives in Japan

Chiba Lotte Marines announced that pitcher Andre Jackson has arrived in Japan. He is scheduled to join the team's spring training camp in Ishigaki Island starting tomorrow, the 7th.

▼Comment pitcher Jackson▼
"To all The Marines fans, I am very happy to be a part of The Marines. I am really looking forward to this season. I will do my best to help the team win. Let's aim to win the league and become the best in Japan. Thank you."

・ Updated almost daily! Today's Pacific League

Related Links
・ "Bread Festival 2026 in F Village" to be held!
・ On Tuesday, March 31st, Ryo Ichiriki will throw the opening pitch and Akinori Nakagawa will sing the national anthem!