On the 26th, Rakuten announced that Ryo Ichiriki, a Go player from Miyagi Prefecture, will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the "Tires are Fuji Presents 2025 Tohoku Opening Game" to be held at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi on Tuesday, April 1st, and that Ayaka Yoshida, an actress who appears in the Shiki Theatre Company's musical "Cats," will sing the national anthem.

▼ Comment from Ryo Ichiriki

I am Liao Ichiriki, a Go player. Rakuten Eagles The professional baseball home opening game was held on April 1, 2005. It has been exactly 20 years since then. I am very honored to be standing on this memorable day for this season's home opener. I will throw one pitch in hopes of winning the championship this season.

▼ Comment from Ayaka Yoshida

"I feel very honored to have been given the opportunity to sing the national anthem at this memorable home opening game. I am also looking forward to visiting Sendai early ahead of the Sendai performance of the Shiki Theatre Company's musical, Cats, which opens in May. Hoping for a success, I will do my best on the day to keep in mind the feelings of the audience at the stadium, and to deliver my support to the players."