[Orix] Hiroya Miyagi sends message of gratitude to fans: "Let's share the joy at next year's Fan Festival" | Pacific League

[Orix] Hiroya Miyagi sends message of thanks to fans: “Let’s definitely share the joy at next year’s Fan Festa”

Sports Hochi

2025.11.25(火) 05:00

来季のユニホームを披露する（左から）山下、宮城、太田

Orix fan appreciation event, “Bs Fan-Festa 2025,” was held at Kyocera Dome Osaka on the 24th. In a segment titled “Orikore 2025,” players appeared in costume, showing off a different side of themselves. The event delighted the 20,983 fans who packed into the home stadium. pitcher Hiroya Miyagi (24), who has been writing an exclusive column in Sports Hochi since January last year, “Issho Hyakuren,” sent a message of thanks to the fans who attended.

Thank you to all Orix fans for coming to the Fan Festa again this year. The closeness to the players, the freshness, and the fun. I don’t think it was inferior to other teams. And above all, the fans are always so warm. What makes me happiest is when they say “Congratulations” or “Good luck next time. We’re looking forward to seeing you” when we win. It really makes me feel like they’re watching us.

When I’m on mound, I can hear the cheers surprisingly clearly. Even when I hit an opposing hitter with Hit by Pitch or when my pitching time is too long. Some of the cheers are harsh. Opinions vary from person to person, and there are times when I feel sorry, but please understand that I’m just doing my best to pitch at my own pace…

I’ve had people tell me that watching the WBC made them fall in love with Orix and that it was their chance to start watching baseball. I’m happy that even just a few more people are paying attention to Orix and starting to like baseball, and I think I’ve contributed in some way. I want to make it even more exciting, and I’ve always wanted to make the Fan Festival a place where that happens.

Which event was the most fun for you? For me it was dressing up. Up until now, Udagawa-san’s Madame was fun, and I’ve also dressed up as Ikkyu-san and a maid. I always wonder what the contestants are doing, suppressing their embarrassment (laughs). But if we can make even one person happy, there’s nothing more satisfying. This year, (Wakatsuki) Kenya-san’s “Shinako” and Teeto-san’s gal “T-chami” were amazing. They showed us their high level of professionalism and truly big backs (laughs). It’s also fun to watch people like Peta-san (Yamashita), who would never normally step forward.

The power you all exude is truly incredible. I felt it most at T-Okada’s retirement game last year. I was moved by the power of the voices. It made me think, “Orix can go even further!!” I think the number Orix fans is increasing across all generations, regardless of gender, and it should be normal for us to play baseball until October. For the sake of the team and the fans, we must win the championship. I will show you how much I have grown. Let’s definitely share the joy at next year’s Fan Festival. (Miyagi Daiya)

Keisuke Okada (57), a member of the comedy duo “Masuda Okada” who calls himself the biggest Orix fan in the entertainment industry, appeared on stage and announced the release of the film “Orix The Buffaloes 2025 ~DETA! WAO! OKADA THE MOVIE~” (January 16th next year). The documentary, which interweaves footage of this season’s games, looks back on the team from Okada’s unique perspective. Dressed in a tuxedo and looking full of energy, Okada promoted the film by saying, “In a sense, this is a film in which the fans are the main characters. It’s rare to see a film from this fan’s perspective!!”

In a segment titled “The Buffaloes Youth Drama,” they aired “Raoh’s Youth Story: Reclaim Your Love!!,” starring Sugimoto as the main character and Ishikawa, Yamazaki, and Fukunaga. After the regular version, they also aired a “reverse playback movie” in which the players performed their lines and movements backwards and then rewound the footage. Sugimoto’s passionate performance and Yamazaki’s awkward pitch form drew laughter from the audience.

The “Bs Fan Festa Special Issue” is now on sale at the “Bs SHOP” on the second floor of Kyocera Dome. Around 600 people lined up before the store opened at 9:00 AM. A woman in her 50s who visited with her daughter from Chiba Prefecture said, “I couldn’t buy the previous ‘Orihime Day Special Issue’ because I live in Chiba, so I ordered it. This time, I saw it on X (Orihoochi) and was determined to buy it at the stadium!” She seemed delighted when she saw the pages for her “favorites” Hirooka and Yamashita, saying, “The photos are great too!”