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The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games is the first Asian para sports festival held in Japan.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, the first Asian para sports festival to be held in Japan, came to a close on the evening of the 24th with the closing ceremony held at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya. Approximately 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions participated, and 18 competitions were held mainly in Aichi Prefecture.
Kano “Stronger” Asian Para Wheelchair Fencing
At the closing ceremony, Eito Minami (Toyota Motors), who won three gold medals in swimming, served as the flag bearer for the Japanese team. Prince Akishino, honorary president of the conference, and his wife, Princess Noriko, were in attendance.
On the final day, Japan, played by Kazuki Takahashi (Forval) and Ayaka Sekine (AVANTI), defeated Singapore in the Boccia Mixed Pairs (Cerebral Palsy/Motor Impairment BC3) final and won the gold medal.
The Japanese team mass-produced medals, and won 64 gold medals, a new record. The total number was 186, ranking second after China by country/region.

In the first game of the Professional Baseball Japan Series, Softbank defeated DeNA 3-1. In the 11th inning of overtime, No. 8 hitter Yudai Shoko hit the game-winning hit, showing off the true power of the Pacific League champions. Yudai Yamamoto, who transferred from DeNA, also played an active role in scoring the opening goal.

Shoko, a second-year player at SoftBank who was making her first start in the Japan Series, hit the winning double in the 11th inning of extra innings, leading her team to victory. With the momentum of CS Final Stage MVP, he performed lively at Yokohama Stadium.

Yu Yamamoto, who transferred from DeNA to Softbank in May of this year, made his first appearance in the Japan Series. At the familiar Yokohama Stadium, he showed his presence both offensively and defensively, hitting his first pitch and hitting a double that led to the first point.

The first Asian Para Games held in Japan have come to an end. Japan won a record 186 medals, including 64 gold. While we have seen the rise of young athletes and rapid progress in team sports, the competitive strength of China and Central and South Asian countries has improved markedly, and future challenges will include enriching the athlete base and improving the competition environment.

With the introduction of the Central League DH system from next season, the Japan Series game at Yokohama Stadium will be the last time the 9-man baseball game will be played. While some say they miss the traditional thrill of baseball, where the pitcher stands at bat, all eyes are on the final nine-man battle.

Matsui, known by his nickname "Godzilla," returns as the Giants' director for the first time in 24 years. At a press conference, he declared that he would build a new golden era for the team, and while acknowledging his inexperience as a coach, he spoke of his desire to grow together with the players and his respect for his mentor, Shigeo Nagashima.