Overview

• JR East edged Toshiba 9–8 on a walk-off to clear its opening game for the first time in two years, with manager Takeaki Hamaoka citing an end-run call, resilient relief from reinforcement pitcher Makoto Hori, and timely middle-order production.
• Nippon Steel Setouchi held off Nippon Express to secure its first tournament victory in 14 years under the club’s lineage, sending a recent quarterfinalist home in an opening-round exit.
• Mitsubishi Motors Okazaki beat JR Shikoku 3–1 as 14th‑year veteran Kouta Toyosumi delivered the go-ahead triple, and manager Yoshihiko Kajiyama executed a planned multi‑arm bullpen that included deploying ace Sho Akiyama late.
• Kajiyama also elevated reinforcement hitters from JR Tokai into the top of the order, stressing a no‑reservation approach in a tricky opener with several days before the next game.
• Defending champion Mitsubishi Heavy Industries East fell 1–2 to NTT West in its first game, ending a repeat bid as manager Isao Saeki vowed to reset the team for another run at a national title.