On September 27, a retirement ceremony for Akira Nakamura was held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome. Akira Nakamura made his final start as the "No. 6 first baseman," flanked by Yuki Yanagita and Kenta Imamiya, who have supported the team together for many years.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, he hit a doble to create a scoring opportunity in his first at-bat with two outs and a runner on first. In his final career at-bat in the bottom of the 7th, a matchup with his fellow draft classmate, Orix Buffaloes pitcher Sho Iwasaki, was realized. Although the result was a pop fly to the catcher, the two exchanged smiles and a handshake after their serious battle, and the stadium was filled with thunderous applause and cheers.

During the ceremony held after the game, a video looking back on his 19-year professional career was shown, along with video messages from Yusuke Torigoe, Tsuyoshi Wada, Shuhei Fukuda, Nobuhiro Matsuda, Munenori Kawasaki, Kenshi Sugiya, and Takaaki Ishibashi. Afterward, Akira Nakamura gave his final address. The full text of the address follows.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks organization for preparing such a wonderful day, to the Orix Buffaloes The Buffaloes organization for their cooperation with the game, and to all the fans who made today so exciting.

It has been nearly 19 years since I, who was born and raised in Saitama, was drafted by the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks here in Kyushu. My professional baseball life began in 2008, Chairman Oh's final year as manager. From there, I was able to play under Manager Akiyama (Koji), Manager Kudo (Kimiyasu), Manager Fujimoto (Hiroshi), and Manager Kokubo (Hiroki)—the great seniors of The Hawks and the professional baseball world. Being able to have so many wonderful experiences made for a truly fantastic baseball life. To all the successive managers, thank you very much.

To all the instructors who have been involved with me since I was a child, it is because you gave me so much guidance with love—sometimes strictly, sometimes kindly—that I am able to reach this day safely. To all my instructors, thank you very much.

And to my teammates. I was truly blessed with my teammates as well. Since I started appearing in first-team games, we won 8 league championships and 8 Japan Series titles. I received so much inspiration from teammates in various positions—seniors, juniors, and those of the same age—and I am full of gratitude for being able to fight alongside them aiming for the top and the championship, and for seeing the best views together many times. To all my teammates, thank you very much.

Staff members. Without the team staff, I would not have been able to play on the ground this much. Thank you so much to the team staff who always kept me in peak condition and sent me out in a situation where I could deliver my best performance.

And to my family. My father who led me to baseball, my mother who always supported me even when she was busy with work, and my older sister who was cheerful and always gave me so much support. If it weren't for the three of you, I wouldn't be standing here now. Thank you so much.

My wife and son, who proclaim themselves to be my number one fans. The two of you truly gave me power. With my son's surgeries and hospital stays last year and this year, the three of us were rarely together as a family, but I always looked at the photo of the three of us before games to gain strength. Thanks to my son who lives life to the fullest and my wife who supports him, I was able to reach this day. Thank you so much.

Looking back on these 19 years, it feels like it went by in a flash, even though it was long. During the joint rookie training right after joining, I was shocked by the batting practice of Mr. Hasegawa (Yuya) nearby and felt a sense of crisis at the high level of professionals. At the end of my second year, during the off-season, Mr. Kokubo took me to Arizona for independent training. He gave me a lot of guidance firsthand on what top-tier practice and being a professional are all about. I believe that knowing the top tier at an early stage after joining and meeting seniors who served as role models made me who I am today. Thank you very much.

I couldn't hit spectacular home runs, I didn't have incredible fine plays, and my career stats are plain. However, I believe the reason I was able to survive in this world of professional baseball is that I spent every day with a strong feeling that I didn't want to lose to anyone and that I would definitely earn a regular spot and succeed on the strong The Hawks. That is why I think I have survived this far.

Actually, even after the retirement press conference, there were many times I questioned myself. 'Can't I still do it? Is it really okay to end here?' I asked myself over and over again. However, the final answer did not change. Do I still have the confidence and the strength to play as a regular for this strong The Hawks? I could no longer answer 'yes' with confidence. At that point, I would gracefully take off the jersey. No matter how many times I questioned myself, I reached that decision.

It is truly lonely, and my life as a player ends here, but I see it as the start of a new life. I want to live my future life to the fullest.

Lastly, to the fans, thank you so much for supporting the player Akira Nakamura for such a long time. Without the cheers of the fans, I could not have come this far. No matter how many times I couldn't hit, you pushed me forward when I stepped into the batter's box and inspired me when I felt weak. To all the fans, thank you very much.

My life as a professional baseball player ends today, but I will continue to live life to the fullest, looking forward to the day I can meet you all again with my head held high. Thank you so much for these 19 years."

After the address, bouquets were presented by Club Chairman Sadaharu Oh, Manager Hiroki Kokubo, Koji Akiyama, Kimiyasu Kudo, Mitsuo Maeda, and pitcher Sho Iwasaki, and Akira Nakamura did a lap around the ground. He took a commemorative photo with his teammates and was tossed into the air near the mound "7" times, the same as his number.