This Season's Koshien Opening Game 'Hanshin vs Tokyo Yakult' Live Broadcast on GAORA SPORTS 30 Minutes Before Game Start! Exclusive Interview with Young Tiger Nozomu Takadera Also Aired

GAORA SPORTS, which broadcasts Hanshin Tigers home games, will provide a complete live broadcast of this season's Koshien opening game, 'Hanshin vs Tokyo Yakult' on Tuesday, April 7th, and the same matchup on Wednesday, April 8th, starting 30 minutes before the game. The Hanshin Tigers, who achieved the fastest league championship in NPB history last season, aim for consecutive league titles and reclaiming the Japan Series under their second-year manager, Kyuji Fujikawa, with the team slogan 'Neppa' (Passionate Domination). GAORA SPORTS will continue to broadcast Tigers home games, primarily live, under the title 'Gaotora!'. The Koshien opening games on April 7th (Tuesday) and April 8th (Wednesday) will be broadcast live from 30 minutes before the game, earlier than anywhere else. Furthermore, the exclusive interview corner 'Gaotora Kiki Tiger,' which delves into the true nature of the players, is a must-see! The broadcast on April 8th (Wednesday) will feature a direct interview with Nozomu Takadera, a young player who is on the verge of a major breakthrough (pre-recorded). Takadera, who was named MVP for position players for two consecutive years at this year's spring training, made a strong appeal in March's exhibition games, recording a massive home run and consecutive hits. We will explore the current thoughts of this young tiger, who is rapidly growing in mind, body, and skill, including his natural batting sense and his challenge for a regular spot in left field. Surrounded by many staff members, Takadera responded to the interview with a shy smile, saying, 'I'm a little nervous!' He successfully made the opening day starting lineup for the game against the Giants on March 31st (Tuesday). Regarding the intensifying competition for positions, he expressed his strong determination: 'If I can't hit, I can't stay in the first team, so I feel like I have to produce results myself, rather than focusing on those around me.' One year after the excitement of the fastest league championship in history, the Tigers' battle to reach even greater heights is still captivating. Please enjoy everything from the tense atmosphere before the game to the heated plays on GAORA SPORTS! [Program Outline] ■Program Name: Gaotora! Tigers Live Broadcast 2026 ■Broadcast Date/Time & Cast: Hanshin vs Tokyo Yakult April 7th (Tuesday) 5:30 PM Live broadcast (Commentary: Takumi Akiyama, Play-by-play: Yuichi Teranishi, Reporter: Daiki Yamamoto) April 8th (Wednesday) 5:30 PM Live broadcast (Commentary: Toshihiro Noguchi, Play-by-play: Masaki Murata, Reporter: Takashi Kiriyama) *'Gaotora Kiki Tiger' scheduled to be broadcast April 9th (Thursday) 10:30 PM Recorded broadcast (Commentary: Toshihiro Noguchi, Play-by-play: Masayuki Nakai, Reporter: Shuichiro Miyake) ■Program Website: https://www.gaora.co.jp/tigers/4281290 *Program content is subject to change. GAORA SPORTS can be viewed via 'Sky PerfecTV!', 'cable TV nationwide including J:COM', 'Hikari TV', and 'au Hikari TV service'.