On May 5th, ahead of the upcoming opening of professional baseball on the 27th, the Hanshin Tigers, including manager Kyuji Fujikawa, players, and club officials — approximately 150 individuals in total — visited Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture to pray for victory in the new season. This annual ritual is a cherished tradition for the team, and the event attracted about 500 enthusiastic fans who gathered to support their team. During the ceremony, the team members lined up at the worship hall where Yoshii Yoshiaki, the shrine's chief priest, recited sacred prayers and the team presented votive offerings while seeking divine support for their success.

The ceremony included the presentation of a special victory prayer talisman from the shrine, which is believed to bring good fortune. Murakami Yoshiki, the team captain and pitcher, expressed his desire to repay the fans' support with great performance this season. He dedicated a votive tablet inscribed with the team's slogan 'Hot Domination', reflecting his determination and the team's spirit to achieve a successful outcome in the upcoming matches. This highlights the close relationship between the team and its dedicated fanbase, as they share collective hopes for the season ahead.

The chief priest, Yoshii, also emphasized the importance of avoiding injuries throughout the season and asked for the players to be able to perform at their best. Such rituals not only enhance the team spirit but also reinforce the cultural and communal connections within Japanese society, showcasing how sports can intertwine with traditional practices and the collective aspirations of local communities.