On the evening of the 8th, the Imperial Family watched the World Baseball Classic match between Japan and Australia at Tokyo Dome. Prior to the game, they engaged in discussions with former coaches Sadaharu Oh and Hideki Kuriyama, who led Japan to championship victories in 2006 and 2023, respectively. Kuriyama took on the role of providing explanations and insights from their balcony seats in the VIP area, enriching the family's viewing experience.

After the match, Kuriyama spoke to reporters regarding the family’s engagement during the game. He revealed their amazement during Masataka Yoshida's two-run homer, explaining that while they were initially anxious during a challenging moment, they remained hopeful for a Japanese victory. Kuriyama also noted how the Empress expressed an interest in meeting the Australian coach, indicating their appreciation for the efforts of the Australian players, and emphasizing a message of sportsmanship and respect.

Additionally, Princess Aiko expressed her desire to see a home run during the match. Kuriyama humorously noted that Shohei Otani had not been performing well in the game, which brought a light-hearted moment to his interaction with the Imperial Family. Their engagement with the game highlighted the significance of sports in connecting people and showcasing the spirit of competition and mutual admiration among athletes from different nations.