The long-awaited return of the “miraculous tag team” The Fighters x anan with double the number of pages!
Pacific League Insight
February 10, 2026 09:18
The “miraculous tag team” that caused a big stir last year is back, even more evolved!
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters have announced that pitcher Koki Kitayama, Kota Tatsu Yuki Nomura, pitcher Yua Tamiya, Yuya Gunji, Kiyomiya Kotaro, and Kotaro Kiyomiya Shun will appear in the special edition of the women’s gravure weekly magazine “anan,” issue 2489, which will be released on Shun Mizutani.
This is the second installment of the collaboration that was so well-received last year that it was reprinted. Not only will he be featured on the front and back covers, but the inside gravure will be an impressive 19 pages in total, nearly double the number of pages from last year! We’ll bring you the details of the increased number of players and pages.
“Three expressions” to be seen at ES CON FIELD
Following on from last year, the photo shoot took place at the team’s home ES CON FIELD Hokkaido. Details of the 19-page photo shoot, which is roughly double the size of the previous issue, are as follows:
◯ [Cover/Back cover] Jet black suit
Showcasing an ambitious and dignified style with the theme “The dawn of a new legend”
◯ [Themed fashion shoot]
A little different from jersey, try styling produced by anan
・”Naughty Casual” Selection (Kiyomiya, Kitayama, Nomura): Colorful layered style
・”Cute and Relaxing” Selection (Gunji and Tamiya): A soft look with a knit and white pants
・”Wild Cool” Selection (Mizutani and Tatsu): Adult sexiness in a patterned shirt
◯ [Long Interview]
The book is packed with stories that reveal the players’ true selves, from a look back at last season to their ambitions for this season, as well as stories about their travels and life in Hokkaido.
Magazine House explains the reason for the “re-offer”
Here is what Magazine House has to say about why they once again sent an enthusiastic offer to The Fighters:
“The 2025 collaboration was the first attempt in anan’s history to have a professional sports team appear on the cover, and it received a positive response not only from fans but from many others. It is a precious collaboration that could only be realized because of The Fighters, who “enjoy” every scene, including Manager Shinjo.
“In 2026, I want to convey the team’s ever-growing spirit, as well as the appeal of the fresh players we weren’t able to fully introduce last year. Furthermore, my strong desire to also convey the new appeal of the ever-evolving F Village led to this re-offer. I hope that this special photo shoot, which conveys the players’ inner vigor, will help to further create excitement for this season, however small my contribution may be.”
The special edition of “anan” issue 2489 condenses the passion of the players who are challenging this season with extraordinary feelings, aiming for the top for the first time in 10 years, into the coolest visuals that only anan can provide. Be sure to pick up this special issue where you can discover new charms of the players with every turn of the page!
Product overview
・Published in: anan No. 2489 Special Edition
・Release date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
*The Hokkaido region will be released on or after March 26th (Thursday).
・Price: 1,300 yen (tax included)
・Sales: Bookstores, convenience stores, and online bookstores nationwide
・Official website: ananweb (Scheduled to be updated the evening before release)
anan No. 2489 (released March 25, 2026) Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Special Edition / © Magazine House / HNF
Text by Sari Ikeda