Former Tokyo Yakult Swallows player Haruki Nishikawa held his signing press conference today, December 8th (Monday), at Escon Field Hokkaido.
His jersey number will be "7," the same number he wore when he was with the team. "It feels like I've come to a new team again. I'm really glad to be back with the Fighters," he said, with renewed enthusiasm as he put on the Fighters uniform once more.

After joining the Fighters in 2010 as the second overall pick in the draft, he remained with the team until 2021. As one of the team's key players, excelling in hitting, fielding, and baserunning, he contributed to the team's victories, including winning the Japan Series in 2016.
After the 2025 season ended, he was released by the Swallows and contacted Hideki Kuriyama, the Chief Baseball Officer (CBO) and his mentor from his time with the Fighters. "I remember asking for help. In this case, I was unable to play baseball. I am nothing but grateful to the Fighters," he recalls.

CBO Kuriyama expressed his expectations, saying, "I've seen him grow even after he left the team, with a lot of different emotions. Haruki Nishikawa hasn't shown his full potential yet. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he'll show us in his current form."

Next season will mark his 16th year as a professional. Nishikawa said, "Of course, I will do my best to help the Fighters win. I want to play in a way that will make my name known to fans who knew me back then (when I was with the Fighters), as well as to fans who don't know me yet. I want to stay true to myself and discover a new version of myself." A season in which he aims for a comeback is about to begin.