Last year at Golf Nippon Series JT Cup, it was 3-way playoff with Satoshi Kodaira, Ryo Ishikawa and Jung-Gon Hwang. Satoshi started off 3 shots behind the leader, but he won the playoff and made a great come from behind win to grab the prestigious title. If he defends this week, he will be the 6th player to do so.

Satoshi has been battling hard in US PGA Tour, but not being able to succeed.
"I was able to play for 4 days 2 weeks ago but couldn't get into the top portion of the leader board. My game is not bad, and I do have good feelings, but it hasn't given me a satisfying results yet."

His 2018-29 season ended as 185th in point rankings.
"I want to be able to compete in all kinds of courses. I am telling myself that these 2 years are the preparation period to accomplish my goal."
His Tour Card's multiple year exemption will end next season, so he is on the clock.

In October, he had the privilege of being in the same pairings with Tiger Wood in inaugural PGA Tour event in Japan, the ZOZO Championship. He had the chance to see Tiger make his No.82 victory in the front row.
"I learned that Tiger's rhythm doesn't change at any moment. His techniques were above my imaginations."

Satoshi's new season will start from the 2nd week in January with Sony Open in Hawaii.
"In order to get into the next season with good confidence, I must do well this week. I will aim for the win as long as I play."

If he wins, he will be among the historic list as the 6th player to defend the title following, Takaaki Kono, Isao Aoki, Jumbo Ozaki, Joe Ozaki, and Hiroyuki Fujita.
Satoshi, from local Tokyo will aim to do the repeat and get a great boost for his next season's battle abroad.

The tournament's souvenir pin flag which the Defending Champion is promoting is available at the Galleries' Plaza inside the tournament course.