As Emperor Akihito abdicates, and Crown Prince Naruhito formally accede to the Chrysanthemum, Japan's era has changed from Heisei to Reiwa. Japan is going through 10-day holiday since end of April.
This year, The Crowns is held at that special holiday. So even on the Pro-am day, many spectators gathered to see the Pros play and Player's Chairman Ryo Ishikawa was busy welcoming them. Since he withdrew last tournament due to his injury, everyone was waiting for him.

Ryo commented "I started to hit the ball just 4 days ago. I still feel stiffness on my back, but I think I am playing much better than 4 days ago."
The Pro-am had pretty bad wet weather, but Ryo was able to finish it with a smile.
"If I can finish well today, I know I can do better tomorrow."
He himself is feeling the confidence now.

Ceremonial atmosphere surrounds the tournament with the new Era beginning. But Ryo said that he has found a 100-yen coin marked 31st year of Heisei, from the change he got from the vending machine.
"31st year of Heisei is only 4 months, so I want to keep it and use it as my ball marker.