Baseball: Hawks clinch Japan Series title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Japan Series title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed up in the air after the Pacific League baseball team won the 2025 Japan Series title with a victory in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series against the Central League's Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, western Japan, on Oct. 30, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Japan Series title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Japan Series title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed up in the air after the Pacific League baseball team won the 2025 Japan Series title with a victory in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series against the Central League's Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, western Japan, on Oct. 30, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Japan Series title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Japan Series title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed up in the air after the Pacific League baseball team won the 2025 Japan Series title with a victory in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series against the Central League's Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, western Japan, on Oct. 30, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks players toss manager Hiroki Kokubo in the air after clinching the Pacific League pennant at Kyocera Dome Osaka on Sept. 23, 2024.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks players toss manager Hiroki Kokubo in the air after clinching the Pacific League pennant at Kyocera Dome Osaka on Sept. 23, 2024.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks players toss manager Hiroki Kokubo in the air after clinching the Pacific League pennant at Kyocera Dome Osaka on Sept. 23, 2024.

Baseball: Kokubo unveiled as new SoftBank manager

Baseball: Kokubo unveiled as new SoftBank manager

Hiroki Kokubo (L), new manager of pro baseball team SoftBank Hawks, shakes hands with team chairman Sadaharu Oh during a press conference in the southwestern Japanese city of Fukuoka on Oct. 23, 2023.

Baseball: Kokubo unveiled as new SoftBank manager

Baseball: Kokubo unveiled as new SoftBank manager

Hiroki Kokubo poses after being introduced as new manager of pro baseball team SoftBank Hawks during a press conference in the southwestern Japanese city of Fukuoka on Oct. 23, 2023.

Managers of MLB, Samurai Japan visit Shuri Castle

Managers of MLB, Samurai Japan visit Shuri Castle

NAHA, Japan - Major League Baseball All-Stars manager John Farrell (3rd from L), Samurai Japan manger Hiroki Kokubo (3rd from R) and some of their players pose for a photo at Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, on Nov. 19, 2014, on the eve of an exhibition game between Japan and an MLB team.

Samurai Japan bats tepid in warm-up defeat

Samurai Japan bats tepid in warm-up defeat

FUKUOKA, Japan - Samurai Japan manager Hiroki Kokubo meets with reporters following a practice game against a team selected from the rosters of the Pacific League's Softbank Hawks and Nippon Ham Fighters at Yafuoku Dome in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka on Nov. 10, 2014. Samurai Japan lost 1-0 before opening its five-game series against a team of visiting big leaguers on Nov. 12 in Osaka.

Kokubo gives Otani 1st Samurai Japan call-up

Kokubo gives Otani 1st Samurai Japan call-up

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroki Kokubo, manager of Japan's senior national baseball team, announces 28 players for a November series against visiting major leaguers at a news conference in Tokyo on Oct. 9, 2014. The five-game series, part of Japan's buildup to the 2017 World Baseball Classic, will run from Nov. 12 to 18.

Kokubo gives Otani 1st Samurai Japan call-up

Kokubo gives Otani 1st Samurai Japan call-up

TOKYO, Japan - Hiroki Kokubo, manager of Japan's senior national baseball team, poses with the team's uniforms at a news conference in Tokyo, on Oct. 9, 2014, after announcing 28 players for a November series against visiting major leaguers. The five-game series, part of Japan's buildup to the 2017 World Baseball Classic, will run from Nov. 12 to 18.

Cano, Pujols, Jones, Puig to headline MLB tour in Japan

Cano, Pujols, Jones, Puig to headline MLB tour in Japan

TOKYO, Japan - (from R to L) Hiroki Kokubo, manager of Japan's national baseball team called Samurai Japan, Katsuhiko Kumazaki, commissioner of Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, Jim Small, managing director of MLB Japan, and Yoshimitsu Ohashi, senior managing director of the Yomiuri Shimbun, pose for photos during a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo on Aug. 20, 2014. Small said MLB's all-star outfielders Adam Jones and Yasiel Puig, and infielders Robinson Cano and Albert Pujols will take part in an MLB team to play the Japan national team in a five-game series in November.

Carp ace Maeda among 6 named to Samurai Japan squad

Carp ace Maeda among 6 named to Samurai Japan squad

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on July 17, 2014, in Tokyo shows Japan baseball manager Hiroki Kokubo (C) and the first six members of this year's national team -- (from L) Yomiuri Giants shortstop Hayato Sakamoto, Rakuten Eagles catcher Motohiro Shima, Orix Buffaloes outfielder Yoshio Itoi, Buffaloes ace Chihiro Kaneko, Hiroshima Carp ace Kenta Maeda and Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Sho Nakata. The team's big test this autumn will be five games against a team of visiting major leaguers in November.

Carp ace Maeda among 6 named to Samurai Japan squad

Carp ace Maeda among 6 named to Samurai Japan squad

TOKYO, Japan - Japan baseball manager Hiroki Kokubo announces in Tokyo on July 17, 2014, the first six players selected for this year's national team. The team's big test this autumn will be five games against a team of visiting major leaguers in November.

Japan manager Kokubo meets press in Naha

Japan manager Kokubo meets press in Naha

NAHA, Japan - Hiroki Kokubo, manager of the Japanese national baseball team, answers questions from reporters after the inaugural "Samurai Japan summit" in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, on Feb. 10, 2014, to discuss strategies for the squad.

Japanese baseball officials mull strategy for nat'l team

Japanese baseball officials mull strategy for nat'l team

NAHA, Japan - Japanese baseball officials meet in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Feb. 10, 2014, for an inaugural "Samurai Japan summit" to discuss strategy for the national team, including manager Hiroki Kokubo (2nd from L) and Yoshitaka Katori (L), chosen as technical director for the squad.

Kokubo visits Giants' training camp in Miyazaki

Kokubo visits Giants' training camp in Miyazaki

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Hiroki Kokubo (C), manager of Japan's national baseball team, watches batting practice at the Yomiuri Giants' spring training camp in Miyazaki on Feb. 6, 2014. Yoshinobu Takahashi (R) is in the batter's cage, while former Giants' and New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui, a special coach at the camp, is standing to the left.

Japan to use top players in autumn games

Japan to use top players in autumn games

TOKYO, Japan - Japan's national baseball team manager Hiroki Kokubo (R) shakes hands with Nippon Professional Baseball commissioner Katsuhiko Kumazaki in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2014, after deciding to use top players in games slated for November.

Japan baseball manager

Japan baseball manager

TOKYO, Japan - Japan's new national baseball team manager Hiroki Kokubo holds a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 9, 2013.

Japan baseball manager

Japan baseball manager

TOKYO, Japan - Japan's new national baseball team manager Hiroki Kokubo holds a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 9, 2013.

Japan baseball team coach

Japan baseball team coach

FUKUOKA, Japan - Former Softbank Hawks and Yomiuri Giants slugger Hiroki Kokubo answers reporters' questions in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 3, 2103, after Nippon Professional Baseball announced him as the new manager of Japan's national baseball team.

Hiroki Kokubo

Hiroki Kokubo

FUKUOKA, Japan - A February 2013 file photo shows former Softbank Hawks and Yomiuri Giants slugger Hiroki Kokubo. Baseball sources said on Oct. 2, 2013, that he is set to be named full-time manager of the Japan national baseball team.

Hiroki Kokubo

Hiroki Kokubo

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows former Softbank Hawks and Yomiuri Giants slugger Hiroki Kokubo. Baseball sources said on Oct. 2, 2013, that he is set to be named full-time manager of the Japan national baseball team.

Softbank Kokubo

Softbank Kokubo

FUKUOKA, Japan - The Softbank Hawks' Hiroki Kokubo speaks at a ceremony following the final game of his career. Softbank lost 3-0 to the Orix Buffaloes at Yahoo Dome in Fukuoka in its final game of the season.

Hawks' Kokubo named MVP in Japan Series

Hawks' Kokubo named MVP in Japan Series

FUKUOKA, Japan - Softbank Hawks first baseman Hiroki Kokubo responds to the crowd as the team clinched the Japan Series title by beating the Chunichi Dragons 3-0 in Game 7 at Yahoo Dome in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 20, 2011. Kokubo, who batted .320 in the series, was named the most valuable player. At 40, he is the oldest player to win MVP honors in a Japan Series.

Fighters' Darvish takes 13th win

Fighters' Darvish takes 13th win

SAPPORO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters ace Yu Darvish reacts after striking out the Softbank Hawks' Hiroki Kokubo with the bases loaded in the eighth inning of a game at Sapporo Dome on July 31. Darvish took his 13th win in his club's 5-1 victory.

Kokubo, Ide go deep as Softbank beats Nippon Ham

Kokubo, Ide go deep as Softbank beats Nippon Ham

SAPPORO, Japan - Hiroki Kokubo throws up his bat in joy after hitting a two-run homer in the fourth inning to lead the Softbank Hawks to a 3-2 win over the the Nippon Ham Fighters at Sapporo Dome on Sept. 23.

Kokubo hits grand slam

Kokubo hits grand slam

FUKUOKA, Japan - Softbank Hawks infielder Hiroki Kokubo throws up his arm in joy after hitting a come-from-behind grand slam in the sixth inning against the Chunichi Dragons at Yahoo Dome on June 3. Soft Bank beat Chunichi 4-1.

Kokubo belts two-run homer

Kokubo belts two-run homer

FUKUOKA, Japan - Softbank Hawks slugger Hiroki Kokubo slams a two-run homer off Seibu Lions starter Christopher Gissell in the 3rd inning at Yahoo Dome on May 5. The Hawks beat the Lions 4-1.

Giants Kokubo likely to become free agent in off-season

Giants Kokubo likely to become free agent in off-season

TOKYO, Japan - Yomiuri Giants infielder Hiroki Kokubo speaks to reporters at Narita International Airport, northeast of Tokyo, on Oct. 17 about his intention to become a free agent during the off-season.

Kokubo slams three-run homer

Kokubo slams three-run homer

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Yomiuri Giants slugger Hiroki Kokubo is greeted by teammates after hitting a go-ahead three-0run homer off Hiroshima Carp starter Mike Romano in the fourth inning at Hiroshima Stadium on April 2. The game was called after five innings due to rain.

Kokubo hits three-run homer

Kokubo hits three-run homer

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Yomiuri Giants infielder Hiroki Kokubo hits a go-ahead three-runhomer in the third inning of a game against the Yokohama BayStars at Yokohama Stadium on April 14.

Infielder Kokubo re-signs with Yomiuri

Infielder Kokubo re-signs with Yomiuri

TOKYO, Japan - Yomiuri Giants infielder Hiroki Kokubo speaks at a press conference after signing a 300 million yen deal for the 2006 season on Dec. 27. ''I am very satisfied,'' said the 34-year-old Kokubo, who will captain the Central League team in the 2006 season.

Kokubo hits 250th career homer

Kokubo hits 250th career homer

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Yomiuri Giants infielder Hiroki Kokubo watches the ball after hitting a grand slam, his 250th career home run, off Hiroshima Toyo Carp pitcher Shinji Sasaoka in the third inning at Hiroshima Stadium on July 2.

(2)Japanese preseason baseball games

(2)Japanese preseason baseball games

OSAKA, Japan - Hiroki Kokubo, who has been traded to the Yomiuri Giants from the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, tosses up his bat after belting a pinch-homer over the center-field wall in the fifth inning of a preseason game against the Kintetsu Buffaloes at Osaka Dome on March 13.

(5)Japan's pro baseball teams kick off spring training

(5)Japan's pro baseball teams kick off spring training

GUAM - Slugger Hiroki Kokubo, who has moved to the Yomiuri Giants from the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, smiles as he is interviewed by a media crew in Guam on Feb. 1, the first day of his team's 2004 preseason training.

Daiei release Kokubo to Yomiuri

Daiei release Kokubo to Yomiuri

FUKUOKA, Japan - Daiei Hawks infielder Hiroki Kokubo (L) speaks about his transfer to the Yomiuri Giants during a press conference at Fukuoka Dome on Nov. 3, with Daiei owner Tadashi Nakauchi sitting next to him.

Kokubo hits two-run homer

Kokubo hits two-run homer

FUKUOKA, Japan - Fukuoka Daiei Hawks infielder Hiroki Kokubo watches the ball after hitting a two-run homer off Chiba Lotte Marines starter Yasuhiro Yabuta in the bottom of first inning at Fukuoka Dome on April 2.

Valdez hits two homers

Valdez hits two homers

FUKUOKA, Japan - Fukuoka Daiei Hawks outfielder Pedro Valdez is greeted by teammate Hiroki Kokubo after hitting a home run, his second of the day, in the bottom of the six against the Chiba Lotte Marines at Fukuoka Dome on April 2.

Kokubo belts two-run homer

Kokubo belts two-run homer

OSAKA, Japan - Daiei infielder Hiroki Kokubo hits a two-run home run as the Hawks blanked the defending Pacific League champion Kintetsu Buffaloes 6-0 in a preseason game at Osaka Dome on March 13.

Hawks Kokubo hits solo homer against Fighters

Hawks Kokubo hits solo homer against Fighters

TOKYO, Japan - Fukuoka Daiei Hawks infielder Hiroki Kokubo hits a solo homer over the left-field wall off Nippon Ham Fighters reliever Hiroshi Shibakusa in the third inning at Tokyo Dome on Aug. 29.

Kokubo hits game-tying two-run homer

Kokubo hits game-tying two-run homer

FUKUOKA, Japan - Fukuoka Daiei Hawks slugger Hiroki Kokubo shouts after blasting a game-tying two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Chiba Lotte Marines at Fukuoka Dome on Aug. 7.

Kokubo slams 17th homer

Kokubo slams 17th homer

TOKYO, Japan - Fukuoaka Daiei Hawks slugger Hiroki Kokubo watches the ball after hitting a solo homer, his 17th of the season, off Nippon Ham Fighters starter Hiroyuki Sekine in the top of the first inning at Tokyo Dome on May 15.

Daiei slugger Kokubo gets hefty pay raise

Daiei slugger Kokubo gets hefty pay raise

FUKUOKA, Japan - Daiei Hawks infielder Hiroki Kokubo swings his bat at a news conference Dec. 27 after accepting an offer of a 180 million yen annual salary to double his pay for this year. With the signing of the new one-year deal, Kokubo, who hit 31 homers and drove in 105 RBIs in the 2000 season, joined catcher Kenji Jojima as the most expensive players at the Fukuoka club.