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Baseball: ex-big leaguer Matsui

Hideki Matsui, former slugger who played for the New York Yankees and Japan's Yomiuri Giants, poses for a photo at the Giants' minor league ballpark in Inagi, western Tokyo, on May 7, 2025, in front of worn tatami mats he used to practice swinging on at the club's dormitory as a young player.

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Baseball: ex-big leaguer Matsui at NPB minor league game

Former New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui throws a ceremonial first pitch in a Nippon Professional Baseball minor league game between the Yomiuri Giants and the DeNA BayStars on May 7, 2025, in Inagi, western Tokyo.

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[Breaking News]Baseball facility built by major leaguer Kikuchi

HANAMAKI, Japan, Nov. 19 Kyodo - Japanese major league pitcher and Hanamaki Higashi High School alumni Yusei Kikuchi throws in an indoor baseball facility built by him in Hanamaki in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Iwate on Nov. 17, 2024. Called King of the Hill, the facility houses a weight training area and a sauna room as well as batting and pitching areas, with a baseball clinic for children scheduled to open in December. (Kyodo)

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Baseball facility built by major leaguer Kikuchi

Japanese major league pitcher and Hanamaki Higashi High School alumni Yusei Kikuchi (C) attends a tape-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of an indoor baseball facility built by him in Hanamaki in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Iwate on Nov. 17, 2024. Called King of the Hill, the facility houses a weight training area and a sauna room as well as batting and pitching areas, with a baseball clinic for children scheduled to open in December.

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Baseball facility built by major leaguer Kikuchi

Japanese major league pitcher and Hanamaki Higashi High School alumni Yusei Kikuchi holds a press conference following a ceremony to mark the opening of an indoor baseball facility built by him in Hanamaki in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Iwate on Nov. 17, 2024. Called King of the Hill, the facility houses a weight training area and a sauna room as well as batting and pitching areas, with a baseball clinic for children scheduled to open in December.

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Baseball facility built by major leaguer Kikuchi

Japanese major league pitcher and Hanamaki Higashi High School alumni Yusei Kikuchi throws in an indoor baseball facility built by him in Hanamaki in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Iwate on Nov. 17, 2024. Called King of the Hill, the facility houses a weight training area and a sauna room as well as batting and pitching areas, with a baseball clinic for children scheduled to open in December.

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Baseball facility built by major leaguer Kikuchi

Japanese major league pitcher and Hanamaki Higashi High School alumni Yusei Kikuchi throws in an indoor baseball facility built by him in Hanamaki in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Iwate on Nov. 17, 2024. Called King of the Hill, the facility houses a weight training area and a sauna room as well as batting and pitching areas, with a baseball clinic for children scheduled to open in December.

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Baseball facility built by major leaguer Kikuchi

Photo taken on Nov. 17, 2024, shows an indoor baseball facility built by Japanese major league pitcher and Hanamaki Higashi High School alumni Yusei Kikuchi in Hanamaki in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Iwate. Called King of the Hill, the facility houses a weight training area and a sauna room as well as batting and pitching areas, with a baseball clinic scheduled to open in December.

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Baseball facility built by major leaguer Kikuchi

Photo taken on Nov. 17, 2024, shows an indoor baseball facility built by Japanese major league pitcher and Hanamaki Higashi High School alumni Yusei Kikuchi in Hanamaki in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Iwate. Called King of the Hill, the facility houses a weight training area and a sauna room as well as batting and pitching areas, with a baseball clinic scheduled to open in December.

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Baseball: Japanese major leaguer Yoshida

Photo taken on Dec. 15, 2022, in Boston, Massachusetts, shows Major League Baseball player Masataka Yoshida, who joined the Boston Red Sox.

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Baseball: Japanese major leaguer Suzuki

Photo taken on Sept. 27, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois, shows Major League Baseball player Seiya Suzuki, who plays for the Chicago Cubs.

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Baseball: Japanese major leaguer Darvish

Photo taken on Oct. 19, 2022, in San Diego, California, shows Major League Baseball player Yu Darvish, who plays for the San Diego Padres.

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Baseball: Japanese major leaguer Ohtani

Photo taken on Oct. 5, 2022, in Oakland, California, shows Major League Baseball player Shohei Ohtani, who plays for the Los Angeles Angels.

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Ichiro encourages kids at hometown baseball event

TOYOYAMA, Japan - Japanese major leaguer Ichiro Suzuki, now back in Japan, speaks at an award ceremony for the Ichiro Cup baseball event for children in his hometown of Toyoyama, Aichi Prefecture, on Dec. 23.

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Suzuki moves within 3 hits of 3,000

MIAMI, United States, July 26 Kyodo - Amy Franz, a fan of Miami Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, holds up her "Ichi-Meter," a handmade counter for Ichiro's hits, at Marlins Park in on July 26, 2016. Suzuki went 1-for-5 against the Philadelphia Phillies to move him within three hits of becoming the 30th major leaguer to reach 3,000.

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Ex-J-leaguer becomes teacher at alma mater

MORIOKA, Japan - Yosuke Nakata, a former J-League soccer player, is seen in this photo. He became a teacher and soccer coach in April 2014 at his alma mater Ofunato High School in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan. Northeastern Japan was hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

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Ichiro records at least 100 hits for 14 straight MLB YRS

BOSTON, United States - Ichiro Suzuki of the New York Yankees hits an infield single in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Boston on Sept. 27, 2014, attaining at least 100 hits for the 14th straight year as a major leaguer.

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Minor leaguer Ohka released by Jays

DUNEDIN, United States - Japanese veteran Tomokazu Ohka pitches during a practice game in Dunedin, Florida, on March 22, 2014. After the practice he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays after having signed a minor league contract with the American league team in the winter.

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Yankees' Tanaka in preseason game

TAMPA, United States - New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka (C) allows a double by minor leaguer Tommy La Stella (84) during the fourth inning of a preseason baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Tampa, Florida, on March 16, 2014. The Japanese right-hander allowed a run in 4-1/3 innings in a 7-4 win.

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Yankees' Tanaka in preseason game

TAMPA, United States - New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka (19) allows a double by minor leaguer Tommy La Stella (L) during the fourth inning of a preseason baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Tampa, Florida, on March 16, 2014. The Japanese right-hander allowed a run in 4-1/3 innings in a 7-4 win.

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Matsui gives lecture to Giants players in spring camp

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Former major leaguer and Yomiuri Giants outfielder Hideki Matsui gives a lecture to current Giants players during the Central League ballclub's spring camp in Miyazaki, southwestern Japan, on Feb. 12, 2014. He was invited to the camp as a special coach. (Pool photo)

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Ex-major leaguer Nomo meets Nippon Ham's Otani

NAGO, Japan - Former Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Hideo Nomo (R) is greeted by Nippon Ham Fighters pitcher-outfielder Shohei Otani at the Fighter's spring training camp in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, on Feb. 9, 2014.

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Matsui becomes tourism ambassador for hometown

KANAZAWA, Japan - Teijiro Sakai (L), mayor of the city of Nomi in Ishikawa Prefecture, appoints former major leaguer and hometown hero Hideki Matsui (R) the city's tourism ambassador during a ceremony in the city on Jan. 7, 2014. Matsui, 39, a recipient of the People's Honor Award given by the Japanese government, played for the New York Yankees and several other major league teams following his move from the Japanese professional baseball team Yomiuri Giants.

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Aoki sparks Brewers with 1st 3-RBI game

MIAMI, United States - Milwaukee Brewers leadoff man Norichika Aoki hits a double during the seventh inning of a game against the Miami Marlins, which tied the game 4-4, at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 4, 2012. Aoki went 2-for-5 with his first three-RBI day as a major leaguer as the Brewers beat the Marlins 8-4.

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Aoki sparks Brewers with 1st 3-RBI game

MIAMI, United States - Milwaukee Brewers leadoff man Norichika Aoki belts a two-run homer during the second inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 4, 2012. Aoki went 2-for-5 with his first three-RBI day as a major leaguer as the Brewers beat the Marlins 8-4.

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Aoki sparks Brewers with 1st 3-RBI game

MIAMI, United States - Milwaukee Brewers leadoff man Norichika Aoki belts a two-run homer during the second inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 4, 2012. Aoki went 2-for-5 with his first three-RBI day as a major leaguer as the Brewers beat the Marlins 8-4.

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Morales homers from both sides

ARLINGTON, United States - Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Kendrys Morales belts a two-run home run while batting left-handed during the sixth inning of a game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, on July 30, 2012. Morales homered later in the same inning while batting right-handed. He is the third major leaguer ever to have homered from both sides of the plate in the same inning.

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Griffey coaches children in Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Former major leaguer Ken Griffey Jr. watches children practice during a baseball clinic in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Jan. 15, 2012. Griffey held the event with Seattle Mariners manager Eric Wedge for children including ones from Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, an area greatly affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and ensuing nuclear disaster.

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Griffey coaches children in Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Former major leaguer Ken Griffey Jr. demonstrates batting during a baseball clinic in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Jan. 15, 2012. Griffey held the event with Seattle Mariners manager Eric Wedge for children including ones from Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, an area greatly affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and ensuing nuclear disaster.

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Griffey receives Historic Achievement Award

ARLINGTON, United States - Former major leaguer Ken Griffey Jr. attends a press conference at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, on Oct. 23, 2011, after receiving the Historic Achievement Award for his outstanding MLB career.

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Ex major league pitcher Irabu found dead

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows pitcher Hideki Irabu (L) shaking hands with Senichi Hoshino, manager of Hanshin Tigers, during a press conference held in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, in western Japan in December 2002, to announce that Irabu was joining the team. Police said on July 28, 2011, that the former major leaguer and Japanese professional baseball player was found dead at his home in the suburbs of Los Angeles the previous day.

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Ex major league pitcher Irabu found dead

TOKYO, Japan - This file photo shows Hideki Irabu of Lotte Marines pitching in a game against Nippon Ham Fighters in which he achieved his 1,000th strikeout, in Chiba, near Tokyo, in May 1996. Police said on July 28, 2011, that the former major leaguer and Japanese professional baseball player was found dead at his home in the suburbs of Los Angeles the previous day.

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Jojima practices batting in training camp

GINOZA, Japan - Former major leaguer and now Hanshin Tigers catcher Kenji Jojima begins batting practice in the club's training camp in Ginoza, Okinawa Prefecture, on Feb. 3, 2010.

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Former major leaguer Yoshii to retire

TOKYO, Japan - File photo of veteran right-hander and former major leaguer Masato Yoshii, who has decided to end his playing career and join the coaching staff of the Nippon Ham Fighters next season, baseball sources said Nov. 5. The photo shows Yoshii pitching for the New York Mets in April 1998, scoring a win in his debut game as a major leaguer.

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Orix rehires former major leaguer Yoshii

KOCHI, Japan - The Orix Buffaloes said Feb. 21 they have rehired veteran right-hander Masato Yoshii (L), just months after releasing the former major-league player. Yoshii shakes hands with team manager Akira Ogi (R) in a news conference in Kochi, southwestern Japan, the same day.

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Dodgers' Ishii pitches 4-hit shutout to beat Giants

LOS ANGELES, United States - Lefty Kazuhisa Ishii (C) threw a four-hitter over the distance April 25, becoming the fourth Japanese major leaguer to pitch a complete-game shutout in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 9-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

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Shinjo welcomes spectators to Sapporo Dome

SAPPORO, Japan - Former major leaguer Tsuyoshi Shinjo (C) welcomes spectators to Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido on April 2 where his Nippon Ham Fighters played the Seibu Lions in their first official match at their new home.

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(2)Shinjo at spring training in Okinawa

NAGO, Japan - Former major leaguer Tsuyoshi Shinjo practices batting during the Nippon Ham Fighters' preseason training in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, on Feb. 2. (Kyodo

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Ichiro agrees to $44 mil., 4-year deal with Mariners

SEATTLE, United States - Seattle Mariners leadoff hitter Ichiro Suzuki signed to stay with the club Dec. 18 after agreeing to a $44 million (about 4.75 billion yen), four-year contract, sources familiar with the deal said. The deal made the Mariners outfielder the first major leaguer from Japan to receive an annual average of more than $10 million (about 1.08 billion yen).

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(3)Shinjo wraps up signing with Fighters

SAPPORO, Japan - Former major leaguer Tsuyoshi Shinjo waves to fans Dec. 3 after a press conference in the middle of the field at Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido to wrap up his official signing with the Pacific League baseball club Nippon Ham Fighters.

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(4)Shinjo wraps up signing with Fighters

SAPPORO, Japan - Former major leaguer Tsuyoshi Shinjo attends a press conference in the middle of the field at Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido on Dec. 3 to wrap up his official signing with the Pacific League baseball club Nippon Ham Fighters.

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(1)Shinjo wraps up signing with Fighters

SAPPORO, Japan - Former major leaguer Tsuyoshi Shinjo speaks at a press conference in the middle of the field at Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido to wrap up his official signing with the Pacific League baseball club Nippon Ham Fighters.

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Yoshii strikes deal with Orix

KOBE, Japan - Masato Yoshii, who was released by the Montreal Expos last month after five seasons in the major leagues, speak to reporters in Tokyo on Jan. 7 about his one-year contract with the Orix BlueWave. Yoshii became the second former major leaguer to join the Pacific League club next season following a recent deal with pitcher Makoto ''Mac'' Suzuki. (MLB)

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Major leaguer Shinjo to tie the knot on Christmas Eve

TOKYO, Japan - Former Hanshin Tigers outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo (file photo)(L), who has just joined the North American major league club the New York Mets, will be marrying Shiho Okouchi (file photo), a former TV celebrity, in Okinawa on Dec. 24, it was learned Dec. 21.

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Major leaguer Lopez checks out Kyushu sumo tourney

FUKUOKA, Japan - Major league all-star pitcher Albie Lopez of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (R) watches the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament with his wife at Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Nov. 7. Lopez is touring Japan with an MLB team for an eight-game exhibition series against a Japanese select team.

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Baseball: ex-big leaguer Fukudome to retire

Chunichi Dragons outfielder and former big leaguer Kosuke Fukudome speaks at a press conference in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2022. The oldest active Nippon Professional baseball player, the 45-year-old said he will retire at the end of the season.

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Baseball: ex-big leaguer Fukudome to retire

Chunichi Dragons outfielder and former big leaguer Kosuke Fukudome (far L) receives a bouquet from a teammate at the beginning of a press conference in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2022. The oldest active Nippon Professional baseball player, the 45-year-old said he will retire at the end of the season.

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Baseball: ex-big leaguer Fukudome to retire

Chunichi Dragons outfielder and former big leaguer Kosuke Fukudome speaks at a press conference in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2022. The oldest active Nippon Professional baseball player, the 45-year-old said he will retire at the end of the season.

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Ichiro encourages kids at hometown baseball event

TOYOYAMA, Japan - Japanese major leaguer Ichiro Suzuki, now back in Japan, speaks at an award ceremony for the Ichiro Cup baseball event for children in his hometown of Toyoyama, Aichi Prefecture, on Dec. 23. (Kyodo)

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Orix rehires former major leaguer Yoshii

KOCHI, Japan - The Orix Buffaloes said Feb. 21 they have rehired veteran right-hander Masato Yoshii (L), just months after releasing the former major-league player. Yoshii shakes hands with team manager Akira Ogi (R) in a news conference in Kochi, southwestern Japan, the same day. (Kyodo)