On March 15, 2025, the Tokyo Dome welcomed Yakinori Murata, the first Japanese major leaguer, to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch during the preseason game between the Hanshin Tigers and the Chicago Cubs. At the age of 80, Murata stood proudly as he prepared to throw to Cubs pitcher Colin Rea, who has also had experience playing with the SoftBank Hawks.
With excitement palpable among the fans, Murata delivered a perfect no-bounce pitch from his left arm, impressing the crowd and earning him loud applause. Murata beamed with joy, exclaiming, "最高です," which translates to "It's the best." His presence was not just symbolic; it was deeply personal, as the date coincided with the anniversary of his grandfather's passing, making the event all the more significant.
Murata's baseball career began when he joined the Nankai Hawks in 1963. Following his stint with the Hawks, he ventured to the United States, studying baseball within the minor leagues under the Giants. Remarkably, he earned his place as the first Japanese player to be promoted to the major leagues—a monumental milestone for Japan's presence in professional baseball. After his trailblazing career, which included five wins and active participation until 1965, Japanese representation remained sparse until Hideo Nomo joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995.
Reflecting on the evolution of Japanese players in the major leagues, Murata expressed immense pride. "It's incredible to see so many Japanese players now. I can’t believe how abundant the talent is! I wish every team had one Japanese player, how exciting would it be?" His optimism radiated as he mentioned fellow athlete Shugo Maki, now with the Orix Buffaloes, expressing his desire to see Maki showcase his talent on the mound, displaying his unique pitching style rather than relying solely on the catcher’s guidance.
The anticipation does not end there. On March 18, the opening game will feature matchups between two prominent Japanese pitchers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, representing the Dodgers, and Shota Imanaga for the Cubs. Murata articulated his feelings of being "複雑ですね," or "it's complicated," referring to his dual support for both pitchers. He passionately hoped they both would pitch through five innings without incurring any losses, advising, "I’d like them to both throw about 70 pitches, no score against each other."
While excited about the potential of Japanese pitchers facing off on such a grand stage, Murata also acknowledged Shohei Ohtani on the Dodgers, hoping Ohtani would excel, but humorously added, "just no home runs from Imanaga, please!" His enthusiasm for the upcoming games reflects not only his own appreciation for baseball but also his desire to see the sport thrive with the involvement of diverse talents.
Yakinori Murata’s influence extends beyond his playing days; he embodies the spirit of determination and brilliance for aspiring Japanese ballplayers. His role as a trailblazer remains significant, and as more athletes represent Japan on international platforms, the legacy he built continues to flourish. His ceremonial pitch at the Tokyo Dome serves as both a reminder of the past and inspiration for the future. The anticipation for the upcoming spring series only amplifies the excitement surrounding Japanese talent on the global stage, and Murata’s involvement marks another beautiful chapter in the ever-evolving narrative of baseball.
With Murata’s story intertwined with the journeys of current athletes, baseball has become more than just a sport; it is now woven deeply within the fabric of Japanese culture, championing the dreams of many who aspire to follow the path he blazed long ago.