List of Major League Baseball players from Japan

Template:Short description Template:Multiple image A total of 74 Japanese-born<ref name="Japan BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>This list does not include players that were born in Japan to non-Japanese parents or players with Japanese ancestry who grew up abroad (such as Lars Nootbaar, Steven Kwan, Gosuke Katoh, Keston Hiura, Kurt Suzuki, Dave Roberts, Micheal Nakamura and Jung-hoo Lee).</ref> players have played in at least one Major League Baseball (MLB) game. Of these players, twelve are on existing MLB rosters. The first instance of a Japanese player playing in MLB occurred in 1964, when the Nankai Hawks, a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team, sent three exchange prospects to the United States to gain experience in MLB's minor league system. One of the players, pitcher Masanori Murakami, was named the California League Rookie of the Year while playing for the Fresno Giants (the San Francisco Giants' Class-A team). Giants executives were impressed with his talent and on September 1, 1964, Murakami was promoted, thus becoming the first Japanese player to play in MLB, as well as being the first Asian player.<ref name="murakami">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After Murakami put up good pitching statistics as a reliever, Giants executives sought to exercise a clause in their contract with the Hawks that, they claimed, allowed them to buy up an exchange prospect's contract. NPB officials objected, stating that they had no intention of selling Murakami's contract to the Giants and telling them that Murakami was merely on loan for the 1964 season. After a two-month stalemate the Giants eventually agreed to send Murakami back to the Hawks after the 1965 season. This affair led to the 1967 United States – Japanese Player Contract Agreement, also known as the "Working Agreement", between MLB and NPB, which was basically a hands-off policy.<ref>Whiting 2004, pp. 75–80</ref><ref name="mlb">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

For thirty years Murakami was the only Japanese player to appear in an MLB game. Pitcher Hideo Nomo, with the help of agent Don Nomura, became the second Japanese player to play in MLB in 1995. Nomo, who was not yet eligible for free agency in Japan, was advised by Nomura that a "voluntary retirement" clause in the Working Agreement did not specify that a player wishing to play again after retiring must return to NPB. Nomo utilized this loophole to void his NPB contract with the Kintetsu Buffaloes and play in MLB. He announced his retirement from NPB in late 1994 and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 1995.<ref>Whiting 2004, pp. 102–112</ref> Nomo's maneuver and Hideki Irabu's later MLB contractual complications were contributing factors to a major revision of the Working Agreement in 1998 that created the posting system.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Since its inception 22 Japanese players have been signed through the system, however one of these players, Shinji Mori, did not play in a single MLB game due to an injury. NPB players who have nine or more years of playing service with NPB can become international free agents and do not need to enter MLB through the posting system.<ref name="free agency">Template:Cite news</ref> The remaining Japanese players that have played in MLB have either signed as free agents or signed as amateur players. Mac Suzuki, Kazuhito Tadano, and Junichi Tazawa are the only Japanese players to have debuted in MLB without previously playing in NPB.<ref name="tazawa espn">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="tazawa nyt">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> All 30 MLB teams have had at least one Japanese player on their roster.

Japanese players have had a range of success in MLB. Twelve players have been selected to participate in the All-Star Game; Ichiro Suzuki has made the most appearances with ten. In addition to these selections, Ichiro has won several prestigious MLB awards including the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award and the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 2001, the All-Star Game MVP Award in 2007 and multiple Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. Ichiro also holds the MLB record for recording the most hits in a single season. Hideo Nomo was the only Japanese pitcher to throw a no-hitter until Hisashi Iwakuma accomplished the feat on August 12, 2015. Nomo threw two in total; the first came in 1996 and the last occurred in 2001.

Currently, Shohei Ohtani is the only player in MLB history to win the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award twice unanimously in 2021 and 2023, the first player in MLB history with 10 wins and 40 home runs in a season,<ref name="40hr10win">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the first player in MLB history to be named to both first teams for the 2023 All-MLB Team in the same season (as a designated hitter and starting pitcher respectively).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Ohtani is also the first Japanese-born player to hit for the cycle, the first Japanese-born player to win a major league home run title, leading the American League with 44 home runs,<ref name="alhomerun">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the first Japanese-born player to win the AL Hank Aaron Award,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and the first Japanese player to have the most popular Major League Baseball jersey sales.<ref name="jersey23">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In addition, Ohtani has also won the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2018, the National League (NL) Championship Series MVP Award in 2025, four Silver Slugger Awards, and four Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Awards.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2023, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, the largest contract in professional sports history at the time,<ref name="dodgers700m">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> while Yoshinobu Yamamoto received the highest guaranteed salary ever given to a pitcher, signing a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2024, Ohtani was unanimously named the NL MVP after becoming the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season.Template:Efn

13 Japanese players have appeared in the World Series. Out of these players, So Taguchi, Ohtani, and Yamamoto have won the most with two each. Hideki Matsui and Yamamoto are the only Japanese players to win the World Series MVP Award. The 2007 World Series featured the most Japanese players, with Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima pitching for the Boston Red Sox, and Kazuo Matsui playing for the Colorado Rockies. This was later tied in the 2025 World Series with Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Yamamoto all playing for the Dodgers.

Table key

Key to symbols in player table

* {{safesubst:#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	Signed with a Major League Baseball team via the posting system
§ {{safesubst:#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	Signed with a Major League Baseball team without first playing for a Nippon Professional Baseball team
Template:† {{safesubst:#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	Inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame
Template:‡ {{safesubst:#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	Inducted into both the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and the National Baseball Hall of Fame

Current players

Players from Japan active within Major League Baseball

Player	Position	MLB debut	Games*	Team(s)	Status	Notes
Template:Sortname*	SP	Template:Dts	297	Texas Rangers (2012–2017) Los Angeles Dodgers (2017) Chicago Cubs (2018–2020) San Diego Padres (2021–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Yu Darvish BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	TWP	Template:Dts	1,033	Los Angeles Angels (2018–2023) Los Angeles Dodgers (2024–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Shohei Ohtani BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	SP	Template:Dts	199	Seattle Mariners (2019–2021) Toronto Blue Jays (2022–2024) Houston Astros (2024) Los Angeles Angels (2025–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Yusei Kikuchi BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	RF	Template:Dts	532	Chicago Cubs (2022–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Seiya Suzuki BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	LF	Template:Dts	303	Boston Red Sox (2023–present)	Active	<ref name="Masataka Yoshida MLB">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Masataka Yoshida BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	SP	Template:Dts	52	New York Mets (2023–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Kodai Senga BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	SP	Template:Dts	48	Los Angeles Dodgers (2024–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Yoshinobu Yamamoto BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	RP	Template:Dts	125	San Diego Padres (2024–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Yuki Matsui BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	SP	Template:Dts	54	Chicago Cubs (2024–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Shota Imanaga BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	SP	Template:Dts	10	Los Angeles Dodgers (2025–present)	Active	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	SP	Template:Dts	30	Baltimore Orioles (2025)	Free agent	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	SP	Template:Dts	23	Washington Nationals (2025–present)	Minors	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

* Games played through the 2025 regular season.

Former players

Players from Japan that formerly appeared on Major League Baseball rosters

Player	Position	MLB debut	Final MLB game	Games	Former MLB Team(s)	Notes
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	54	San Francisco Giants (1964–1965)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:SortnameTemplate:†	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	324	Los Angeles Dodgers (1995–1998, 2002–2004) New York Mets (1998) Milwaukee Brewers (1999) Detroit Tigers (2000) Boston Red Sox (2001) Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2005) Kansas City Royals (2008)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname§	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	117	Seattle Mariners (1996, 1998–1999) Kansas City Royals (1999–2001, 2002) Colorado Rockies (2001) Milwaukee Brewers (2001)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	517	Anaheim Angels (1997–2001) Seattle Mariners (2002–2005)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	35	New York Mets (1997)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	126	New York Yankees (1997–1999) Montreal Expos (2000–2001) Texas Rangers (2002)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	162	New York Mets (1998–1999) Colorado Rockies (2000) Montreal Expos (2001–2002)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	65	Detroit Tigers (1999–2000) Los Angeles Dodgers (2003–2004) Seattle Mariners (2004–2005)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	204	Boston Red Sox (1999–2001) Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals (2001–2005) Milwaukee Brewers (2005–2006) Toronto Blue Jays (2007) Cleveland Indians (2009)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:SortnameTemplate:†	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	228	Seattle Mariners (2000–2003)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*Template:‡	OF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	2,653	Seattle Mariners (2001–2012, 2018–2019) New York Yankees (2012–2014) Miami Marlins (2015–2017)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	OF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	303	New York Mets (2001, 2003) San Francisco Giants (2002)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	21	Milwaukee Brewers (2002)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	25	New York Mets (2002)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	105	Los Angeles Dodgers (2002–2004) New York Mets (2005)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	OF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	672	St. Louis Cardinals (2002–2007) Philadelphia Phillies (2008) Chicago Cubs (2009)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:SortnameTemplate:†	OF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	1,236	New York Yankees (2003–2009) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2010) Oakland Athletics (2011) Tampa Bay Rays (2012)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	IF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	630	New York Mets (2004–2006) Colorado Rockies (2006–2007) Houston Astros (2008–2010)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	236	San Diego Padres (2004–2005) Texas Rangers (2006–2007)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:SortnameTemplate:†	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	99	Chicago White Sox (2004–2005) New York Mets (2005)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname§	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	15	Cleveland Indians (2004–2005)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	IF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	493	Chicago White Sox (2005–2007) Philadelphia Phillies (2007, 2008) San Diego Padres (2008)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	100	Oakland Athletics (2005) San Francisco Giants (2008)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	IF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	17	Los Angeles Dodgers (2005)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	C	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	462	Seattle Mariners (2006–2009)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	338	Los Angeles Dodgers (2006–2008) Boston Red Sox (2009) Atlanta Braves (2010) Milwaukee Brewers (2011) Arizona Diamondbacks (2012)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	IF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	408	Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays (2007–2009) Pittsburgh Pirates (2010) Oakland Athletics (2010)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	266	Boston Red Sox (2007–2011) Oakland Athletics (2013)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	158	Boston Red Sox (2007–2012) New York Mets (2013–2014)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	16	New York Yankees (2007–2008)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	19	Pittsburgh Pirates (2007)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	OF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	596	Chicago Cubs (2008–2011) Cleveland Indians (2011) Chicago White Sox (2012)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	4	Texas Rangers (2008)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	67	Cleveland Indians (2008–2009)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:SortnameTemplate:†	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	212	Los Angeles Dodgers (2008–2011) New York Yankees (2012–2014)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	43	Kansas City Royals (2008–2009)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	436	Baltimore Orioles (2009–2011) Texas Rangers (2011–2012) Boston Red Sox (2013–2016) Chicago Cubs (2017)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	52	Atlanta Braves (2009–2010)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	28	New York Mets (2009)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname§	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	388	Boston Red Sox (2009–2016) Miami Marlins (2017–2018) Los Angeles Angels (2018)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	168	New York Mets (2010) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2011–2012) Pittsburgh Pirates (2012) Chicago Cubs (2013)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	83	New York Mets (2010–2011) Toronto Blue Jays (2012) New York Yankees (2012)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	IF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	71	Minnesota Twins (2011–2012)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	53	Texas Rangers (2011–2012)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	OF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	759	Milwaukee Brewers (2012–2013) Kansas City Royals (2014) San Francisco Giants (2015) Seattle Mariners (2016) Houston Astros (2017) Toronto Blue Jays (2017) New York Mets (2017)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	IF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	276	Seattle Mariners (2012) Toronto Blue Jays (2013–2015) Chicago Cubs (2016)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	150	Seattle Mariners (2012–2017)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	29	Chicago Cubs (2013–2014) Texas Rangers (2015)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	OF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	15	San Francisco Giants (2013)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	174	New York Yankees (2014–2020)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	21	Chicago Cubs (2014–2015)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	1	Cleveland Indians (2015)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	SP	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	226	Los Angeles Dodgers (2016–2019) Minnesota Twins (2020–2023) Detroit Tigers (2024–2025)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Kenta Maeda BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	150	Arizona Diamondbacks (2018–2019) Seattle Mariners (2020)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	27	San Diego Padres (2018)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	IF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	182	Tampa Bay Rays (2020–2021) Los Angeles Dodgers (2021) Pittsburgh Pirates (2021–2022)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Yoshi Tsutsugo MiLB">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Yoshitomo Tsutsugo BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	OF	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	142	Cincinnati Reds (2020–2021)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	17	Toronto Blue Jays (2020)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Shun Yamaguchi MLB">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	104	Boston Red Sox (2021–2022)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Hirokazu Sawamura MLB">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	P	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	15	Texas Rangers (2021–2022)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Kohei Arihara MLB">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	RP	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	64	Oakland Athletics (2023) Baltimore Orioles (2023)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Shintaro Fujinami BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname*	RP	Template:Dts	Template:Dts	2	Boston Red Sox (2024)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Naoyuki Uwasawa BR">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Awards, records and notable accomplishments

Baseball Hall of Fame

• Ichiro Suzuki, inducted in the class of 2025<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame

• Ichiro Suzuki, inducted on August 27, 2022.

Awards and accolades

• Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award: Ichiro Suzuki, 2005; Shohei Ohtani, 2021
• Most Valuable Player Award: Ichiro Suzuki, 2001 AL; Shohei Ohtani, 4 times, 2021 (unanimous selection), 2023 AL (unanimous selection), 2024 NL (unanimous selection), 2025 NL (unanimous selection)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Rookie of the Year Award: Hideo Nomo, 1995 NL; Kazuhiro Sasaki, 2000 AL; Ichiro Suzuki, 2001 AL; Shohei Ohtani, 2018 AL<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• World Series MVP: Hideki Matsui, 2009; Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 2025<ref name="postMVP">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• ALCS MVP: Koji Uehara, 2013<ref name="postMVP"/>
• NLCS MVP: Shohei Ohtani, 2025<ref name="postMVP"/>
• All-Star Game MVP: Ichiro Suzuki, 2007<ref name="postMVP"/>
• Gold Glove Award: Ichiro Suzuki, 10 times, 2001–2010 AL OF<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Silver Slugger Award: Ichiro Suzuki, 3 times, 2001, 2007, 2009 AL OF; Shohei Ohtani, 4 times, 2021, 2023 AL DH, 2024 NL DH, 2025 NL DH<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Hank Aaron Award: Shohei Ohtani, 2 times, 2023 AL, 2024 NL
• Edgar Martínez Award: Shohei Ohtani, 4 times, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
• All-MLB Team: Yu Darvish, First team SP 2020; Kenta Maeda, Second team SP 2020; Shohei Ohtani, 7 times, First team DH/Second team SP 2021, First team SP/Second team DH 2022, First team DH/First team SP 2023, First team DH 2024; Shota Imanaga, Second team SP 2024
• Player of the Month: Shohei Ohtani, 6 times, June, July 2021, June, July 2023 AL, September 2024, May 2025 NL; Ichiro Suzuki, August 2004 AL; Hideki Matsui, July 2007 AL<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Pitcher of the Month: Hideo Nomo, 2 times, June 1995, September 1996 NL; Hideki Irabu, 2 times, May 1998, July 1999 AL; Masahiro Tanaka, May 2014 AL; Yu Darvish, 2 times, July/August 2020, September 2022 NL; Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 2 times, April, September 2025 NL<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Rookie of the Month: Ichiro Suzuki, 4 times, April, May, August, September 2001 AL; Shohei Ohtani, 2 times, April, September 2018 AL; Kazuhisa Ishii, April 2002 NL; Hideki Matsui, June 2003 AL; Hideki Okajima, April 2007 AL; Yu Darvish, April 2012 AL; Seiya Suzuki, April 2022 NL; Shota Imanaga, April 2024 NL<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• Player of the Week: Shohei Ohtani, 11 times, April 8, September 9, 2018, June 20, July 4, 2021, June 18, July 2, July 30, 2023 AL, May 5, June 23, September 22, September 29, 2024 NL; Ichiro Suzuki, 5 times, August 8, 2004, June 4, 2006, September 26, 2010, September 23, 2012, AL, August 7, 2016 NL; Hideo Nomo, 4 times, June 25, 1995, April 14, September 22, 1996 NL, April 8, 2001 AL; Hideki Matsui, 4 times, June 29, 2003, May 30, 2004, June 19, 2005, July 24, 2011 AL; Kazuhiro Sasaki, April 29, 2001 AL; Daisuke Matsuzaka, May 20, 2007 AL; Hisashi Iwakuma, August 16, 2015 AL; Seiya Suzuki, 2 times, April 17, 2022, September 28, 2025 NL; Yu Darvish, September 18, 2022 NL; Masataka Yoshida, May 7, 2023 AL<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• MLB Players Choice Player of the Year: Shohei Ohtani, 2021
• MLB Players Choice Outstanding Player: Ichiro Suzuki, 2004 AL; Shohei Ohtani, 3 times, 2021, 2023 AL, 2024 NL
• MLB Players Choice Outstanding Rookie: Ichiro Suzuki, 2001 AL
• Associated Press Athlete of the Year: Shohei Ohtani, 3 times, 2021, 2023, 2024
• Sporting News MLB Player of the Year Award: Shohei Ohtani, 2 times, 2021, 2024
• Sporting News Rookie Player of the Year Award: Ichiro Suzuki, 2001 AL; Shohei Ohtani, 2018 AL
• Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award: Hideo Nomo, 1995 NL, Kazuhiro Sasaki, 2000 AL
• Baseball America Major League Player of the Year: Shohei Ohtani, 2021, 2023
• Baseball America Rookie of the Year Award: Hideo Nomo, 1995; Shohei Ohtani, 2018
• Baseball America All-Rookie Team: Yu Darvish, 2012 SP; Masahiro Tanaka, 2014 SP; Kenta Maeda, 2016 SP; Shohei Ohtani, 2018 DH; Seiya Suzuki, 2022 DH; Kodai Senga, 2023 SP; Shota Imanaga, 2024 SP
• Baseball Digest Player of the Year: Shohei Ohtani, 2021
• Statcast Player of the Year: Shohei Ohtani, 2021
• MLB.com Defensive Player of the Year Award: Ichiro Suzuki, 2005
• MLB.com Setup Man of the Year Award: Hideki Okajima, 2007
• Best Male Athlete ESPY Award: Shohei Ohtani, 2022
• Best Major League Baseball Player ESPY Award: Shohei Ohtani, 4 times, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
• United States Sports Academy Athlete of the Month: Shohei Ohtani, June 2021
• Time 100: Shohei Ohtani, 2021

Hitting

• Most hits in a single season: Ichiro Suzuki, 262 (2004) MLB Record<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• Most career interleague hits: Ichiro Suzuki, 367 MLB Record
• Most consecutive seasons of 200 or more hits: Ichiro Suzuki, 10 (2001–2010) MLB Record
• Most seasons with 200 or more hits: Ichiro Suzuki, 10 (2001–2010) MLB Record (tie)
• Most games with five or more hits in a season: Ichiro Suzuki, 4 (2004) MLB Record (tie)
• Most pinch-hit plate appearances in a season: Ichiro Suzuki, 109 (2017) MLB Record
• Most pinch-hit at-bats in a season: Ichiro Suzuki, 100 (2017) MLB Record
• Batting titles: Ichiro Suzuki, 2001 (.350 Avg) and 2004 (.372 Avg)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• Home run title: Shohei Ohtani, 2023 AL (44 HRs) and 2024 NL (54 HRs)<ref name="alhomerun"/>
• RBI title: Shohei Ohtani, 2024 NL (130 RBI)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• Only inside-the-park home run in All-Star game history: Ichiro Suzuki, July 10, 2007, AT&T Park, hitting leadoff for the American League
• Only MLB player to hit a home run in his first plate appearance of his first three seasons: Kazuo Matsui, 2004 (First pitch), 2005, 2006 (Inside-the-park home run)
• First Japanese player to play in the World Series: Tsuyoshi Shinjo, October 19, 2002, Giants vs. Angels, Edison Field, hitting 9th in the lineup as the Designated hitter
• First Japanese player to hit a home run: Hideo Nomo, April 28, 1998, Dodgers vs. Brewers, Dodger Stadium
• First Japanese player to hit a grand slam: Tsuyoshi Shinjo, May 17, 2002, Giants vs. Marlins, AT&T Park
• First Japanese player to hit a walk-off hit: Tsuyoshi Shinjo, May 20, 2001, Mets vs. Dodgers, Shea Stadium
• First Japanese player to hit a walk-off home run: Hideki Matsui, July 17, 2003, Yankees vs. Indians, Yankee Stadium
• First Japanese player to hit a home run in the postseason: Hideki Matsui, October 4, 2003, Yankees vs. Twins, Metrodome
• First Japanese player to hit a home run in the World Series: Hideki Matsui, October 19, 2003, Yankees vs. Marlins, Yankee Stadium
• First Japanese player to hit for the cycle: Shohei Ohtani, June 13, 2019, Angels vs. Rays, Tropicana Field (Home run (1st), Double (3rd), Triple (5th), Single (7th))
• 3,000 hit club: Ichiro Suzuki; entered August 7, 2016
• Most walks in a 3-game span: Shohei Ohtani, September 22–24, 2021 (11) AL Record, MLB Record (tie)
• Highest home run hit in the Statcast era: Shohei Ohtani, 162 feet, April 30, 2023, Angels vs. Brewers, American Family Field, Top of 3rd, 2 outs, 1st pitch off Colin Rea
• Fastest exit velocity by a left-handed hitter in the Statcast era: Shohei Ohtani, 119.1 mph. April 10, 2022, Angels vs. Astros, Angel Stadium. Bottom of 3rd, 1 out, 3-2 count, 7th pitch off José Urquidy (Ground rule double)

Baserunning

• Stolen base champion: Ichiro Suzuki, 2001 AL (56 Stolen Bases)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• Most consecutive stolen bases: Ichiro Suzuki, April 29, 2006 – May 16, 2007 (45) AL Record<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• First Japanese player to record a stolen base: Masato Yoshii, June 24, 2000, Rockies vs. Diamondbacks, Bank One Ballpark, Top of 5th, 2nd base off Randy Johnson/Kelly Stinnett, 1 out, 0-1 count

Pitching

• No-hitter
  • Hideo Nomo (Los Angeles Dodgers): September 17, 1996, vs. Colorado Rockies at Coors Field (110P, 8K, 4BB, 30BF)
    • Still the only no-hitter at Coors Field, which opened in 1995. It was accomplished before the humidor was installed at Coors Field in 2002. Highest paid attendance (50,066) among all the no-hitters in existing ballparks.
  • Hideo Nomo (Boston Red Sox): April 4, 2001, vs. Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (110P, 11K, 3BB, 30BF)
    • Still the only no-hitter at Oriole Park, which opened in 1992. Earliest no-hitter in a season among all the no-hitters in existing ballparks. Nomo is one of only five players to have pitched at least one no-hitter game in both the National League and American League in Major League Baseball history.
  • Hisashi Iwakuma (Seattle Mariners): August 12, 2015, vs. Baltimore Orioles at Safeco Field (116P, 7K, 3BB, 29BF)
    • Fourth no-hitter at Safeco Field, behind Philip Humber, Kevin Millwood, and Félix Hernández.
• Maddux
  • Tomo Ohka (Milwaukee Brewers): June 14, 2005, vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Tropicana Field (98P, 9H, 6K, 0BB, 36BF)
  • Hiroki Kuroda (Los Angeles Dodgers): July 7, 2008, vs. Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium (91P, 1H, 6K, 0BB, 28BF)
  • Masahiro Tanaka (New York Yankees): April 27, 2017, vs. Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park (97P, 3H, 3K, 0BB, 29BF)
  • Yusei Kikuchi (Seattle Mariners): August 18, 2019, vs. Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre (96P, 2H, 8K, 1BB, 29BF)
• Strikeout champion: Hideo Nomo, 2 times, 1995 NL (236 Strikeouts) & 2001 AL (220 Strikeouts); Yu Darvish, 2013 AL (277 Strikeouts, led both leagues)
• Fastest to reach 1,500 career strikeouts in MLB history: Yu Darvish, June 21, 2021 (1,216 1/3 innings, 197 games)
• Fastest to reach 1,000 career strikeouts in MLB history: Yu Darvish, September 8, 2017 (812 innings, 128 games)
• Most consecutive quality starts from debut: Masahiro Tanaka (16) MLB Record (tie)
• Lowest single-season WHIP in MLB history (at least 50 innings): Koji Uehara, 2013 (0.565)
• Most saves in the postseason: Koji Uehara, 2013 (7 saves) MLB Record (tie)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• Most strikeouts in a single inning: Kazuhiro Sasaki, April 4, 2003 (4 strikeouts in the 9th Inning) MLB Record (tie)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• Most consecutive starts with 8+ strikeouts and 0 walks: Yu Darvish (5), July 22 - August 26, 2019 MLB Record
• Most consecutive no decisions: Yu Darvish (10), May 4 - June 21, 2019 MLB Record (tie)
• First Japanese pitcher to be recorded with a win in an All-Star Game: Masahiro Tanaka, AL 2019
• First Japanese pitcher to be recorded with a save in an All-Star Game: Kazuhiro Sasaki, AL 2001
• First pitcher to allow 2 or fewer runs in each of his first 7 postseason starts: Masahiro Tanaka
• Fastest pitch recorded by a Japanese pitcher: Shintaro Fujinami, 102.1 mph: July 4, 2023, Athletics vs. Tigers, Comerica Park. Bottom of 9th, 3rd pitch to Miguel Cabrera

All-Star Game selections

Players from Japan that have been selected to participate in a Major League Baseball All-Star Game

Player	League	Selections	Year(s)	Notes
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010	Inside-the-park home run, All-Star Game MVP (2007)<ref name="ASG 2007">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	AL, NL	Template:Sort	2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2021	Selected as the winner of the Final Vote but did not play (2012)<ref name="ASG 2012">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Selected but did not play (2013)<ref name="ASG 2013 NLS">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Selected but did not play (2017) Selected but did not play due to being on the injured list (2021)
Template:Sortname	AL, NL	Template:Sort	2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025	Recorded a win as the starting pitcher (2021) First player in history to be selected as both designated hitter and starting pitcher (2021)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Selected as both the designated hitter and a starting pitcher, but did not pitch (2022) Selected as both the designated hitter and a starting pitcher. Automatic selection as the starting DH by leading the AL in votes (2023)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Automatic selection as the starting DH by leading the NL in votes (2025)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	2001, 2002	Closed and recorded a save (2001)<ref name="ASG 2001">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	Template:Sort	Selected as the winner of the Final Vote (2004)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	2014, 2019	Selected but did not play due to being on the disabled list (2014) Selected in place of injured Marcus Stroman (2019) First Yankee pitcher to win an All-Star Game in 71 years (2019)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	2021, 2025	Selected but did not play (2021)<ref name="ASG 2021">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Selected but did not play (2025)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	NL	Template:Sort	1995	Starting pitcher<ref name="ASG 1995">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	Template:Sort
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	2007	Selected as the winner of the Final Vote, but did not play<ref name="ASG 2007"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	NL	Template:Sort	2007
Template:Sortname	NL	Template:Sort	2008
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	2013	Selected but did not play<ref name="ASG 2013">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	AL	Template:Sort	2014	Selected in place of injured Masahiro Tanaka<ref name="ASG 2014">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	NL	Template:Sort	2023	Selected in place of Marcus Stroman, but did not play<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	NL	Template:Sort	2024
Template:Sortname	NL	Template:Sort	2025	Selected but did not play<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Bold indicates the player was selected to the starting roster

World Series appearances

Players from Japan that have been a part of a Major League Baseball World Series

Player	World Series championships	World Series appearances	Year(s)	Notes
Template:Sortname	2	2	1998 Yankees 1999 Yankees	First Japanese player to win a World Series. Did not play in either the 1998 or 1999 World Series but was on the 1998 active roster.
Template:Sortname	2	3	2004 Cardinals 2006 Cardinals 2008 Phillies	Did not play in the 2008 World Series, despite being on the Phillies' active roster<ref name="WS 2004">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="WS 2006">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	2	Template:Sort	2024 Dodgers 2025 Dodgers	<ref name=WS2024>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=WS2025>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	2	Template:Sort	2024 Dodgers 2025 Dodgers	World Series MVP (2025)<ref name=WS2024 /><ref name=WS2025 />
Template:Sortname	Template:Sort	Template:Sort	2003 Yankees 2009 Yankees	World Series MVP (2009)<ref name="WS 2003">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="WS 2009">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	Template:Sort	Template:Sort	2005 White Sox	<ref name="WS 2005">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	Template:Sort	Template:Sort	2007 Red Sox	First Japanese pitcher to appear in a World Series. With Matsuzaka, first Japanese pitcher to win the World Series. The 2007 World Series was the first in which Japanese players appeared for both teams.<ref name="WS 2007"/>
Template:Sortname	Template:Sort	Template:Sort	2007 Red Sox	First Japanese pitcher to both start and win a World Series game and first Japanese pitcher to win an MLB playoff game during the 2007 postseason. With Okajima, first Japanese pitcher to win the World Series. The 2007 World Series was the first in which Japanese players appeared for both teams.<ref name="WS 2007">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	1	Template:Sort	2013 Red Sox	<ref name="WS 2013">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	1	Template:Sort	2013 Red Sox	First Japanese pitcher to record a save in a World Series game<ref name="WS 2013"/>
Template:Sortname	1	Template:Sort	2025 Dodgers	<ref name=WS2025 />
Template:Sortname	0	Template:Sort	2017 Dodgers 2018 Dodgers	First Japanese player to play in consecutive World Series<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	0	Template:Sort	2002 Giants	First Japanese player to play in a World Series game<ref name="WS 2002">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	0	Template:Sort	2007 Rockies	The 2007 World Series was the first in which Japanese players appeared for both teams.<ref name="WS 2007"/>
Template:Sortname	0	Template:Sort	2008 Rays	<ref name="WS 2008">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	0	Template:Sort	2014 Royals	<ref name="WS 2014">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	0	Template:Sort	2017 Dodgers	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Sortname	0	Template:Sort	2020 Rays	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Bold indicates that the team won the World Series that year

References

Bibliography

• Rains, Rob. Baseball Samurais: Ichiro Suzuki and the Asian Invasion. New York: St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2001. Template:ISBN.
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External links

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