Pacific

The official name of the Pacific League is the Pacific League, and “Pacific” in English means “of the Pacific Ocean.” The league was created when Japanese professional baseball split into two leagues in 1949. The origin of the name is said to be either that many teams were based on the Pacific side of Japan, or that it embodied the ambition to expand not only within Japan but to the world.

bullpen

The place where relief pitchers warm up before taking the mound is called the bullpen. In English, “bullpen” is written as “bullpen,” which literally means “a place to pen bulls.” There are various theories about the origin of the name, such as that the bullpen resembled a space used to confine cattle, or that pitchers waiting for their turn looked like bulls in a bullring. In line with the flow of the game, pitchers carefully prepare in the bullpen so they can enter at any time, waiting for their moment to contribute to the team’s victory.

Godzilla

Hideki Matsui’s nickname is “Godzilla.” In his days at Seiryo High School, people reportedly called him a “monster” because of his powerful home runs driven by his formidable physique. However, a journalist who covered him thought “that’s a bit harsh,” and instead dubbed him “Godzilla.” After turning pro, he had an outstanding career with the Yomiuri Giants and in MLB with the New York Yankees, earning affection from fans in both Japan and the United States. During his time in the majors, the name “Godzilla” became widely recognized by local media and fans, and he emerged as a representative power hitter of Japanese baseball whose name became known around the world.

Eiji Sawamura Award

The Eiji Sawamura Award, commonly known as the Sawamura Award, is a highly prestigious special honor in Nippon Professional Baseball, presented to the most outstanding starting, complete-game–type pitcher of the season. It was established in 1947 to honor the achievements and legacy of pitcher Eiji Sawamura, who delivered legendary performances with his overwhelming fastball during the early days of professional baseball. The selection process employs its own strict criteria, including number of games pitched, complete games, wins, winning percentage, innings pitched, strikeouts, and earned run average. Winning this award is considered one of the highest goals for a starting pitcher.

Hyogo Prefecture

Koshien Stadium, known as the sacred ground of high school baseball, is located in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Opened in 1924, it has long been the stage for the Spring Invitational High School Baseball Tournament and the Summer National High School Baseball Championship, giving rise to countless dramas over the years. Its ivy-covered exterior walls and the distinctive black infield soil are among its notable features, making it a historic stadium that continues to be beloved by many players and fans as one of Japan’s most iconic ballparks.

Yutaka Fukumoto

“The King of Stolen Bases in the World” is a title referring to Yutaka Fukumoto, who recorded 1,065 stolen bases. While it is a record from Nippon Professional Baseball, his astonishing number of steals has been highly acclaimed worldwide, hence the moniker “The King of Stolen Bases in the World.” Known for his blazing speed and sliding technique, he amassed an overwhelming total of stolen bases. It can be regarded as one of the great records representing Japanese professional baseball.

Yomiuri Giants

The Yomiuri Giants, affectionately known by their nickname “Kyojin” (Giants), are a storied powerhouse team that has boasted numerous championships since the Central League was established in 1950. Throughout the long history of professional baseball, their strength and popularity have been well known among many fans, and they have earned countless honors as a flagship team of the Central League.