Seven-time Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star who made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2011. After three years with the Brewers he became a starting outfielder for the Kansas City Royals, helping the team reach the 2014 World Series.
He began his professional baseball career for the Yakult Swallows in 2004.
He helped Japan win World Baseball Classic gold medals in 2006 and 2009.
He had a daughter with wife Sachi Ohtake.
He became teammates with Kyle Lohse on the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011.
