Two-way pitcher and outfielder who became one of Nippon Professional Baseball's biggest stars during his years with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. In December 2017, he announced his intention to sign with Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels.
He played baseball at Hanamaki Higashi High School in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Before turning professional, he competed in the 2012 18U Baseball World Championship.
He set a record for the fastest pitch in Nippon Professional Baseball history with a speed of 102.5 mph.
He has an older brother named Ryuta.
His ability to both pitch and hit led to many media outlets referring to him as "Japan's Babe Ruth."
