Participating Athletes

Daisuke Matsuzaka rose to prominence after throwing a no-hitter at the national high school baseball tournament and joined the Seibu Lions in 1998. He went on to excel on the international stage, representing Japan in major tournaments.

In 2006, Matsuzaka signed with the Boston Red Sox and contributed to the Boston Red Sox's World Series championship. Despite overcoming injuries, he continued to make his mark in Major League Baseball and later in Japan after returning to the NPB.

Matsuzaka retired from professional baseball in 2021.

Hisanori Takahashi joined Toshiba’s corporate baseball team and helped the club win the Intercity Baseball Tournament in 1999. Later that year, he joined the Yomiuri Giants as a first-round draft pick through Japan’s reverse nomination system.

He contributed to the Giants’ league championships and Japan Series title. After moving to the New York Mets, Takahashi became recorded 10 wins as a rookie with the New York Mets.

In 2014, he joined the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and retired from professional baseball in 2015. Now based in Los Angeles, he remains active as an analyst covering both MLB and NPB, as well as a YouTuber.

Hisashi Iwakuma joined the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes in 1999 and established himself as the team’s ace after leading the club with 15 wins in 2003. He went on to claim numerous major pitching awards and titles, including the Pacific League wins title and the Eiji Sawamura Award, and represented Japan at the Athens Olympic Games before being selected for the Japanese national team for the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

In 2012, Iwakuma signed with the Seattle Mariners. He was selected to his first MLB All-Star Game in 2013 and recorded a career-high 15 wins in 2014. In 2015, he became only the second Japanese-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter in Major League Baseball.

In 2019, Iwakuma joined the Yomiuri Giants and retired from professional baseball in 2020.

Yoshio Itoi joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2004, where he went on to earn numerous honors and represent Japan in international competition, including the World Baseball Classic.

From 2009 onward, Itoi achieved a remarkable six consecutive seasons with six consecutive seasons with a batting average of .300 or higher, at least 20 stolen bases, and a Gold Glove Award—an unprecedented feat in Japanese professional baseball. Renowned for his exceptional athleticism, he was affectionately known as the “Superhuman.”

Itoi retired from professional baseball in 2022.

Yosuke Hiraishi began playing baseball at a young age and led PL Gakuen High School to the national high school baseball tournament as team captain. At Doshisha University, he overcame a shoulder injury to excel on the field, earning Best Nine honors four times and representing Japan at the inaugural World University Baseball Championship.

After playing for Toyota Motor Corporation in corporate baseball, Hiraishi joined the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles as a seventh-round draft pick in 2004. Following his retirement as a player in 2011, he began his coaching career with Rakuten, serving as a development coach, first-team coach, farm team manager, and first-team head coach. In 2019, he became the seventh manager in the history of the Rakuten Golden Eagles.

He continued to work as a coach with several professional clubs and has been active as a baseball commentator since 2025.

Hiroyuki Nakajima joined the Saitama Seibu Lions as a fifth-round draft pick in 2001. He represented Japan at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 World Baseball Classic, helping Japan win the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

In 2013, Nakajima moved to Major League Baseball with the Oakland Athletics before returning to Japan to play for the Orix Buffaloes, Yomiuri Giants, and Chunichi Dragons.

Over his career, he appeared in 1,948 games, recording 1,928 hits, a .292 batting average, 209 home runs, 995 RBIs, and 144 stolen bases. His honors include a Pacific League batting title, an on-base percentage title, four Best Nine Awards, and three Gold Glove Awards.

Shun Yamaguchi joined the Yokohama BayStars (now the Yokohama DeNA BayStars) in 2005 before later moving to the Yomiuri Giants. In 2018, he threw the 79th no-hitter in NPB history. The following year, he led the league in wins, strikeouts, and winning percentage.

Yamaguchi later joined the Toronto Blue Jays before returning to Japan, where he retired from professional baseball in 2023. He was also a fan favorite, known for his distinctive shiko-inspired celebration.

Ryota Imanari played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters from 2008 to 2011 and the Hanshin Tigers from 2012 to 2016, making his mark as a versatile utility player. Known for his lively personality, he also entertained teammates and fans with his impressions of fellow players during his playing career.

Today, Imanari works as a sports commentator, providing baseball analysis and appearing on sports programs. He also runs a entrepreneur of sports academy where he teaches baseball to children, combining his work in sports media with his efforts to support the growth of baseball.

Masakiyo Maezono joined Yokohama Flugels in the J.League in 1992. As served as captain of Japan at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, he played a key role in the team’s historic victory over Brazil, known as the “Miracle of Miami,” which brought him widespread attention.

He later played for clubs overseas before retiring from professional football in 2005. Alongside his work as a football commentator, Maezono founded ZONO Soccer School to promote the sport and inspire the next generation.

In 2009, he returned to the Japan national beach soccer team and helped the team reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Today, he continues to share the joy of football with children through media appearances, soccer schools, and speaking engagements.

Keisuke Tsuboi joined Urawa Red Diamonds in 2002 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s defense, earning both the J.League Rookie of the Year Award and the Fair Play Award in his debut season. In 2003, he received his first call-up to the Japan national team and was named to the J.League Best XI.

Tsuboi played a central role for Japan at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. In 2015, he joined Shonan Bellmare before later playing for Renofa Yamaguchi.

After retiring from professional football in 2019, Tsuboi has remained active in the sport through football clinics and commentary, while also pursuing a career in entertainment.

Shoji Jo reached the semifinals of the national high school tournament with Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School before joining JEF United Ichihara (now JEF United Chiba) in 1994. He quickly attracted attention by scoring in each of his first four professional appearances. After establishing himself as a key player for Yokohama Marinos (now Yokohama F. Marinos), he moved to Spain in 2000 to join La Liga side Real Valladolid, returning to Japan the following year.

He went on to play for Vissel Kobe and Yokohama FC. In 2006, as captain of Yokohama FC, he helped the club achieve its first-ever promotion to J1 before retiring from professional football later that year.

As a member of the Japan national team, Jo represented his country at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, contributing to Japan’s first-ever appearance at the World Cup.

Since retiring, he has remained active across a wide range of fields, including football commentary, coaching, public relations and grassroots development, speaking engagements, and event planning.

Keita Suzuki joined Urawa Red Diamonds in 2000, winning both the J.League title and the AFC Champions League during his career. He served as team captain for three years from 2009 and was first called up to the Japan national team in 2006, starting all of Japan’s matches that year.

After retiring from professional football in 2015, Suzuki founded AuB Inc. as an entrepreneur. The company conducts research into develops products based on the gut microbiome research of top athletes.

Seiichiro Maki graduated from Komazawa University before embarking on a professional football career, retiring from the sport in 2018. In 2019, he received the J.League Distinguished Service Award, and in 2022, he was appointed Chair of the Japan Football Association’s Reconstruction Support Committee.

He has been actively involved in reconstruction efforts following the Kumamoto Earthquake and a wide range of social initiatives. Through establishing a football academy and an NPO, as well as serving as an outside director, Maki continues to demonstrate leadership both within and beyond the world of football.

Homare Sawa was first called up to the Japan national team at the age of 15. In 2011, she captained Japan to its first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup title in Germany, winning the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball as the tournament’s top scorer and best player. She was also named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year that same year.

At the 2012 London Olympics, Sawa led Japan to a silver medal. She married in 2015 and retired from professional football later that year.

Today, Sawa is a mother of one.

Mana Iwabuchi began her career with Nippon TV Menina and Nippon TV Beleza before moving to Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga, where she helped Bayern Munich win back-to-back league titles. She later played for INAC Kobe Leonessa, Arsenal Women, and Tottenham Hotspur Women, among other clubs.

As a member of the Japan national team, Iwabuchi contributed to Japan’s 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup triumph and a silver medal finish at the 2012 London Olympics. She announced her retirement from professional football in 2023.

Today, Iwabuchi remains active through media appearances and initiatives supporting the growth and development of women’s football.

Yoshie Takeshita was a legendary setter for the Japan women’s national volleyball team, widely known as the “smallest yet strongest setter” and a masterful playmaker on the international stage. After graduating from high school, she joined a corporate team and made her Japan national team debut in 1997.

After missing out on the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Takeshita briefly retired before returning to the national team, eventually serving as captain and competing in three Olympic Games. At the 2012 London Olympics, she helped Japan win the bronze medal.

Takeshita retired from professional volleyball in 2013. After getting married and becoming a mother, she has continued to contribute to the sport as Executive Advisor of Victorina Himeji, while also appearing as a volleyball commentator and conducting volleyball clinics. She remains dedicated promoting the sport.

Standing 186 cm tall, Erika Araki made her mark as a middle blocker, using her height and athleticism to excel at the net. During her time at Seitoku Gakuen High School (now Shimokitazawa Seitoku), she achieved a historic triple crown, winning three major national high school titles.

Araki represented Japan at four consecutive Olympic Games: Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As captain, she led Japan to a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

After giving birth to her first child in 2014, Araki successfully returned to competitive volleyball and concluded her playing career following the Tokyo Olympics. Today, she serves as Team Coordinator for Queenseis Kariya and remains active in volleyball development and high-performance initiatives. She also serves as a board member of the Japanese Olympic Committee and on its Athletes’ Commission, while continuing her work through speaking engagements and other activities.

Eri Tosaka began wrestling at the age of nine and went on to attend Shigakukan High School. From 2013 to 2015, she won three consecutive World Wrestling Championships in the women’s 48 kg category. In 2016, she won the gold medal at the Rio Olympics.

Tosaka married in 2020 and welcomed her first child, a son, in 2021. After retiring from competitive wrestling in 2022, she has remained active through media appearances, events, and speaking engagements.

In 2023, she founded the general incorporated association Smile Compass, where she serves as chairperson, promoting the joy of sports and sharing its value with children to discover the value of an active lifestyle.

Sara Dosho began wrestling at the age of eight, inspired by her father. After winning consecutive national titles, she went on to attend Shigakukan High School. She later won medals at the World Wrestling Championships before claiming the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Dosho continued to compete at the highest level, earning medals at the Asian Championships and World Wrestling Championships. She retired from competitive wrestling in March 2023.

Today, she serves as a coach for the Shigakukan University wrestling team, her alma mater, where she is dedicated to developing the next generation of athletes.

Yuuka Kagami won the All-Japan Youth Wrestling Championships five times during her time with Thunder Kids in Tochigi. She moved to Tokyo in her third year of junior high school to join the JOC Elite Academy and later attended Teikyo High School, where she won three consecutive Inter-High titles.

After entering Toyo University in 2020, Kagami won back-to-back titles at the All-Japan Wrestling Championships and finished second at the Asian Wrestling Championships. She also won silver at the 2022 World Wrestling Championships before claiming her first world title in 2023.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kagami made history by winning Japan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the women’s heaviest weight class.

Shingo Kunieda began using a wheelchair at the age of nine after being diagnosed with a spinal cord tumor. He discovered wheelchair tennis at 11 and went on to become the first Asian player to reach world No. 1 in 2006.

In 2007, Kunieda became the first wheelchair tennis player in history to achieve a calendar-year Grand Slam. In 2009, he became Japan’s first professional wheelchair tennis player, continuing to set records, including a 107-match singles winning streak.

At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in 2021, he won the gold medal. In 2022, he completed both a Career Grand Slam and Career Golden Slam, including his first Wimbledon title.

After an unprecedented career, Kunieda retired in January 2023 while ranked world No. 1. He continues to be active across a wide range of fields.

Rika Fujiwara began playing tennis at the age of six and turned professional in 1999 during her final year of high school. She represented Japan for 11 years and competed in the main draws of all four Grand Slam tournaments in both singles and doubles.

In doubles, she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the semifinals of the French Open in 2002, rising to a career-high world ranking of No. 13. In Japan, she won the All Japan Tennis Championships six times, including singles titles in 2001 and 2011, and received the Japan League Most Valuable Player Award a record five times.

After retiring from professional tennis in March 2020, Fujiwara has remained active through tennis promotion and coaching, and speaking engagements. In 2024, she began competing in pickleball, and in 2025, she became the first Japanese woman to win a medal in the PPA Tour Asia professional singles category.

At just 15 years old, Ryo Ishikawa became the youngest winner in Japanese professional tour history as an amateur, claiming victory at the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup and earning the nickname "The Bashful Prince." He turned professional in 2008.

From 2013 to 2017, Ishikawa competed primarily on the US PGA Tour, gaining valuable experience on the world stage.

He continues to compete on tours both in Japan and abroad, and dedicates himself to nurturing the next generation of junior golfers — including through CLOUD HEART's "First Golf DAY."

Yusaku Miyazato was coached by his father from a young age and won numerous titles throughout his junior career. He also found success on tour while at university before turning professional, earning his first professional victory at the age of 33.

In 2013, Miyazato won the Japan Series Championship and continued to achieve strong results on the Japanese tour. After competing in Europe, he returned to Japan as his primary tour in 2020. In 2023, his career earnings surpassed ¥900 million.

Yuki Inamori began playing golf at the age of six and passed his professional qualifying test in 2011 at just 16, becoming the youngest qualifier since 2007. Soon after turning professional, he claimed his first professional title and went on to win on the developmental Challenge Tour while securing a regular spot on the main tour.

In 2018, Inamori won his first Japan Open title. He continued to build on his success and recorded his fifth professional victory in 2023.

Naoto Nakanishi began making his mark early, winning the Nikkan Amateur Championship as a high school sophomore and the Kansai Amateur Championship during his time at Nihon University. He turned professional in 2010.

In 2021, Nakanishi delivered an impressive performance at the ZOZO Championship on the PGA TOUR. In 2022, he also served as Vice Chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Players Association, further demonstrating his leadership both on and off the course.

Daijiro Izumida began playing golf at the Medaka Club, founded by the father of professional golfer Sakura Yokomine. During high school, he won the Kyushu Junior Championship three consecutive times before turning professional after graduation.

He made his debut on the developmental Challenge Tour in 2012 and claimed his first victory at the age of 19. In 2018, Izumida earned his first victory on the regular tour at the RIZAP KBC Augusta and continued to deliver consistent results.

In 2022, he finished runner-up twice at finished runner-up twice at the Japan Series, rising to a career-best 22nd in the money rankings.

Atomu Shigenaga won the Kyushu Junior Championship while in middle school and later claimed victory at the National High School Spring Golf Championship as a student at Oki Gakuen High School. He turned professional in 2008.

Despite facing health challenges, Shigenaga continued his career on the professional tour. In 2016, during the week of the Kumamoto Earthquake, he finished fourth at the Token Homemate Cup after competing in the final group on Sunday. Two years later, in 2018, he returned to the same tournament and claimed his first professional victory.

Rui Kitada was selected to represent Japan while still in high school and continued to develop her talent at university. She passed her professional qualifying test on her first attempt in 2002 and made her tour debut the following year.

In 2004, Kitada claimed three victories, including the Nichirei Cup World Ladies, NEC Karuizawa 72, and SANKYO Ladies, finishing third on the money list and quickly establishing herself as one of Japan’s leading players. In 2005, she became the inaugural champion of the Women’s World Cup of Golf, won the title again in 2007, and secured her sixth career victory in 2010.

After taking time away from competition to raise her family, Kitada now remains active through corporate pro-am events and golf tournament commentary.

Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi began curling in the third grade of elementary school. He has won the Japan Curling Championship 10 times and achieved a best finish of fourth at the World Curling Championships.

Yamaguchi has also won the Japan Mixed Doubles Curling Championship three times, with a best finish of fifth at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship. In 2018, he helped Japan qualify for the Winter Olympics for the first time in 20 years.

In February 2025, Yamaguchi contributed to SC Karuizawa Club’s victory at the Japan Curling Championship Yokohama 2025.

Makoto Tobe finished third in the 23rd Elementary School Shogi Meijin Tournament in 1998 and entered the Japan Shogi Association’s apprentice school at the age of 12. He made his professional debut in 2006 at the age of 20.

In the 2009 Ōi Tournament preliminary rounds, Tobe advanced to the challenger selection league. In the White Group, he defeated top players including Yoshiharu Habu and finished with a 4–1 record, earning a playoff against Habu, who had the same record. Although he narrowly missed advancing to the final challenger determination match, Tobe finished the 2009 season with 32 wins and 10 losses and a winning percentage of .7619, ranking second in winning percentage.

For his outstanding performance that season, he received the Japan Shogi Association’s Best Newcomer Award.

Akira Watanabe ranks fourth all-time in total major title victories, behind only Yoshiharu Habu, Yasuharu Oyama, and Makoto Nakahara. He holds the lifetime titles of Eisei Ryūō and Eisei Kioh.

Watanabe made his professional debut in 2000 at the age of 15. In 2004, at just 20, he became the youngest player at the time to win the Ryūō title, one of the two most prestigious titles in professional shogi alongside the Meijin.

In 2008, Watanabe won the Ryūō title for the fifth consecutive year, becoming the first player to earn the qualification for Eisei Ryūō. In March 2013, he won his first Ōshō title, followed later that month by his first Kioh title. With these victories, he became the eighth player in history to hold three major titles simultaneously.

Chihiro Morita spent 14 years working at an elementary school, supporting the growth and development of children with diverse needs, including those with special needs. Alongside her work as an educator, she pursued her own artistic practice.

In recent years, she has also founded Hyōgen no Asobiba, a creative space where she shares the joy of self-expression with children and others through art.

Mitsuaki Iwai works as a photographer, specializing in commercial photography for companies and serving as a dedicated photographer for artists. His work has also been featured in an interview with Citizen Magazine, an American art magazine.

He has been involved in video productions for charity initiatives supporting people with rare diseases and other causes. In the Philippines, he has also participated in medical volunteer work, using photography and video to support street children and contribute to improving access to medical care.