Legal Issues of Player Contracts and Free Agency in Japanese Professional Baseball: The Role of the Players' Association

Legal Issues of Player Contracts and Free Agency in Japanese Professional Baseball: The Role of the Players’ Association

Question from a reader:
I think it’s strange that in Japanese professional baseball, even after a contract expires, players do not become free agents and the team retains their rights. Is this legally acceptable? Isn’t it a disadvantageous situation for the players, and why hasn’t the players’ association raised any concerns?

The Issue of Player Contracts and Free Agency in Japanese

Remembering Nagashima Shigeo: Mourning a Baseball Legend and His Lasting Impact on Fans

Remembering Nagashima Shigeo: Mourning a Baseball Legend and His Lasting Impact on Fans

Question from a reader:
On a rainy day in Tokyo, I learned that Nagashima Shigeo had passed away. Are there people who are mourning?

The News of Nagashima Shigeo’s Passing and Its Impact

On a rainy day in Tokyo, the news of Nagashima Shigeo’s death reached us. He was a legend in Japanese baseball and beloved by many. I belong to

Next Manager of Yakult: Analyzing Candidates Like Miyamoto, Furuta, and Aoki

Next Manager of Yakult: Analyzing Candidates Like Miyamoto, Furuta, and Aoki

Question from Readers:
Who do you think will be the next manager of Yakult? Names like Miyamoto and Furuta have been mentioned, but what are your thoughts?

Who Will Be the Next Manager of Yakult?

Recently, I was chatting with friends about who might be the next manager of Yakult, and everyone had some interesting opinions. I was particularly intrigued by

Kiyohara vs Matsui: Analyzing the Greatest Batter in Japanese Baseball History

Kiyohara vs Matsui: Analyzing the Greatest Batter in Japanese Baseball History

Question from a Reader:
Who do you think is the better batter, Kiyohara Kazuhiro or Matsui Hideki? Personally, I believe Kiyohara’s achievements don’t quite match up to Matsui’s, but I’d love to hear everyone’s opinions. Please avoid mentioning the use of drugs.

Kiyohara vs. Matsui: Who is the Superior Batter?

The debate over whether Kiyohara Kazuhiro or Matsui Hideki is the

Hanshin Tigers Player Analysis: Evaluating Sakamoto, Obata, Umeno, and Kinami's Performance

Hanshin Tigers Player Analysis: Evaluating Sakamoto, Obata, Umeno, and Kinami’s Performance

Reader’s Question:
I’m curious about the Hanshin Tigers. I think catcher Sakamoto and shortstop Obata are quite stable, but what about Umeno and Kinami?

Talking About the Hanshin Tigers

Recently, the Hanshin Tigers have been a hot topic. Fans are particularly excited about the stability shown by catcher Sakamoto and shortstop Obata. As a fan myself, I look forward to their

The Rise of Hanshin Tigers Fans Across Japan: From Osaka to Nationwide Support

The Rise of Hanshin Tigers Fans Across Japan: From Osaka to Nationwide Support

Question from readers:
Are Hanshin Tigers fans only in Osaka, or are they spread across the country?

The Nationwide Expansion of Hanshin Tigers Fans

Hanshin Tigers fans certainly extend beyond Osaka and are found nationwide. I live in the Kanto region, and I have many enthusiastic Tigers fans around me. Especially the time spent watching games and cheering with friends becomes

Hanshin Tigers: Exploring the Nationwide Fanbase Beyond Osaka

Hanshin Tigers: Exploring the Nationwide Fanbase Beyond Osaka

Question from a Reader:
Are there fans of the Hanshin Tigers not just in Osaka, but throughout the country?

Expansion of Hanshin Tigers Fans

Recently, I’ve been hearing discussions about Hanshin Tigers fans. I live in the Kanto region and am a passionate Hanshin supporter myself, so it’s great to know there are others who feel the same way. I often

Nagashima Shigeo and Matsui Hideki: Exploring Their Baseball Careers and Legacy

Nagashima Shigeo and Matsui Hideki: Exploring Their Baseball Careers and Legacy

Question from Readers:
Did Nagashima Shigeo and Matsui Hideki’s careers overlap?

Nagashima Shigeo and Matsui Hideki’s Careers

Nagashima Shigeo and Matsui Hideki are both iconic figures in Japanese baseball. Just hearing their names brings excitement, even to those who aren’t die-hard fans. However, in reality, their playing careers did not overlap. Nagashima retired in 1974, the same year Matsui was born. The

Is the Constant Buzz Around Shohei Ohtani Overwhelming? Share Your Thoughts!

Is the Constant Buzz Around Shohei Ohtani Overwhelming? Share Your Thoughts!

Reader’s Question:
It feels like there’s too much talk about Shohei Ohtani lately, and I’m starting to get a bit bored. What does everyone else think?

What Do You Think About the Talk Around Shohei Ohtani?

Recently, while having tea with friends at a café, the topic of Shohei Ohtani came up. His achievements are truly impressive, and everyone acknowledges his