Ichiro Suzuki emerged as one of the most prominent figures in Major League Baseball during the 2000s after transitioning from the Japanese League to join the Seattle Mariners. His presence paved the way for a generation of players as he became the first Japanese-born position player in MLB history. Suzuki's accomplishments have now secured him a place in the Hall of Fame. In recognition of his induction into Cooperstown, this article presents a countdown of the 25 greatest Japanese-born players in MLB history.

The journey of Japanese players in MLB began with pitcher Masanori Murakami, who made his MLB debut in 1965. It took three decades before Hideo Nomo followed suit as the second Japanese player to compete at this level. Today, MLB rosters are enriched with international talent, including standout Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, and 2024 rookies Shota Imanaga and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The players featured in this list are ranked solely based on their MLB statistics, focusing on the quality of their careers in the league rather than their broader professional accomplishments.

To kick off the countdown, a selection of honorable mentions include pitchers such as Yoshihisa Hirano, Hideki Irabu, Kazuhisa Ishii, Kenshin Kawakami, Yusei Kikuchi, Yuki Matsui, Masanori Murakami, Tomo Ohka, Hirokazu Sawamura, Mac Suzuki, Hisanori Takahashi, Shingo Takatsu, Junichi Tazawa, Keiichi Yabu, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Masato Yoshii. Among the honorable mention hitters are Kosuke Fukudome, Munenori Kawasaki, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, So Taguchi, Yoshi Tsutsugo, and Masataka Yoshida.

The countdown begins with Akinori Iwamura, who played from 2007 to 2010. In his 408 games, he posted a 92 OPS+, hitting .267/.345/.375 with 112 extra-base hits, including 16 home runs and 117 RBIs, while stealing 32 bases for a total of 4.5 WAR. Iwamura debuted with a number of impressive accolades, including a 105 OPS+ and 38 extra-base hits in 123 games during his first season as Tampa Bay's primary third baseman. In 2008, he transitioned to second base and contributed significantly to the Rays' run to the World Series.

Next is Shigetoshi Hasegawa, who made his mark from 1997 to 2005 with a total of 517 appearances in MLB, leading all Japanese-born pitchers in that category. Over nine seasons with the Angels and Mariners, he garnered a 3.70 ERA (125 ERA+) and recorded 33 saves with a 1.33 WHIP and 447 strikeouts, resulting in 11.6 WAR. His finest season came in 2003, when he earned an All-Star nod along with a remarkable 1.48 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.

Kenji Johjima is featured next, having played from 2006 to 2009. Over 462 games, he accumulated a 91 OPS+, batting .268/.310/.411 while hitting 48 home runs and recording 198 RBIs, contributing to 5.3 WAR. Johjima had an impactful start to his MLB career after signing with the Mariners, boasting a substantial performance in his rookie year.

Shota Imanaga is recognized for his current success in the league, having started his career in 2024. With 29 games started, he showcased a stellar 15-3 record, a 2.91 ERA (137 ERA+), and a 1.02 WHIP, coupled with 174 strikeouts in 173.1 innings. If Imanaga continues on this trajectory, he may ascend the rankings in future assessments.

Kodai Senga also made the list, currently active since 2023, with a record of 13-7 from 30 starts, boasting a 2.99 ERA (140 ERA+) and a 1.20 WHIP. His ability to garner 211 strikeouts in 171.2 innings during a promising rookie season adds to his potential as a leading pitcher in the league.

Kazuo Matsui, competing from 2004 to 2010, established his legacy with a combination of speed and defensive skills. Over 630 games, he recorded an OPS+ of 83, hitting .267/.321/.380 with 32 home runs and 211 RBIs, achieving a total of 102 stolen bases and 5.3 WAR.

Tadahito Iguchi spent his MLB tenure from 2005 to 2008 and distinguished himself with a 93 OPS+ across 493 games. His contribution included a .268 average, 44 home runs, and 205 RBIs, along with significant base running, achieving a total of 6.4 WAR.

Kazuhiro Sasaki, pitching from 2000 to 2003, tallied 129 saves during his professional career with a 3.14 ERA (138 ERA+) across 228 games. He was hailed as one of MLB's top closers, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2000 with a standout performance.

Kenta Maeda, active since 2016, has demonstrated his prowess as a starting pitcher with a 68-56 record amidst 219 games. His consistent performance includes a 4.17 ERA (99 ERA+) and 1.17 WHIP, culminating in 6.9 WAR.

Seiya Suzuki, who began his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2022, has made a significant impact, achieving a 128 OPS+ in 381 games. His capability to run the bases and hit for power is evident in his stats: .278 average, 55 home runs, and 31 stolen bases, totaling an impressive 8.2 WAR.

Dave Roberts, despite being born in Naha, Japan, had a notable MLB career spanning from 1999 to 2008 while standing out for his speed and clutch performances. He recorded 243 stolen bases during his career, with a 89 OPS+ across 832 games.

Hideki Okajima garnered attention for his formidable skills in the setup role, achieving a 149 ERA+ across 266 appearances. His crucial contributions to the Red Sox helped bridge the gap to the closing role in the late innings.

Akinori Otsuka also played a noteworthy role from 2004 to 2007, achieving a 171 ERA+ during his time with the Padres and Rangers, showcasing his effectiveness out of the bullpen with 36 saves.

Nori Aoki, who played from 2012 to 2017, excelled as a versatile player, accumulating a 102 OPS+ across 758 games with a .285 average along with a blend of speed and contact hitting.

Daisuke Matsuzaka, who made waves from 2007 to 2014, captured attention as a highly touted prospect, performing admirably in his early years with the Red Sox, including a World Series title and a strong showing in Cy Young voting during his second season.

Takashi Saito, a late bloomer in his MLB career, emerged as a dominant closer with a stellar 2.34 ERA across 338 games, securing 84 saves and establishing himself as a reliable pitcher for multiple teams.

Hisashi Iwakuma is renowned for his single-season WAR record among Japanese pitchers, excelling with the Mariners and earning an All-Star selection during a standout season.

Koji Uehara distinguished himself as a formidable reliever, recording a remarkable 2.66 ERA and leading one of the most impressive seasons for a bullpen pitcher, including a stellar playoff performance.

Masahiro Tanaka played an important role within the Yankees' rotation from 2014 to 2020, earning All-Star nods and demonstrating his capability in significant playoff moments.

Hiroki Kuroda made his mark as a consistent pitcher with the Dodgers and Yankees, showcasing durability and effectiveness over his entire major league career.

Hideki Matsui, whose historic tenure in MLB culminated in several notable achievements, garnered recognition as both a run producer and a valuable postseason contributor to the New York Yankees.

Hideo Nomo made history when he debuted for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995, quickly becoming a sensation known for his unique delivery and strikeout ability.

Yu Darvish, who joined the Texas Rangers as a 25-year-old entering his prime, established himself as a dominant force on the mound, earning several All-Star appearances and solidifying his reputation as an ace.

Finally, Ichiro Suzuki, recognized as the first Japanese-born position player in MLB, left an indelible impact on the sport, achieving remarkable milestones during his career, including three MVP awards and a record number of hits.