Ohtani leads tributes as Japan's 'Mr Pro Baseball' dies at 89
Known as "Mr Pro Baseball", Nagashima starred for Japan's most popular team, the Yomiuri Giants, winning nine straight Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973.
He formed a lethal partnership with Sadaharu Oh, who holds the world record for hitting the most home runs, and the pair are credited with cementing baseball's status as Japan's favourite sport.
Their batting exploits captivated a Japanese public enjoying new economic prosperity out of the ruins of World War II, with families tuning in to watch games on black and white televisions.
Nagashima's outsized personality and easy charisma made him a popular public figure and symbol of a confident new Japan.
He hit a dramatic walk-off home run to seal a win for the Giants in the first professional game ever attended by Japan's emperor in 1959.
"May your soul rest in peace," Ohtani wrote on Instagram to his 9.5 million followers, along with a picture of himself with Nagashima.
Oh also paid tribute, telling reporters that he was "really shocked" to learn of his former teammate's death.
"I'm really disappointed that Mr Nagashima, who shines brightly in the history of Japanese baseball, has departed after a long bout with illness," the 85-year-old Oh was quoted as saying by the Kyodo news agency.
"He taught me a lot of things. I'm grateful to have been able to play with him."
Nagashima retired in 1974 after a 17-year playing career during which he won the Central League batting title six times and was home run king twice.
He played in 2,186 games and hit 444 home runs.
He also had two stints as the Giants' manager, winning two Japan Series titles over 15 seasons.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Independent Singapore
9 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
28 y/o man finds dating in Singapore ‘so difficult,' says many women have high expectations from men
SINGAPORE: We all know how brutal the job market is these days, but is dating just as much of a nightmare? Are singles struggling to find love the same way they struggle to land a decent job? One 28-year-old man says that, at least for him, dating in Singapore is incredibly 'difficult.' Despite putting in the effort, like 'using dating apps,' going on multiple dates, and trying to meet new people, he has yet to find a meaningful, lasting relationship. '[I've never] been attached, and there's always a pattern: I go on a couple of dates, think that things are going ok, then boom, ghosted,' he said. 'When I am myself with the ladies I went on dates with, I just become a friend? When I'm not myself with them, it feels way too fake for me. Honestly, I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.' He also noted that many of the women he has dated seem to have very high expectations. '[They] seem to expect the men to treat first, the men to provide, the men to do everything, etc.,' he wrote. Looking for some perspective, he asked other locals, 'Why is dating in SG so difficult? Perhaps this whole dating thing just isn't for me? Anyone in a similar situation?' 'Just remember, don't spend everything.' In the comments, some locals shared their thoughts on why dating in Singapore can be so tough. One person wrote, 'Dating is horrible in SG. Both parties demand too much from their dates. Everything is all about materialistic value. People can say 'oh I want a guy/girl who is family-oriented, honest, loyal, etc.' but when such person come into their life, they will treat that person like a piece of sh*t and drive them out of their lives. It is better to be single these days.' Another commented, 'We live in a materialistic society, and social media makes it worse.' Others, meanwhile, gave the man some advice. One said, 'State what you expect from a relationship (relationship goals) on the first date, and ask her for her relationship goals as well. If they don't match on the deal breakers, there is no need to go on another date, and it will help prevent you from experiencing dates ghosting you. 'I recognise this may seem rather intense for a first date, but the ladies who are looking for a serious relationship will understand why you are asking. At most, you can explain why.' Another added, 'Just remember, don't spend everything and give all the time. It gets too tiring unless you print dollars. In this modern world, we should change their expectations by seeing if they are willing to go Dutch on the first date.' In other news, a woman has taken to Reddit to share that she's been feeling increasingly anxious about her relationship after her boyfriend's parents unexpectedly asked him for a large sum of money. On Sunday (Aug 10), the woman wrote on the asksg forum that her boyfriend, an international student on a scholarship, had been unable to save much since coming to Singapore. So when he landed an internship this year and began receiving a steady income, she thought, 'things were finally looking up.' Unfortunately, that sense of relief was short-lived. Out of the blue, she said his parents, whose business is failing and who have a five-figure debt, contacted him with an urgent request for financial help. Read also: 'I know I can't overstep but…' — Woman anxious after BF's parents ask for large sum of money while he's still studying
CNA
11 hours ago
- CNA
Have dating apps and Gen Zs changed Singapore's nightlife?
Scroll up for the next video X Have dating apps and Gen Zs changed Singapore's nightlife?
Independent Singapore
12 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Singapore's chewing gum ban just got chewed out – ‘Unthinkables' defies the law without breaking it
SINGAPORE: In a country known for its clean streets, organised lines, and strict ban on chewing gum, one agency has just achieved the unthinkable. Literally. A recent story from featured BBH Singapore, the creative force behind some of the most discussed campaigns in Asia, has launched 'Unthinkables!'. This product looks, tastes, and chews like gum. The twist? It isn't gum. By ingeniously steering the country's enduring prohibition, this invention isn't just a sugary indulgence; it's a dazzling advertising manoeuvre. The ban that sparked the bite To appreciate the cleverness of Unthinkables!, there's a need to revisit 1992 when Singapore announced one of its most celebrated regulations — a veto on the sale and import of chewing gum. This prohibition was designed to safeguard public property, particularly train entrances and elevators, from gum defacement. The law rapidly became a representation of Singapore's firm governance. Those who violate could face cumbersome penalties, and the law has been imposed for more than three decades. This altered the simple act of chewing gum into a defiant fantasy. That's where BBH Singapore saw an opportunity. Rebellion, repackaged On the surface, Unthinkables! seems to brazenly challenge the law. Its cheerful, flamboyant packet, decked in exciting pinks, purples, and blues, piercingly declares its source: 'FROM THE LAND THAT BANNED CHEWING GUM.' However, underneath the animated visuals and spirited designs lies a prudently fashioned legal tactic. Collaborating with artisan sugarcrafter Irene Chan, the founder of Oni Cupcakes, the BBH team spent months in their Innovation Lab testing over 60 different formulas. The outcome? A chewable candy that acts like gum but is made without the legally restricted gum base. This smart redefinition of 'gum' is what makes Unthinkables! completely legal — it's classified as candy, designed as an experience. Not just candy – A creative Trojan horse However, this product is more than just candy. Every piece resembles gum and is accompanied by a QR code linking directly to BBH Singapore's creative portfolio. This portfolio includes highlights like the popular 'Heinekicks' campaign and a horror short film for Income travel insurance. See also SAF regular serviceman dies after physical training at Kranji Camp With this, Unthinkables! becomes more than just a different, innovative snack; it's like a chewable business card. It's a stunt that sells not only an idea but embodies the idea: a perfect example of BBH's commitment to innovative solutions and imaginative creativity. What does this mean for the Chewing Gum Law? While Unthinkables! hasn't defied the law, it does challenge it. BBH Singapore has followed the legal guidelines. However, culturally and politically, they've nudged the boundaries of Singapore's image of control and order. The product walks a fine line, and that's intentional. It demonstrates how innovation can succeed even in the harshest systems and how the spirit of a decree can be overextended when the law permits some flexibility. Could this result in an adjustment or amendment of how the gum veto will be understood and implemented? Will there be a reassessment of other 'emblematic' laws in light of contemporary innovations? Or will Singapore tighten its definitions to uphold the original intent of the ban? For now, Unthinkables! stays completely legal — and disruptively innovative. The verdict Unthinkables! is more than just a playful product launch. It's an artistic conquest that drives the limits without crossing them. By turning a national injunction into a brand's most audacious strength, BBH Singapore has done what only a few could try — defy authority without being castigated. In an arena where marketing operations often take precautions and avoid risks, Unthinkables! acts as an invigorating reminder that the finest concepts not only sell; they incite thought, prompt questions, and rewrite the rules. In Singapore, that's as unthinkable as chewing gum once was.
