Keio University’s Hirotomo Tsunematsu, who signed a minor league contract with the Cubs, at the university’s Hiyoshi Campus in Yokohama’s Kohoku Ward.

Hirotomo Tsunematsu, a 22-year-old senior outfielder at Keio University who signed a minor league contract with the MLB’s Chicago Cubs, held a press conference on the 20th at the university’s Hiyoshi Campus in Yokohama’s Kohoku Ward. Having turned down a job offer from the financial giant Goldman Sachs to pursue his challenge in the United States, he stated, “I wanted to take on the biggest challenge during my twenties, the period when I have the most physical strength, which led to this decision to take on this challenge.”

Keio University’s Tsunematsu posing while showing his jersey number at the university’s Hiyoshi Campus in Yokohama’s Kohoku Ward.

His assigned category is currently undetermined. He will travel to the United States after late February to join camp.

Due to his father’s job transfers, Tsunematsu spent about three years of his elementary school days in New York, USA, and says he “went to Yankee Stadium many times.” He was deeply impressed watching the active Ichiro Suzuki play at the time, and regarding other players, he thought, “The power they have is incredible, something you don’t see in Japan.” These experiences in the holy land of baseball form the background for his bold challenge.

He sets making an All-Star appearance as his ultimate goal, envisioning the ideal scenario as “competing in a home run derby against (Yankees captain) Aaron Judge.” Given his strong focus on slugging power, he dreams of a showdown with the big guns the majors boast.

What were the words from his mentor that pushed him toward becoming a power hitter?

Keio University

Keio University is Japan’s oldest private university, founded in 1858 by Yukichi Fukuzawa as a school for Western studies during the late Edo period. It played a pivotal role in modernizing Japan by promoting Western knowledge, economics, and individualism. Today, it remains one of the country’s most prestigious academic institutions, with multiple campuses and a strong emphasis on innovation and leadership.

Hiyoshi Campus

Hiyoshi Campus is the primary campus of Keio University, located in Yokohama, Japan. It was established in 1934 to consolidate the university’s scattered faculties and has since grown into a major educational hub, particularly known for its undergraduate programs. The campus is named after the nearby Hiyoshi Shrine, reflecting its integration into the local cultural landscape.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a major port city in Japan, located south of Tokyo. It was one of the first Japanese ports opened to international trade in 1859, which rapidly transformed it from a small fishing village into a cosmopolitan hub. Today, it is known for its historic waterfront, Chinatown, and modern landmarks like the Minato Mirai district.

Kohoku Ward

Kohoku Ward is a modern administrative district in Yokohama, Japan, primarily developed as a major suburban residential and commercial center during the country’s rapid economic growth in the latter half of the 20th century. While it lacks ancient historical sites, its history is defined by large-scale land reclamation and urban planning, transforming former agricultural and waterfront areas into a bustling hub with extensive train networks, shopping centers, and parks.

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm, founded in New York City in 1869 by Marcus Goldman and later joined by his son-in-law Samuel Sachs. Historically, it played a central role in the development of modern finance, from pioneering commercial paper to becoming a major player in IPOs and mergers, though its history also includes significant controversies, particularly during the 2008 financial crisis. Today, it is a publicly-traded company and a symbol of Wall Street’s influence and complexity.

Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium is a historic Major League Baseball stadium located in the Bronx, New York City, serving as the home of the New York Yankees. The original “House that Ruth Built” opened in 1923 and was the site of numerous World Series championships and iconic moments before closing in 2008. A new Yankee Stadium opened adjacent to the original site in 2009, preserving the team’s legacy and traditions.

Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro Suzuki is not a place or cultural site, but a legendary Japanese professional baseball player. He made history by achieving over 4,000 combined hits in his professional career in Japan and Major League Baseball (MLB), becoming a global sports icon and a bridge between Japanese and American baseball cultures.

Aaron Judge

“Aaron Judge” is not a place or cultural site, but a prominent American professional baseball player for the New York Yankees. He made history in 2022 by breaking the American League single-season home run record. As a cultural figure, he is celebrated for his athletic achievements and has become a significant icon in modern sports.