The first Japanese national team manager with MLB experience! Tadahito Iguchi aims for the 2028 Olympic gold medal

Following the conclusion of this year's WBC, Hirokazu Ibata left his post as Japan's head coach. The new manager has been decided: it's Tadahito Iguchi, previously the skipper of the NPB's Chiba Lotte Marines. Having spent four seasons in MLB and being well-versed in both Japanese and American baseball, he is the first ever manager of the Samurai Japan team who was a former MLB player.

Japanese professional baseball officially announced today that 51-year-old Tadahito Iguchi will take over as manager of Samurai Japan, and a press conference was held in Tokyo. His first international tournament as manager will be the Asia Professional Baseball Championship in November.

Iguchi said solemnly at the press conference, "I am deeply honored to be appointed as the manager of the Japanese national team, and I feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders." He stated clearly, "We will aim to reach the top of the world, play with the honor of Japan in our hearts, and give it our all."

According to Japanese media Sports Hochi, Iguchi emphasized at the press conference, "In short tournament-style competitions, individual ability alone cannot make us the best in the world. I believe that only a team where everyone trusts each other, understands their roles, and is willing to fight for the team can be truly strong."

Iguchi said that while victory is important, what matters more is building a team that all Japanese children aspire to be part of, hoping that one day they will aim to become "players like those of Samurai Japan." "I believe this is my mission—to convey dreams, hope, and the value of taking on challenges through baseball."

Iguchi added, "We must not be complacent; instead, we should actively embrace new ideas, blend them with the traditions and strengths of Japanese baseball, and move toward becoming number one in the world. I hope to bring out the best in every player and showcase the unique finesse, resilience, and fighting spirit of Japanese baseball to the world. Together with the players, coaching staff, support personnel, and all fans, I will fight with the honor of Japan in our hearts."

Profile of Tadahito Iguchi

Date of birth: December 4, 1974
Age: 51 years old
Height/Weight: 178 cm / 91 kg
Throws/Bats: Right/Right

After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University, Iguchi was selected as the first pick by the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks via a reverse nomination in 1996. In 2005, he signed with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent, and later played for the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. He returned to Japan in 2009 to join the Chiba Lotte Marines.

During his playing career, he won the stolen base title twice, was selected to the Best Nine three times, and won the Gold Glove Award three times. In total, he played 2,407 games across Japanese and American professional baseball, posting a .270 batting average with 294 home runs and 1,220 RBIs.