Matsui's nickname, Godzilla, was recognized as one of the fashionable words in 2002, and the slugger poses with his namesake at the awards ceremony. (Jiji)

On November 1 the star of Japan's most popular pro baseball team, Tokyo's Yomiuri Giants (site is Japanese only), announced his desire to play in the U.S. Major Leagues from next season. Two days earlier Hideki Matsui, a 28-year-old outfielder, had helped the Giants to their first Japan Series title in two years. Matsui said, "It was tough. I struggled with the decision [of whether to stay in Japan] right until the final moment, but the feeling that I wanted to play in America never left me. Now that I've made my decision I'm going to give it my all." Following the decision by the man known as "Japan's cleanup hitter," tributes to Matsui's achievements poured in from players, sportswriters, and fans.

Monster Nickname Reflects Size and Power
Matsui's imposing frame - he stands 186 centimeters (6.1 feet) tall and weighs 95 kilograms (210 pounds) - earned him the nickname Godzilla, after the huge monster of Japanese movie fame. He has many fans among both men and women of all ages. People appreciate not only his spectacular batting but also his gentlemanly demeanor and bright, openhearted character.

Matsui first shot to fame during his days at Seiryo High School in Ishikawa Prefecture. Other teams feared him so much that in one game at the summer All-Japan High School Baseball Championship Tournament he was intentionally walked in all five at-bats in what is still one of the most talked-about incidents in Japanese high-school baseball history. He was the Giants' number-one draft pick in autumn 1992. Right from the start of his pro career he wowed spectators with his batting prowess, and in both 1998 and 2000 he achieved the double honor of leading the Central League in both home runs and RBIs. In 2001 he led the league in batting average, and this year he thrilled fans by keeping alive the dream of a triple crown - home runs, RBIs, and batting average - right until the final games of the season. In the end he won two of the titles, becoming just the eighth player in Japanese pro-baseball history to hit 50 home runs in a season and also hitting the most RBIs. In 10 seasons with the Giants Matsui played in a total of 1,268 games, including 1,250 consecutive appearances (the second longest streak in Japanese baseball history), had 1,390 hits, had an overall batting average of .304, hit 332 home runs, and had 889 RBIs.

Godzilla Crosses the Pacific
The powerful slugger gained free agency (the right to sign with the team of his choice) in April. From the start Matsui was clear about his intention to exercise this right, and all eyes had since been focused on the question of where he would decide to go when the season ended. After stating his desire to try his luck in the Major Leagues, Matsui became a focus of attention in the United States, where fans are excited at the prospect of seeing Godzilla - the first Japanese power hitter to head to the Majors - take on Major League pitchers. American observers rate Matsui highly, with some predicting he will average .300, hit 30 home runs, and drive in 100 RBIs. Expectations are also high in Japan, and even Prime Minister Jun'ichiro Koizumi has wished Matsui luck in his new endeavor. Major League scouts and the media were out in force to watch Matsui in the 2002 All-Star Series in Japan that ran from November 10 to 17 and pitted a team of Japanese All-Stars against a team of Major League All-Stars.

On December 20 Matsui held a press conference where it was revealed that he had signed a contract with the New York Yankees worth $21 million over three years. It is expected that he will get to wear his trademark no. 55 jersey in New York.

The Heart of a Hero
Matsui had a broad range of interests as a boy, and when he was not attending school or playing baseball, he studied the piano, calligraphy, and judo. As he got older, he grew into a very thoughtful young man who placed the highest priority on the other people around him. Success and fame have not changed this aspect of him at all; he still always makes time to autograph balls for children. Matsui explains the importance of fans: "I'm conscious of the fact that the fans are always watching, and I'm keenly aware of the eyes of children. While of course I will make an effort to hit home runs, I also want to be a person who is both strong and kind."

When he is not hitting home runs, Matsui does his best to contribute to society. Following the Hanshin-Awaji Great Earthquake of 1995, Matsui established the Home Run Fund to help victims of that tragedy, donating both his time and his money. He also provides baseball equipment for children in countries that might not otherwise be able to afford it. And in Japan he sometimes invites sick children to come watch him and the Giants play up close and tries his best to hit home runs for them to boost their spirits.

While Matsui faces a new challenge in his move to the Major Leagues, his character and past record provide every evidence that he will succeed. Baseball fans are looking forward to seeing one of Japan's all-time greats step into the batter box wearing Yankee pinstripes next season.