Hometown: Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture
Roki Sasaki was born and raised in Rikuzentakata, a city in Iwate Prefecture, located along the beautiful Sanriku Coast. However, the area was one of the hardest-hit regions during the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
The Impact of the 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami
At just 9 years old, Sasaki experienced the devastating earthquake and tsunami. The disaster claimed the lives of his father and grandparents and destroyed his home. He and his surviving family—his mother and brothers—were forced to live in an evacuation shelter. This tragic event shaped his resilience and perspective on life.
Relocation to Ofunato City
After the disaster, Sasaki’s family relocated to nearby Ofunato City, where they began a new chapter in their lives. It was here that Sasaki continued playing baseball, eventually attending Ofunato High School, where his exceptional talent began to shine.
Strength and Gratitude
In interviews, Sasaki has mentioned that the experience of the earthquake made him stronger. He also frequently expresses gratitude for the support he received from his community during difficult times. Sasaki hopes that his success in baseball can give back to the people of his hometown and bring them hope. When he pitches in Iwate Prefecture, many local fans come out to cheer for him, showing the strong bond he shares with his roots.
Known as the “Monster of Reiwa”
Sasaki gained the nickname “Monster of Reiwa” during his high school years due to his incredible pitching ability. While playing for Ofunato High School, he threw a fastball clocked at 163 km/h (101 mph) during a practice game, capturing the attention of baseball fans across Japan.
Controversy Over Skipping a Crucial Game
In his senior year of high school, Sasaki’s coach made the controversial decision not to let him pitch in the final game of the Iwate Prefecture qualifiers for Koshien, Japan’s prestigious high school baseball tournament. The coach wanted to protect Sasaki’s arm for his future career. While the decision sparked nationwide debate, many praised the coach for prioritizing Sasaki’s long-term health.
Impressive Pro Debut
Sasaki made his professional debut for the Chiba Lotte Marines on May 16, 2021. In that game, he pitched five no-hit innings, showcasing his talent and signaling a bright future in professional baseball.
A Perfect Game in the Reiwa Era
On April 10, 2022, Sasaki pitched a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes, the first in Japanese professional baseball in 28 years and the first ever in the Reiwa era. He struck out 13 batters in this historic game, leaving fans and analysts in awe.
Consecutive Perfect Innings Record
Following his perfect game, Sasaki continued his dominance in his next start, pitching eight more perfect innings. With a total of 52 consecutive outs, he set a professional baseball record in Japan and solidified his reputation as a phenom.
Stellar Performance in the 2023 WBC
Sasaki represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and played a key role in their championship run. His clutch performance in the semifinal against Mexico and his partnership with Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher-catcher duo thrilled fans worldwide.
Inspired by Shohei Ohtani
Sasaki has openly expressed his admiration for Shohei Ohtani, who also hails from Iwate Prefecture. While Sasaki focuses solely on pitching, he views Ohtani as a role model and hopes to achieve similar success on the global stage.
