Shōta Imanaga Spots in Japan

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cubs(@cubs)がシェアした投稿

A baseball player who played for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and is now playing for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball.

He is a left-handed pitcher known for his lively fastball. He has been performing well since his first year in the majors and is expected to continue as a leading ace.

[SPOTS]

Komazawa University

Kanda Myojin Shrine

Sukesan Udon

Chicago Kalbi Japanese BBQ

Meigetsukan Uehommachi Main Store

Komazawa University

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Ryann ?️(@ryann__________)がシェアした投稿

The alma mater of Shōta Imanaga.

When he was young, he wasn't a highly noticed player, partly because of his shorter stature.

However, during high school, he impressed with his fastball that reached 144 km/h, catching the attention of scouts. Despite this, he did not turn professional and chose to attend Komazawa University.

He grew into the top left-handed pitcher in the country and was ultimately selected by the Yokohama DeNA BayStars as their first-round draft pick.

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Kanda Myojin Shrine

MLBシカゴ・カブスの皆様が神田明神にお越しになりました
選手のご活躍とご家族の幸せ、チームの繁栄を祈念した御守を特別に奉製し、シカゴ・カブス関係皆様にお渡ししました
日本の文化を尊重する姿勢に感銘を受けました。良い1年になりますように。
※神田明神の社頭では頒布しておりません pic.twitter.com/uk5kBT5nQ9
— 神田明神 (@kanda_myoujin) March 14, 2025

The Chicago Cubs, with Shōta Imanaga, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, with Shohei Ohtani, held the opening game in Japan.

The Cubs visited Kanda Myojin Shrine to pray for a sure victory.

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Sukesan Udon

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資さんうどん【公式】◥█̆̈◤∥(@sukesan1976)がシェアした投稿

Sukesan Udon is a very popular udon chain that operates in Kyushu.

It is common to have the udon served with a soft texture and topped with burdock root tempura.

Sukesan Udon has also expanded into the Kanto region, and Shōta Imanaga, who often ate there in his hometown, has been appointed as the brand ambassador.

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Chicago Kalbi Japanese BBQ

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前田健太 (Kenta Maeda) #18(@18_maeken)がシェアした投稿

A BBQ restaurant in Chicago.

Kenta Maeda, who has played for teams like the Tigers, had a meal here with Shōta Imanaga.

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Meigetsukan Uehommachi Main Store

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@micchbuがシェアした投稿

Meigetsukan Uehommachi, a long-established yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant in Osaka, became famous as the venue where Japan’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) team held their pre-tournament gathering.

The restaurant hosted a star-studded lineup, including Yu Darvish, Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga, Kazuma Okamoto, Shosei Togo, Lars Nootbaar, and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Surrounded by the aroma of grilled meat and laughter, the players bonded as a team before heading into international competition.

In a heartwarming gesture, the bill was covered by Darvish and Ohtani, symbolizing their leadership both on and off the field. Meigetsukan has since become known as the “BBQ of Unity” — the place where Samurai Japan strengthened their spirit before conquering the world.

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