Isao Harimoto, one of Japanese baseball's greatest ever hitters, has died in Tokyo aged 86. His life was shaped by extraordinary survival - he lived through the Hiroshima atomic bombing after his mother shielded him and one of his sisters from the blast.
Early life and the bombing of Hiroshima
Born Jang Hun in Hiroshima to Korean parents during Japan's rule of Korea, Harimoto endured severe hardship from an early age. In 1944, he suffered a devastating accident that badly burned his right hand, leaving his thumb and forefinger with limited movement and his middle three fingers permanently curled.
A year later, on August 6, 1945, he survived the atomic bombing that killed between 60,000 and 80,000 people instantly, with the final death toll reaching around 135,000. However, one of his sisters did not survive.
A career built on perseverance
Unable to use his right hand properly, Harimoto taught himself to play baseball left-handed and relied on a specially designed glove that allowed him to catch the ball.
His perseverance led to a glittering 23-year career with the Toei Flyers, Yomiuri Giants and Lotte Orions, including helping the Flyers secure their first Japan Series title in 1962.
Records that stand today
Nicknamed the 'Hit Machine,' Harimoto amassed 3,085 hits, still the most in Japanese baseball history and remains the only player in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to pass the 3,000-hit milestone.
He remains the only player in NPB history to pair 500-plus home runs with more than 300 stolen bases, finishing on 504 homers and 319 steals. Only three players in MLB history have matched that rare combination - Alex Rodriguez, Willie Mays and Barry Bonds.
Tributes from the baseball community
The Golden Players Club, one of Japan's two baseball halls of fame, has offered its condolences. It read: "All members of the Meikyukai express our deep respect and gratitude for Mr Isao Harimoto’s many years of great achievements, and we sincerely pray [following] his passing."
