Celebrity Mieharu to Throw Ceremonial First Pitch at Rakuten Medical's Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day on May 23

Rakuten Medical, Inc. announced that actor and TV personality Mieharu will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the "Rakuten Medical Head and Neck Cancer Overcoming Day." The event will be held during the professional baseball game between the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and the Chiba Lotte Marines on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi.

Mieharu publicly announced in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 hypopharyngeal cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, he returned to work in about three months and continues to be active. He will throw a powerful pitch symbolizing courage and hope in facing cancer. Additionally, he will speak on a pre-game stage about the importance of early detection based on his experience.

**Comment from Mieharu:**
"I was diagnosed with stage 4 hypopharyngeal cancer two years ago, but thanks to recent advances in cancer treatment and the support from many people, I am now living a normal, healthy life. I decided to participate in this event because I want people to see that. While treatments have advanced, it is still best to detect and treat cancer early. The head and neck region can be easily examined at an ENT clinic. I hope this event will spark some interest and encourage people to get screened. I also have a connection to Sendai, as I started a program here for the six Tohoku prefectures in the same year the Rakuten Eagles were founded. I've cheered for the Eagles from the stands many times, so I'm thrilled and will do my best to throw the first pitch on that same mound."

**"Rakuten Medical Head and Neck Cancer Overcoming Day" Event Details:**
- **Date & Time:** Saturday, May 23, 2026, Game starts at 14:00
- **Venue:** Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi
- **Matchup:** Rakuten Eagles vs. Chiba Lotte
- **Main Activities:**
- Rakuten Medical Booth: Visitors who complete a survey on head and neck cancer can enter a lottery for prizes like autographed player merchandise.
- Gate Giveaway: The first 20,000 attendees will receive a clear file with a self-check list for head and neck cancer.
- Stage Event: A doctor from the Japan Society for Head and Neck Cancer and Mieharu will share information about the disease.

Head and neck cancer develops in areas crucial for daily functions like speaking, eating, and breathing. A survey conducted last year showed that awareness of the disease name was only about 40%. In collaboration with the Japan Society for Head and Neck Cancer, Rakuten Medical is holding this event to raise interest through sports and communicate the importance of awareness, early detection, and treatment.

In Japan, approximately 47,000 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer annually. It is a general term for cancers that occur in the area from the head to the collarbone, excluding the brain and eyes.