Nippon Professional Baseball Umpire Hit in Head, Unconscious; Colleagues Wear '29' on Helmets for Support
Nippon Professional Baseball umpire Takuto Kawakami was hit in the head by a bat during a game last month and remains unconscious. His colleagues are showing solidarity by wearing his umpire number '29' on their helmets and caps, praying for his recovery.
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- 📰 Published: May 10, 2026 at 21:23
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 10th, comprehensive foreign report) Nippon Professional Baseball umpire Takuto Kawakami was hit in the head by a bat during a game last month and remains unconscious. His colleagues have started wearing his umpire number '29' on their helmets or caps during games to show solidarity and pray for his recovery.
On April 16, during a game in Tokyo where Takuto Kawakami was serving as home plate umpire, Tokyo Yakult Swallows batter Jose Osuna's bat flew out of his hands after a swing and struck Kawakami on the left side of his head.
The 30-year-old Takuto Kawakami was immediately rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery and admitted to the intensive care unit.
Kyodo News and other media reported last night that during six Nippon Professional Baseball games held across the country yesterday, umpires were seen wearing '29' stickers on their helmets or caps, praying for Takuto Kawakami's speedy recovery.
Kyodo News also noted that although Takuto Kawakami was transferred from the intensive care unit to a general ward at the end of April, he continues to receive treatment.
Japanese media Sponichi Annex reported today that Takuto Kawakami has not yet regained consciousness. (Compiler: Chen Yen-chun) 1150510
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(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 10th, comprehensive foreign report) Nippon Professional Baseball umpire Takuto Kawakami was hit in the head by a bat during a game last month and remains unconscious. His colleagues have started wearing his umpire number '29' on their helmets or caps during games to show solidarity and pray for his recovery.
On April 16, during a game in Tokyo where Takuto Kawakami was serving as home plate umpire, Tokyo Yakult Swallows batter Jose Osuna's bat flew out of his hands after a swing and struck Kawakami on the left side of his head.
The 30-year-old Takuto Kawakami was immediately rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery and admitted to the intensive care unit.
Kyodo News and other media reported last night that during six Nippon Professional Baseball games held across the country yesterday, umpires were seen wearing '29' stickers on their helmets or caps, praying for Takuto Kawakami's speedy recovery.
Kyodo News also noted that although Takuto Kawakami was transferred from the intensive care unit to a general ward at the end of April, he continues to receive treatment.
Japanese media Sponichi Annex reported today that Takuto Kawakami has not yet regained consciousness. (Compiler: Chen Yen-chun) 1150510
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.