Hitachi Corporation's President took part in the ceremonial first pitch of a baseball game, a commonplace spectacle in Japan. However, a turn of events took place when the Hitachi City Mayor was unintentionally hit by the pitch, stirring an unforeseen controversy. The Mayor, while startled, was not seriously injured. The incident has gained quite a bit of attention and is being discussed lively in the media.

In Japan, company executives often participate in ceremonial events such as the first pitch of a baseball game, signifying a close relationship between the corporate sector and society. Incidents like this could be interpreted as embarrassing, though they are typically treated with humor and are not expected to bring substantive harm to the CEO's or corporation's public image.

In the United States or European Union, the playing of the first ball by prominent figures is also a cultural activity, but it's more often done by celebrities, political figures, or sports legends. Unfortunate incidents like this might result in some amount of teasing or become a humorous anecdote, just like in Japan, but it is unlikely to have any serious repercussions unless it relates to a more serious issue or incident.