Prominent Rakuten pitcher, Norimoto Takayuki, is reportedly making the decisive move to exercise his overseas free agent rights. This notable step would allow him to sign with any professional baseball teams around the globe, opening up a legion of exciting possibilities. Dates and candidate teams for the move, however, have not yet been confirmed publicly.

In Japan, players achieving overseas free agent rights is a major milestone. Fans highly regard those who can compete in global leagues like the Major League Baseball (MLB). As such, Norimoto's decision would receive significant media coverage and public attention. The society values not just his athletic skills, but also his pioneering spirit to confront global competition.

Much like the US or EU, professional athletes in Japan changing teams — especially to global leagues — is widely highlighted by the media. It is on par with popular US MLB players moving to foreign leagues or internationally renowned EU footballers transferring to other global clubs. The process, expectations, and reactions are quite similar.