Rising Japanese baseball star, Rintaro Sasaki, recently issued a heartfelt thank you in response to his draft selection. Sasaki, a proficient pitcher known for his impressive array of techniques, was picked in the professional league draft and expressed his commitment to live up to the expectations bestowed upon him. The exact details of his contract are currently undisclosed.

In Japan, sports, particularly baseball, gather immense public interest. Athletes are often regarded as role models. Draft selections, therefore, draw considerable attention, pertaining to the players' sporting performance and moral obligations. The societal expectation for athletes to exhibit gratitude and humility is embedded in Japan's cultural norms.

Similar to the US or EU, draft selection in sports is a significant event in Japan. However, the emphasis on expressing gratitude and humility might be higher in Japan due to cultural differences. In the US & EU, individualism and personal success are often praised while Japan leans towards collective values and mutual respect.