Veteran baseball player Kosuke Sano, most recently of the ORIX Buffaloes, has announced his retirement from professional baseball. Sano, who has been listed as surplus to the Buffaloes’ requirements, has chosen retirement over seeking a contract with another club. Throughout his career, Sano has been a stalwart of the Nippon Professional Baseball league, earning respect and admiration from teammates, competitors, and fans alike.

In Japan, professional baseball players are often adored by fans and seen as role models. Sano's retirement is seen as the end of a professional era. News like this usually generates a large amount of discussion, with fans expressing their appreciation and respect for the player's contribution to the sport.

Professional sports retirements are similar all over the world. In the US and EU, when a beloved athlete retires, it's a major news event. The same is true for baseball players in Japan. Fans often share their favorite memories of the players and reflect on their impact on the sport.