Japanese baseball star Sakamoto Hayato has reportedly accepted a pay cut in his latest contract renewal. This was an unprecedented move in a field where athletes often pursue pay increases with each successful season. The exact figure has been speculated to be a decrease from ¥500 million, although official confirmation is yet to be made.

In Japan, there is a higher social value placed on the concept of loyalty and modesty, even in sports. It's common for athletes to prioritize their commitment to the team over personal financial gain. Sakamoto's decision to accept less money might be seen as an act of loyalty to his team or as an example of practicing modesty in a profession with typically high income.

In contrast, in the US or EU, sports contracts often involve a steadily increasing salary tied to the athlete's performance and marketability. A player like Sakamoto accepting a pay cut would be considered exceptional and possibly indicative of some deeper issues within the team or the player's career.