Hanshin Tigers' crowd favorite, Murakami, has successfully landed a contract renewal with an overwhelming 230 million yen, more than double his previous contract. The contract comes after the player's stellar performance in the past season, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. The news has sent ripples of excitement among the fans and increased the anticipation for the upcoming season.

In Japan, the financial aspect of baseball has been getting more attention lately with fans and commentators tracking players' income as closely as the games themselves. This is one of the significant wins showcasing the economic potential of becoming a professional athlete. For many Japanese baseball fans, it's not just about the prowess on the field, but also about how these tell about the market dynamics of the sport.

In contrast, while both the US and EU also have hefty contracts for athletes, the emphasis on the financial aspect is less evident. The sports culture in these countries tends to focus more on the performance and team success. That said, player wages can still be a point of interest and discussion particularly in terms of fairness and the economic sustainability of clubs or leagues.