Japanese baseball player Oda Ueda has announced that he will be taking a partial break from his sports career starting March. This decision came due to an overrun of physical fatigue and to prioritize his health for his long-term career. Specific details regarding the partial break were not disclosed but will be announced soon.

In Japanese sports, especially in baseball, staying in top physical condition is a top priority. Avoiding injuries and ensuring players' wellness is essential. Therefore, taking time off for rest is not seen as a negative but more as a precaution to prevent long-term damage and ensure the player's performance in the future.

This approach is also common in the US and EU professional sports leagues, where players' health and well-being are viewed as essential. Although, compared to the US, there might be fewer instances of high-profile athletes taking breaks in the middle of the season.