Former outfielder of Hanshin Tigers, Norihiro Akahoshi, best known as the 'Speedster of the Diamond,' welcomed his first child at 50, proving it's never too late to start a family. Despite being a private person, Akahoshi publicly shared his joy, shedding light on his personal life. This news has generated widespread buzz amongst fans and the wider public, showing that legends of Japanese baseball never truly fade away.

In Japan, many people care about the personal lives of their sports celebrities. It's largely due to the intimate connection between popular sports like baseball and the community. Furthermore, late fatherhood is becoming a societal norm, given Japan’s trend toward later marriages, long working hours, and advanced paternal age.

In the US and EU, sports celebrities are also popular figures, with their personal lives often attracting public interest. However, late fatherhood isn’t as common relative to Japan. In Western societies, celebrities often use these life events to raise awareness on various societal issues.