Motonori Watanabe, a revered figure in Japanese baseball, has passed away. Watanabe was a cherished mentor to many notable players, like Yasuaki Yamasaki. His contribution to the sport helped elevate several athletes to national and international platforms, creating a lasting legacy in the Japanese baseball community. The contributions and impact Watanabe have had on his students and the sport as a whole are being remembered and recognized nationwide.

In Japan, coaches like Watanabe are deeply respected figures, both in terms of their professional expertise and their educational and mentoring roles. Their passing, particularly when they've had a significant influence on notable figures in the sport, is often marked by widespread media coverage and commemorative activities. Moreover, in the context of Japanese baseball - which is a national passion and pastime - Watanabe's death has profound cultural and societal implications.

In the US or EU, respected sports coaches' deaths are also viewed seriously. They are often given wide media coverage, and their life and contributions are usually remembered during sporting events. The public may also show their respect and mourning through social media. However, the degree of societal impact may vary, since it's often tied to the prominence of the sport in that specific region.