From Koshien to Rakuten
Tanaka's 2006 Koshien final against Saito's Waseda Jitsugyo became a cultural phenomenon. Drafted first by Rakuten, he won 11 games as a rookie in 2007 and earned the Sawamura Award with 19-5 and 1.27 ERA in 2011, growing alongside the expansion franchise.
The Perfect 2013 Season
Tanaka's 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA was NPB's first undefeated season, with 8 complete games and 4 shutouts. His devastating splitter was virtually unhittable, earning simultaneous MVP and Sawamura Award honors for the most dominant pitching season in league history.
Rakuten's First Championship
After winning Games 2 and 6 of the 2013 Japan Series against the Yomiuri, Tanaka entered Game 7 in relief one day after throwing 160 pitches. He retired the final batter to clinch Rakuten's first title, a controversial but iconic moment of competitive will.
Yankees and Return
A 7-year, $155 million Yankees deal produced 78-46 with a 3.74 ERA. His 2021 Rakuten return couldn't recapture peak form, and he retired in 2023 with 177 combined wins. The 24-0 season remains an untouchable legend in NPB history.