Overview
A no-hitter is recorded when a pitcher allows no hits and no runs through a complete game. NPB has seen nearly 100 no-hitters as of 2024, with Eiji Sawamura holding the record of three career no-hitters. In 1995, Hideo Nomo achieved one with the Kintetsu Buffaloes before later throwing two no-hitters in MLB. In 2022, Lotte's Roki Sasaki carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his start following his perfect game, generating enormous attention. A no-hitter can still be achieved even if runners reach base via walks or errors, as long as no hits are allowed. A perfect game, which permits no baserunners at all, represents an even higher tier of achievement. If a game goes to extra innings, the pitcher must maintain the no-hit bid beyond nine innings, significantly increasing the difficulty.