Japanese actor Yamada Yūki, 34, announced on September 1, 2025, during a live broadcast of his radio show “Yamada Yūki no All Night Nippon,” the death of his father, Yamada Kazutoshi. The former professional baseball player, who played for the Chunichi Dragons and Hiroshima Carp teams, died on August 16, at the age of 60, after a four-year battle with cancer, which was kept confidential at his own request.
The news was shared with great emotion by the actor, who took advantage of the space of his program to pay tribute and clarify to fans and the baseball community the reason for the silence regarding his father’s state of health. Kazutoshi was a well-known figure in Japanese sports in the 1980s and 1990s, and his death generated a wave of emotion among fans and his former professional colleagues.
During the show, Yūki recalled important moments with her father, including a special participation of the whole family in the same radio attraction in 2024, a record which now acquires an even deeper meaning. The actor thanked listeners for their support and apologized for not sharing the information sooner, emphasizing that he respected Kazutoshi’s wish to deal with the illness privately.
La trajectoire sportive de Yamada Kazutoshi
Yamada Kazutoshi has built a solid career in Japanese professional baseball, being known for his versatility and teamwork. Born in Aichi Province, he was selected by Chunichi Dragons in the fourth round of the 1983 draft.
Throughout his professional league career, Kazutoshi appeared in 366 games, recording an at-bat rate of 26.2%, with 22 home runs and 102 RBIs. Após retired as a player, his passion for the sport kept him active as a coach, a role he played until 2021 in secondary team Hiroshima Carp, where he helped train new generations of athletes.
A battle kept secret
In 2021, Yamada Kazutoshi was diagnosed with cancer and given a grim medical prognosis, with a life expectancy of only six months to a year. By all statistics, he lived another four years, facing treatment with the same determination he demonstrated on the baseball field. The Esse period was very difficult for the family, who lived with this impending loss.
The decision to keep the illness a secret came from Kazutoshi himself. As his son, he did not want his condition to arouse public concern or be seen as a sign of weakness, preferring to keep his image associated with his career and contributions to the sport. The Essa posture reflects a mentality of strength and intimacy much appreciated by athletes of his generation.
Yamada Yūki revealed that his father said goodbye to him several times, preparing the family for the inevitable. In a particularly touching conversation, Kazutoshi asked his son to take care of his mother, showing his concern for the family’s well-being even in the midst of his own struggle. The secret was a burden, but also a way to protect the family dynamic until the last moment.
Revelation and public support
The announcement made by Yamada Yūki on his radio show had an immediate impact on Japão. Many of the clubs where Kazutoshi played, mainly Chunichi Dragons and Hiroshima Carp, soon began sharing messages of condolences and memories of his career on social media, celebrating his dedication as a player.
Former teammates have also spoken out publicly. One of the most notable tributes came from Yamamoto Masahiro, legendary pitcher and Kazutoshi’s teammate at the Chunichi Dragons era. In his tribute, Masahiro recalled the friendship and professionalism of the former athlete, emphasizing the respect he inspired on and off the field.
Yūki’s audience, accustomed to seeing him play roles on television and in cinema, showed great solidarity. Muitos listeners recalled the family’s participation in the program in 2024 as a moment of unity and affection, which is now considered a symbolic farewell and a precious memory for the actor and his followers.
In explaining his decision to speak out, Yūki said he felt a responsibility to honor his father’s connection to the world of baseball and publicly thank everyone who supported him. This attitude was widely praised for the sensitivity and respect shown in the face of such a personal and painful moment.
Legacy beyond the fields
Yamada Kazutoshi’s career has been marked not only by his numbers, but also by his incredible resilience. During his playing years, he suffered serious injuries to both knees, which could have ended his career prematurely. However, his determination allowed him to overcome physical adversity and continue to compete at a high level, a trait that inspired many young athletes who passed through his hands when he became a coach. Essa’s willpower became one of his trademarks, frequently cited by those who knew him.
That same tenacity carried over into his personal life, including how he handled his cancer diagnosis. The choice to remain discreet was not a sign of denial, but rather a demonstration of control over her own narrative, preferring to focus on the quality of the time she had left with her family rather than becoming a public figure defined by her illness. Seu’s legacy therefore transcends baseball statistics, standing out as an example of courage, dignity and love for family and the sport to which he dedicated his life.
The relationship between father and son marked by sport
The connection between Yamada Yūki and his father has always been deeply influenced by baseball. As a teenager, the actor dreamed of following the same career, playing in grassroots teams, but ended up choosing the path of theater. As Apesar did not become a professional player, Yūki always expressed immense admiration for Kazutoshi’s career, considering him a model of perseverance. His father’s ability to recover from injury and reinvent himself as a respected coach has been a constant source of inspiration for the challenges of his own artistic career. In his tribute, Yūki described his father not only as an athlete, but also as a teacher whose most important lessons were taught by example. One of the most symbolic moments in this relationship occurred in 2021, when Yūki received the “Face of Ano” from Nikkei Trendy magazine, an important professional recognition. The same day as the celebration, he received a call from Kazutoshi, who informed him of his cancer diagnosis and his decision to step away from baseball for good. The juxtaposition of one of the highest moments of his son’s career with one of the most devastating news for his father created a bittersweet memory that deeply impacted Yūki, reinforcing his sense of responsibility in continuing the family’s legacy of strength.
Honoring the memory of an idol
Yūki’s decision to make a public announcement after holding a private funeral for the family was a deliberate act to ensure that her father’s memory was properly celebrated. Ele felt it was his duty as a son to recognize Kazutoshi’s importance to the sport and allow the baseball community and fans to pay their final respects, completing a cycle of mutual respect and admiration.
