Shinobu Shigenobu, the former star outfielder for Japan’s Yomiuri Giants, has traded his baseball glove for a wrench, launching a new chapter as the founder of a car customization company. After a decade in professional baseball—culminating in his retirement last season—Shigenobu is now turning his passion for cars into a business, complete with a new factory in Woodtsu, Chiba, and a YouTube following that has already amassed 55,000 subscribers.

From the Diamond to the Garage: A Career Reinvention

Shigenobu, 33, spent 10 years as a Giant, making his debut in 2016 as a second-round draft pick out of Waseda University. Known for his speed and defensive prowess, he became a fan favorite, though his offensive stats remained modest with a career batting average of .230 and seven home runs in 585 games. His retirement was announced in May 2025, marking the end of an era for the team and the beginning of a new venture.

The pivot to entrepreneurship wasn’t impulsive. While still an active player, Shigenobu cultivated a side hustle on YouTube through his channel Shige Garage, where he customised used cars and gifted them to viewers. The channel’s success—now boasting over 55,000 subscribers—reflected a growing audience eager to see his dual talents as both an athlete and a car enthusiast.

Building a Brand Beyond Baseball

On May 7, 2026, Shigenobu officially announced the establishment of 43 Corporation, a company dedicated to car customization, and detailing. The name, he has shared in interviews, is a nod to his jersey number during his time with the Giants. The company’s launch is part of a broader strategy to merge his baseball legacy with his automotive passion, aiming to create a brand that resonates with both sports fans and car aficionados.

“I’ve always loved cars, but I never imagined I’d be running a business in this industry,” Shigenobu said in a statement. “Now, I want to share the joy of customization with others and build something that lasts beyond my time in baseball.”

Behind the Wheels: The Shigenobu Touch

Shigenobu’s approach to car customization is hands-on. He has apprenticed under skilled artisans, learning the intricacies of paintwork, mechanics, and design. His YouTube channel has documented this journey, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of transforming ordinary vehicles into head-turners. The channel’s popularity underscores the appeal of his authentic, unfiltered storytelling—whether he’s discussing baseball or the latest custom build.

The new factory in Woodtsu, Chiba, is a cornerstone of his business plan. Located just an hour from Tokyo, the facility is poised to become a hub for customization projects, workshops, and potentially even a retail space for car enthusiasts. Shigenobu has hinted at plans to expand his offerings, including collaborations with automotive brands and even potential ventures into electric vehicle customization.

What’s Next for the Former Giant?

For Shigenobu, the transition from player to entrepreneur is about more than just a change of career—it’s about legacy. “I want to prove that you can reinvent yourself, no matter your background,” he said in a recent interview. “Baseball gave me so much, but now I want to give back in a different way.”

His first major project under the new company banner is already underway: a series of custom cars to be unveiled later this year. Fans and followers can expect more content on his YouTube channel, with plans to grow the brand’s reach both domestically and internationally.

Key Takeaways

• From Giant to Garage: Shinobu Shigenobu retired from baseball in 2025 and has since founded 43 Corporation, a car customization company.
• YouTube to Business: His popular channel, Shige Garage, with over 55,000 subscribers, served as a springboard for his entrepreneurial ambitions.
• Hands-On Approach: Shigenobu apprenticed under car artisans, blending his baseball discipline with a newfound passion for automotive craftsmanship.
• New Factory, New Vision: The company’s Woodtsu, Chiba, facility is set to become a central hub for customization projects and community engagement.
• Legacy Beyond Baseball: Shigenobu aims to build a brand that transcends sports, appealing to car enthusiasts worldwide.

How to Follow

For updates on Shigenobu’s new ventures, follow Shige Garage on YouTube and keep an eye on 43 Corporation for announcements about customization projects, workshops, and collaborations. The next major milestone? The unveiling of his first custom cars later this year—stay tuned.

What do you think of Shigenobu’s bold career move? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media with #ShigenobuShiftsGears.