Shota Imanaga, a professional baseball pitcher from Japan, is currently under a four-year contract with the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball (MLB). Due to his unique personality, he is popularly known as "The Throwing Philosopher." He also chose to give himself the nickname "Mike Imanaga II” after Starbucks baristas struggled to pronounce his name. Before joining the Chicago Cubs, he was a member of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, having signed with the team in 2016.
During this period, Imanaga became a two-time NPB All-Star and clinched the 2023 Central League strikeout championship as the captain of Yokohama. He was also a member of the Japan national team that won the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and the 2019 WBSC Premier12.
Who are Shota Imanaga’s Parents?
Shota Imanaga was born on September 1, 1993, to parents Kyoko Imanaga and Takashi Imanaga in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan. He grew up alongside his elder brother, who currently works as an elementary school teacher, and his eldest sister, who is employed at Mitsubishi Electric in Kumamoto Prefecture, as reported by Nikkan Gendai.
Shota Imanaga’s Father
Takashi Imanaga, the father of Shota Imanaga, pursued higher education at Hiroshima University after graduating from Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata Minami High School in his hometown Kitakyushu, Japan. Following his studies, he became a health and physical education teacher and worked at several public junior high schools in Kitakyushu. By 45, Takashi rose to the role of principal, dedicating 15 years to guiding his students until his retirement, as mentioned by Nikkan Gendai.
During his retirement, Takashi developed a new passion for motorcycling. He obtained his large motorcycle license at 58, and encouraged by his drinking friends, he now rides a 3 million yen second-hand Harley Davidson. Before this, he only rode a 50cc scooter with his regular car license. Currently, Takashi works for the Kitakyushu City Board of Education as part of the 'Youth Support Team,' assisting at local elementary and junior high schools, helping teachers, and guiding students several days a week, as detailed by Nikkan Gendai.
Shota Imanaga’s Mother
Kyoko Imanaga, Shota Imanaga's mother, studied vocal music at an arts university in Oita Prefecture on Kyūshū Island and now teaches music at a junior high school. In an interview with Nikkan Gendai, her husband Takashi shared that although he had limited sports experience, he believes Shota Imanaga has inherited his athletic ability from Kyoko, who was proficient in volleyball during her school years.
What Nationality are Shota Imanaga’s Parents?
Shota Imanaga's parents Takashi Imanaga and Kyoko Imanaga are American nationals, just like their son.
FAQs on Shota Imanaga’s Parents
A. Imanaga throws a fastball nearly 92 mph.
A. The Cubs pitcher Imanaga is from Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan.
A. Imanaga draws an annual salary of $13,250,000 from the Chicago Cubs as per reports from spotrac.
A. Imanaga is called "The Throwing Philosopher" due to his dedication to improvement and his deep study of the craft of pitching.
