Who Is Kyuji Fujikawa? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kyuji Fujikawa was born on July 21, 1980, which makes him 44 years old as of 2025. He is widely known for his impressive baseball career that has spanned both Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). Fujikawa began his professional career with the Hanshin Tigers, where he established himself as one of the league's most reliable closers before transitioning to the MLB.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1980 |
| Age | 44 Years |
| Birth Place | Kōchi, Kōchi, Japan |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Japan |
Popularity
Kyuji Fujikawa's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kyuji Fujikawa stands at an athletic height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs approximately 180 pounds (82 kg). His physical prowess has been a significant advantage on the mound, allowing him to perform at high levels throughout his career. Additionally, his meticulously maintained fitness routine has contributed to his longevity in the sport.
Relegated to the nigun team ("minor league" or "farm team") with a shoulder injury, Fujikawa decided to take the advice of pitching coach Takashi Yamaguchi and rebuild his mechanics from scratch in May 2004.
Fujikawa was called up the ichigun team in the second half of the season, eager to live up to pitching coach Kiyooki Nakanishi's expectations that he would be more effective as a middle reliever than as a starter, and appeared in 26 games, striking out 35 in 31 innings with a 2.61 ERA.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Kyuji Fujikawa's personal life remains somewhat private. However, it is known that he is in a relationship, and there's considerable speculation surrounding his girlfriend, although he has not publicly confirmed any details regarding his dating life. He has a close-knit family, who have supported his endeavors both in Japan and in the United States.
It has become customary for "every little thing every precious thing", a song by a Japanese rock band Lindberg, to be played over the public address system when Fujikawa enters home games (including interleague) at Koshien Stadium or Kyocera Dome Osaka.
Many Tigers fans can be seen waving their megaphones and thundersticks to the beat of the music and singing along as the song is played. Fujikawa has said that the song has had special meaning for him and his wife since before they got married.
Net Worth and Salary
Kyuji Fujikawa's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $10 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his lucrative contracts in both the NPB and MLB, along with various endorsements. In recent years, he has also engaged in several philanthropic ventures which showcase his commitment to giving back to the community.
Career, Business and Investments
Fujikawa's professional baseball journey began with the Hanshin Tigers in 1999, where he quickly became a standout pitcher. His phenomenal performances earned him a move to the MLB, where he played for the Chicago Cubs and other teams, notably contributing as a closer. Beyond baseball, Fujikawa has ventured into business and investment opportunities, focusing predominantly on athletics and community-based projects, elevating his brand while investing in his future.
Fujikawa was called up to the ichigun (Japanese equivalent of "major league") team for the first time the following year (2000), coming on in relief in the Tigers' season opener against the BayStars on March 31 in his professional debut.
He saw his first start in his fourth season, 2002, taking the mound against the BayStars on July 21 but lasting just four innings (he gave up two runs). He earned his first career win on September 11, holding the Yakult Swallows to one run over eight innings, finishing the season with a 1-5 record and a 3.71 ERA.
However, while the Tigers had hoped that he would blossom as a starter and used him exclusively in that role that season, his career numbers up until 2003 were largely unspectacular.
Social Network
Kyuji Fujikawa maintains a moderate presence on social media, often sharing insights into his professional life and personal interests. His Instagram and Twitter profiles are essential platforms for fans to connect with him. He actively engages with his followers, offering glimpses into his training routines and experiences in both the NPB and MLB.
Fujikawa was named to the Central League All-Star team for the second straight year, commenting before the All-Star Series that he wanted to "create a baseball world like the one you see in comic books." He came on in relief in Game 1 (held July 21) at Meiji Jingu Stadium, playfully indicating to then-Seibu Lions slugger Alex Cabrera that he would
throw nothing but fastballs by showing him his grip from the mound.
He then proceeded to strike out Cabrera (on four pitches, a ball followed by three swing-and-misses) as well as then-Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters first baseman Michihiro Ogasawara (after he fouled off several pitches).
In Game 2, held at Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki on July 23, he again came on in relief, striking out Orix Buffaloes slugger Kazuhiro Kiyohara swinging and causing Kiyohara to remark after the game, "I give up... he was throwing a fireball out there."
Education
Kyuji Fujikawa attended a local high school in Japan where he honed his baseball skills. He gained recognition early on for his pitching talent, which allowed him to pursue a career in professional sports straight out of high school. His commitment to education extends to his understanding of physiology and sports science, which he incorporates into his training regimen.
His name "Kyuji" literally means "baseball kid" in Japanese, and is often used as part of the phrase "Kōkō-kyuji" (高校球児) to refer to a high school baseball player. He began playing baseball for the Little League team "Kodakasa White Wolf", first as a shortstop, then later as a pitcher.
