Japanese Baseball Legend and Hiroshima Survivor Isao Harimoto Passes Away at 86

Japanese baseball legend Isao Harimoto, recognized as the all-time hits leader in the country and a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, has passed away at the age of 86, according to reports.

Born to Korean parents in Japan, Isao Harimoto overcame severe adversity after an accident at age four left him with limited mobility in his right hand, forcing him to learn to play left-handed. As a five-year-old, he survived the atomic bombing when his mother shielded him and his sister from the blast.

Throughout his illustrious career, Isao Harimoto accumulated 3,085 career hits, maintaining a record in Nippon Professional Baseball. Known as the "Hit Machine" for his exceptional batting skills, he played for teams such as the Yomiuri Giants during his 23 professional seasons before retiring in 1981.

Following his retirement, Isao Harimoto worked as a TV commentator and was subsequently inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.