Toronto Blue Jays’ new Japanese recruit Kazuma Okamoto confirmed his participation in the World Baseball Classic, receiving full support from the team.

Kazuma Okamoto, who joined the Toronto Blue Jays this season via the posting system, formally announced today his desire to compete in the March World Baseball Classic (WBC) and confirmed he has the team’s approval.

At 29 years old, Okamoto shared that it was his daughter’s advice that influenced his decision to sign with the Blue Jays. After attending a media event organized by the team yesterday, he told Japanese reporters of his eagerness to join “Samurai Japan”: “I deeply aspire to wear that uniform; it is the highest honor, and I am fully prepared.”

Although participating in the WBC during his first season with the Blue Jays might create early challenges in terms of physical conditioning and team adjustment, he has officially expressed his intention to compete, following in the footsteps of “Murakami the God” Munetaka Murakami who joined the White Sox. In contrast, Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai has declined to participate in the Classic.

Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins clearly expressed support for Kazuma Okamoto’s participation in the WBC. He emphasized, “I want to reiterate that as a team, we highly value and fully support the World Baseball Classic.”