Former NPB Star Yoh Dai-kang Tears Up at Retirement Press Conference

Yang Dai-kang has announced his retirement from professional baseball, citing the physical reality of his body’s decline. During a retirement press conference held on August 1, 2026, the veteran outfielder stated that he must face the fact that his body can no longer perform at the required level, according to reports from UDN and Yahoo Sports.

The announcement marks the end of a 21-year professional career. Yang, a prominent figure in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and a trailblazer for Taiwanese players in Japan, admitted during the event that he had reached a point where his physical limitations were undeniable. RTI.org.tw described his legacy as a combination of natural talent and rigorous, disciplined training over two decades.

The press conference featured an unannounced appearance by Atsunori Inaba. According to news.videoland.com.tw, the arrival of the former teammate and mentor caused an emotional reaction from Yang, who broke down in tears upon seeing Inaba.

Physical Decline and the Decision to Retire

Yang’s decision centered on the inability to maintain the physical standards necessary for professional play. He told reporters that he had to accept the reality of his physical state, noting that his body simply could not move as it once did. This admission of physical decay served as the primary driver for his exit from the game, as reported by UDN.

The emotional weight of the transition was evident during the proceedings. Reports from Yahoo Sports and news.videoland.com.tw noted that Yang wept during the conference, reflecting on the difficulty of stepping away from the sport after more than two decades of active competition.

Impact of Atsunori Inaba’s Appearance

Atsunori Inaba’s surprise presence provided a significant emotional anchor to the event. Inaba, who has served as a mentor and “big brother” figure to Yang throughout his career in Japan, appeared unexpectedly to support the outfielder. According to news.videoland.com.tw, the sight of Inaba triggered a moment where Yang’s composure collapsed, leading to a tearful reunion between the two veterans.

A 21-Year Professional Legacy

The retirement concludes a career spanning 21 years of professional baseball. RTI.org.tw highlighted that Yang’s longevity was not merely a result of his innate athletic ability but was sustained by a commitment to “solid and bitter” training. His career is characterized as a legend in the sport, particularly for his role as a high-profile Taiwanese athlete competing in the rigorous environment of the NPB.

Throughout his tenure in Japan, Yang established himself as one of the most successful Taiwanese imports in the history of the league. His retirement removes a long-standing veteran presence from the Japanese professional circuit, leaving a legacy defined by both his on-field performance and his influence on subsequent generations of Taiwanese players seeking opportunities in NPB.