2026·R8.5.25 I assumed it was at the うにまる公園 Park Center, so I did not realize it was here (yellow no-entry tape had been put up around the Park Center building, so I thought "佐藤義則野球展示室" no longer existed). Next time I come, I will visit this location. The photo is of the Park Center where the former exhibition room was located. (Since I went to the trouble of taking it, I am posting it even though it is out of place) Later, when I checked Okushiri Town's website, I learned that after "つぼや商店(坪谷商店)" in this Akaishi district ceased operating as a retail shop, it reopened after renovation on 1999·H11.11.11 as "佐藤義則野球展示室", honoring the achievements of Yoshinori Sato, a former professional baseball player from Okushiri Town. Also, "ハイシャーベット", an Okushiri summer specialty formerly made by つぼや商店, is apparently still produced and sold by relatives as "坪谷冷菓店". Honestly, I was only looking at the "つぼや" sign and did not notice the seemingly makeshift paper sign for "佐藤義則野球展示室". If possible, I would like a sign that is recognizable even from a moving car. (I did not go inside, so I have no photos of this facility)

Yoshinori Sato is a former professional baseball pitcher from Okushiri Island. He joined the Hankyu Braves after being selected as their 1st pick in the autumn 1975 draft. His achievements included a no-hitter at age 40 in 1995, and he retired as a player in the 1998 season. He was a great pitcher with career totals of 165 wins, 137 losses, and 48S. After retiring, he also became a renowned coach who developed Yu Darvish and Masahiro Tanaka. I spotted this place while heading north along the east coast to return my rental car, so I stopped by. The "佐藤義則野球展示室" I had checked online was a large building near a park, so its convenience-store-like appearance briefly made me think "?". Looking into it, I learned that it was originally a museum in Akaishi, but was relocated here in 2021 because of the aging facility and the COVID pandemic, and has remained here since. Understood. Incidentally, it apparently opened on "November 11, Heisei 11", in honor of his playing number, "11". The islanders really did cherish him. By the way, our Chiba Prefecture also has a great professional baseball player. The well-known Shigeo Nagashima, of course. After graduating from Chiba Prefectural Sakura Daiichi High School (now Chiba Prefectural Sakura High School), he went on to Rikkyo University. He then became an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime player with the Yomiuri Giants. His memorial museum, "長嶋茂雄記念岩名球場展示室", is in Sugatayama, Iwana, Sakura City. It is within walking distance of Keisei Sakura Station. Young people who do not know him from his playing days, please do come and visit. 2025.1.5

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This is the exhibition room for pitcher Yoshinori Sato, who joined the Hankyu Braves as the 1st pick in the 1977 draft, played for 22 years, and retired in the 1998 season. Photographs from his childhood through his coaching years, articles, baseball equipment, and other items are displayed. When it comes to Sato, his no-hitter in 1995 at age 40 is particularly memorable. The facility can be visited free of charge. There are only 2 professional baseball players from Okushiri Island: pitcher Yoshinori Sato and pitcher Takumi Sakamoto, selected by Yakult in the 4th round of the 2022 draft.

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For the generation that really connects with the Yoshi-ball, this is irresistible🤩🤩🤩 It closes for winter, so be sure to check before visiting.

Visited on April 13, 2025, but it was closed for winter. It appears the exhibition will be available to view from April 19, 2025〜October 31, 2025.