Tokyo Yakult Riders: Former Players Hit the Road in Style!

The moment I straddled it, it just felt right.

Harley-Davidson from the U.S., Triumph from the U.K.

Around 7:30 on a late September morning, large motorcycles steadily gathered at a parking area in Tokyo. Among them stood the imposing German-made BMW R18, boasting an 1800cc engine rivaling some four-wheel vehicles. Riding atop it was former Yakult Swallows relief ace Ryota Igarashi (45), who pitched a total of 906 games in Japan and the U.S.

“I tried out various large motorcycles, but the moment I straddled the R18, it just felt right. I thought, ‘This bike can support my large frame.’ I also love the powerful, outwardly extending cylinders.”

Igarashi is part of the touring club “Tokyo Yakult Riding Crew,” comprising Yakult alumni, staff, and media associates. One of the members shared more:

“The club was founded by former pitcher Koichi Nishizawa (61), also an alum. About three years ago, he recruited members through LINE and other channels. Now, we have over a dozen members. Since everyone is busy, we meet a couple of times a month for mostly day trips with whoever can make it.”

Obtained a license right after retirement.

A FRIDAY the reporter spent an entire day accompanying the “Tokyo Yakult Riding Club” on a tour. Eight large motorcycles gathered, and after departing from a parking area in Tokyo, they headed toward Shiraito Falls in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka, with stops along the way. Riding in a line of globally recognized bikes, they made quite an impressive sight. Igarashi, sporting a black helmet and sunglasses, commented:

“Solo riding is great, but it’s so much fun to ride with friends I trust.”

For Igarashi, motorcycles were something he’d always wanted to try after retirement. Due to the high risk of injury from accidents, bikes were generally off-limits for baseball players who rely on their physical condition. After retiring in 2020, he promptly enrolled in a driving school and obtained his large motorcycle license by April 2021.

“I bought my brand new R18 last October. In between my work as a baseball commentator, I visited several dealerships. I wasn’t focused on a specific model—I just wanted a bike that suited me. The sophisticated design of the R18 fits well in urban settings too, so I even use it to commute to work,” he said.

The R18 weighs around 360 kg, and its price exceeds 2.5 million yen for a new one. Igarashi added:

“Before buying it, I showed my wife a picture and told her, ‘I think I’ll get this.’ She didn’t immediately approve, but she came around, saying, ‘It’s your reward for working hard as a player, so I guess it’s okay’” (laughs).

The “Tokyo Yakult Riding Club” arrived at Shiraito Falls shortly before 11 a.m. After enjoying the scenic beauty, they wrapped up their journey around 3 p.m. It was a nearly seven-hour-long tour.

“Feeling the wind with friends I cherish, enjoying stunning scenery and delicious food—that’s the real charm of touring,” Igarashi said.

He shared that the thrill of riding a motorcycle brings a different kind of excitement compared to baseball.

From “FRIDAY” October 18 and 25, 2024