Shigeo Nagashima’s Supportive Words That Left a Lasting Impression on Dave Okubo
Tombstone Epitaph 2025] This year, too, a national star, a famous actor, and a famous TV host have passed away. Here are some of their fond farewells, along with some treasured photos.
Shigeo Nagashima
Passed away on June 3, aged 89
A photo taken during an exclusive interview with this magazine just before the opening of the 1993 season, which was Hideki Matsui’s rookie year.“Boo-chan, that’s great!”
—Dave Okubo, Baseball Commentator
“Hey, Boo-chan!”
I was once called out loudly by Nagashima-san during a game. It was in the 1994 match against Hiroshima. After striking out in a crucial moment, I angrily slammed my bat into the ground and broke it. Hitting your equipment out of frustration is strictly forbidden. As I returned to the dugout, thinking “I really messed up,” I was called out by Nagashima-san.
I thought the normally gentle Nagashima-san was finally going to scold me, but instead he said:
“Boo-chan, that’s great!”
He praised me. After retiring, team staff told me, “Nagashima-san liked Dave’s fighting spirit.” My action probably went against the Giants’ motto of “Always be gentlemen,” but Nagashima-san encouraged me, saying “That’s fine!” Thanks to him, I’ve been able to live without compromising myself.
Nagashima-san also gave my company its name.
“It’s ‘Dave Company,’ Boo-chan! If you don’t like it, I’ll come up with another name, so just tell me!”
I couldn’t possibly refuse (laughs). Thanks to that, the company has survived for 30 years.
—From “FRIDAY”, December 19–26, 2025 combined issue
PHOTO： Hiroaki Fujiuchi