Ryoji Aikawa

Ryoji Aikawa (相川 亮二, Aikawa Ryōji; born July 11, 1976 in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan) is a former professional Japanese baseball player. He plays catcher for the Yomiuri Giants. ^[1]

Ryoji Aikawa
Aikawa with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows
Yokohama DeNA BayStars – No. 80
Catcher / Coach
Born: (1976-07-11) July 11, 1976 (age 49) Chiba, Japan
Batted: Right Threw: Right
NPB debut
August 21, 1999, for the Yokohama BayStars
Last NPB appearance
October 3, 2017, for the Yomiuri Giants
NPB statistics (through 2017)
Batting average	.260
Home runs	69
Hits	1150
Teams
As player Yokohama BayStars (1995–2008) Tokyo Yakult Swallows (2009–2014) Yomiuri Giants (2015–2017) As coach Yomiuri Giants (2019–2021) Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2022-present)
Medals Representing  Japan Men's Baseball Olympic Games 2004 Athens Team World Baseball Classic 2006 San Diego Team

Awards

Aikawa was a member of the Japanese national baseball team at the 2006 World Baseball Classic and 2013 World Baseball Classic. He also won the Bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Faith

Aikawa is a Christian. Aikawa has spoken about his faith saying, "There are always hurdles and obstacles to overcome in daily life, but knowing God is there helps me get through difficult times. I wish more Japanese people would find Jesus Christ as I have, and I am thankful I have been able to play professional baseball for such a long time."^[2]

Family

His younger brother, Juri, is an actor and model.^[3]