Hideki Matsui: Godzilla and a World Series MVP
Hideki Matsui: “Godzilla” and a World Series MVP
From Yomiuri Giants superstar to the first Japanese-born World Series MVP with the Yankees. Here is the career of Hideki Matsui.
Hideki Matsui — “Godzilla” — was one of the most feared hitters of his era. A superstar with Japan’s Yomiuri Giants, he moved to the New York Yankees in 2003 and crowned his career as the 2009 World Series MVP, the first Japanese-born player to win the award.
1. Godzilla in New York
A Japanese slugger on the biggest stage.
After dominating with the Yomiuri Giants, Matsui joined the Yankees in 2003 and spent seven seasons in the Bronx as a powerful, reliable middle-of-the-order bat.1
2. 2009 World Series MVP
A performance for the ages.
In the 2009 World Series, Matsui hit .615 with three home runs and eight RBIs — including six RBIs in the clinching Game 6 — to be named World Series MVP, the first Japanese-born player to win it and the first to do so as a full-time DH.1
3. A complete hitter
Power and poise.
In 2007 he became the first Japanese player to reach 100 MLB home runs; he finished his MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012.1
4. Why he matters
Japan’s World Series hero.
Matsui proved a Japanese position player could be a champion and a postseason hero on baseball’s biggest stage — a bridge between Nomo’s pioneers and today’s stars like Ohtani.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hideki Matsui famous for?
Being the 2009 World Series MVP with the Yankees — the first Japanese-born player to win it.
Why is he called Godzilla?
It was his nickname in Japan, reflecting his fearsome power hitting.
What was his 2009 World Series line?
.615 with three home runs and eight RBIs, including six RBIs in Game 6.
Keep exploring
Explore the stories, systems and culture behind Japanese sport.
Sources & notes
- Yomiuri Giants star; Yankees from 2003 (7 seasons); 2009 World Series MVP (.615, 3 HR, 8 RBI; 6 RBI in Game 6), first Japanese-born and first DH to win it; first Japanese player to 100 MLB HR (2007); retired with Rays 2012. ESPN; Wikipedia.
A profile dated 21 June 2026. No copyrighted material is reproduced.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月22日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月22日
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