Orix Buffaloes announced on the 30th that pitcher Hitomi Honda will retire from active duty at the end of this season at his own request.

He joined the team as a fourth-round draft pick in 2017 from Seisa Kokusai High School Shonan in Kanagawa. In September 2018, during his first professional year, he underwent surgery on his right elbow and signed a developmental contract that off-season. After returning to the active roster in July 2019, he recorded 2 saves and 14 holds in a career-high 42 games in 2022, contributing to the team's consecutive league titles. In 2025, he had no first-team appearances and underwent cleaning surgery on his right elbow in September.

During the off-season of that same year, he signed a developmental contract for the second time, but was promoted back to the active roster on July 30. In the game against the Seibu Lions at Tokyo Dome on August 18, he made his first first-team appearance in 728 days, pitching one inning with zero runs as the closer.

However, in the game against the Softbank Hawks on the 22nd of the same month (at Mizuho PayPay Dome), a line drive hit by Taisei Makihara struck him near the neck, forcing an emergency exit from the mound. He was removed from the active roster the following day, the 23rd, and was subsequently diagnosed with a right vertebral artery dissection.

With 2 saves and 30 holds in 98 total games, the right-hander who could reach speeds of up to 158 km/h and repeatedly overcame adversity has decided to retire. The following are Honda's comments.

I have decided to retire after much deliberation. Right now, I have no regrets and feel a sense of clarity. I am filled with gratitude for all the fans who supported me through both good times and bad, the team that helped me grow as a person and took such great care of me, and everyone involved. Thank you so very much.

Hitomi Honda. Born July 27, 1999, in Kanagawa Prefecture. 27 years old. Did not appear in Koshien while at Seisa Kokusai High School Shonan in Kanagawa. Joined the Orix Buffaloes as a 4th round draft pick in 2017. Career stats are 6 wins, 6 losses, 2 saves, 30 holds, and a 4.70 ERA in 98 games. 181 cm, 74 kg. Right-handed pitcher, left-handed batter. Annual salary is 20 million yen.