Orix Buffaloes announced on the 30th that they have received and accepted a request for retirement from pitcher Hitomi Honda.

Honda commented through the team, 'After much deliberation, I have decided to retire. Right now, I have no regrets and feel at peace. I am filled with gratitude for the fans who supported me through good times and bad, the organization that helped me grow as a person and took care of me, and everyone involved. Thank you very much.'