Rakuten Eagles Eagles pitcher Kenta Maeda updated his social media on the 7th, writing about his feelings towards Hiroshima, where he lived from 2007 to 2015, coinciding with the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing.

On August 6th, Maeda posted on Instagram, "It's August 6th. An important day for Hiroshima, for Japan, and for the Japanese people." He included a photo of the "Flame of Peace" installed in Hiroshima City and wrote, "After 11 years, I've returned to Japanese baseball and I'm able to celebrate August 6th in Japan for the first time in a long time. And I will continue to post on this day as usual. I'm writing this with the hope that through this post and through me, the importance of this day will reach as many children and young people as possible. It's an important day for me, as I learned and grew so much during my nine years in Hiroshima."

He further wrote, "Every year when this day comes around, I remember how I felt on August 6th of various years, and I take a moment to pause and reflect. I want to once again feel grateful and tackle the challenges of each day. Although I am in Tohoku, I offer my heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing. Kenta Maeda," and concluded with the hashtags "#hiroshima #Hiroshima #August6th #WorldPeace."

Comments on the post include: "Thank you for still thinking of Hiroshima," "I'm happy that you think of Hiroshima on this important day every year. I'll always support Maeken!", "Thank you from afar, Maeken," "I'm happy to see your post on this important day. It's a special day for anyone with ties to Hiroshima. I'm rooting for your success!", "Thank you for always thinking of Hiroshima. Do your best in Tohoku. I'll always support you," "Thank you for always cherishing the Carp and Hiroshima," and "Thank you for continuing to send messages every year."