# Chicago White Sox Japanese rookie home run surge

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-white-sox-japanese-rookie-home-run-surge
> Updated: 2026-08-08T02:53:48.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late July, Chicago White Sox outfielder Murakami Sōtaka hit a decisive solo home run against the New York Yankees, a performance he linked to the recent magnitude‑7.1 earthquake that devastated his hometown of Kumamoto, Japan. He expressed shock and a desire to energize his community through his play.

A few days later, Murakami (spelled Sōtatsu in the report) recorded his 25th home run of the season, setting a new record for the most homers by a Japanese rookie in MLB history. The blast came against the Cleveland Guardians and helped extend the White Sox’s winning streak to nine games, with additional contributions from teammates Seiya Suzuki and Masanori Yoshida.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-08: Murakami Sōtatsu sets Japanese rookie home run record with 25th HR

Murakami Sōtatsu's 25th HR sets a Japanese rookie record in MLB, as the White Sox extend their winning streak; teammates Suzuki and Yoshida also contributed key hits.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/murakami-statsu-sets-japanese-rookie-home-run-record-with-25th-hr

### 2026-08-05: Murakami Sōtaka hits clutch home run for Chicago White Sox as Kumamoto earthquake rattles his hometown

Murakami Sōtaka hit a decisive home run for the Chicago White Sox against the Yankees on July 29, days after a 7.1‑magnitude Kumamoto earthquake killed 38, prompting him to pledge support for his hometown.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/murakami-staka-hits-clutch-home-run-for-chicago-white-sox-as-kumamoto-earthquake-rattles-his-hometow

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Cite as: Chicago White Sox Japanese rookie home run surge. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chicago-white-sox-japanese-rookie-home-run-surge