# Death of Japanese baseball star Eiji Itō > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-japanese-baseball-star-eiji-it > Updated: 2026-07-31T04:46:42.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Former Chunichi Dragons pitcher Eiji Itō, also known as Eiji Bando, died of chronic heart failure on 22 July 2024 at age 86. He gained fame in the 1958 summer Koshien tournament by recording 83 strikeouts, a record that still stands, and went on to a 11‑year professional career with the Dragons, amassing 77 wins. After retiring from baseball, Itō became a well‑known television host, most notably on the science program “Magical Brain Power!!”, and later appeared in other shows such as “World × Mysteries”. He also pursued acting, winning the Japan Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Following his death, fellow entertainer Tetsuko Kuroyanagi posted a tribute on Instagram, while radio announcer Kazuo Tokumitsu honored him on a live broadcast, playing the Dragons’ fight song. Former teammate Shun Ite described Itō’s final moments as peaceful, surrounded by family. The family’s statement expressed gratitude for the calm farewell. The tributes underscored his lasting impact on Japanese baseball and popular culture. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-31: Former Japanese baseball star and TV personality Eiji Itō dies at 86 Former Chunichi Dragons pitcher and TV star Eiji Itō died at 86 on 22 July from chronic heart failure; tributes highlighted his baseball record and entertainment career. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-japanese-baseball-star-and-tv-personality-eiji-it-dies-at-86 ### 2026-07-28: Eiji Bando, Japanese baseball star and TV personality, dies at 86 Eiji Bando, famed baseball pitcher and TV host, died of chronic heart failure on 22 July 2024 at 86, prompting tributes from peers including Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eiji-bando-former-chunichi-dragons-pitcher-and-tv-personality-dies-at-86 --- Cite as: Death of Japanese baseball star Eiji Itō. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-japanese-baseball-star-eiji-it