Sent over to the United States by the Nankai Hawks, Murakami saw success as a reliever for the San Francisco Giants, debuting at the age of 20 in 1964.

Following this season, however, Murakami headed back to his original Japanese club due to contractual obligations, where his success continued for another 17 years.

[1] Murakami entered the Japanese Pacific League professional team, the Nankai Hawks, in September 1962, while still attending high school.

He proved himself by winning 18 games in 1968, and contributed to the team's league championship in 1973, but was traded to the Hanshin Tigers in the 1974 off-season.

[9] Murakami could barely speak or understand English when he first came to the United States, and always had a dictionary on hand to communicate with teammates.

When promoted to the majors, he was told to go to New York City (where the San Francisco Giants were playing), and was given his plane ticket on the spot.

[10] The authors of 1973's semi-satirical reference, The Great American Baseball Card Flipping, Trading and Bubble Gum Book, stated that Murakami was "with the possible exception of Yogi Berra, the only major league ballplayer who did not speak English."

He also briefly worked as a scout for the San Francisco Giants, and is now a commentator for NPB games broadcast on NHK, and writes for the Daily Sports newspaper.

He served as an advisor to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Japan and organized an annual golf charity competition that raises funds for good causes, including for victims the 9/11 terrorist attack.