A hugely popular member of the Giants, during his playing career he was frequently the subject of newspaper, magazines, and television profiles.

[1] Hara previously managed the Giants from 2002 to 2003, and again from 2006 until his abrupt resignation at the end of the 2015 season.

[2] During those tenures, he led the Giants to seven Central League pennants and three Japan Series championships.

[2] In October 2018, he was rehired as Giants manager for three seasons after Yoshinobu Takahashi announced his intention to step down.

[4] On October 4, 2023, Hara announced that he would again be stepping down as manager, and named Shinnosuke Abe as his replacement.