An aggressive lead-off man and superior defensive centerfielder, he holds the Japanese career records in triples and stolen bases.

[1] After a brief career at the company team of Matsushita,[1] he was drafted seventh overall by the Hankyu Braves (currently the Orix Buffaloes) in 1968.

In 1972 (Shōwa 47), he stole 106 bases, setting the all-world single-season modern-era record,[1][2] which stood until it was broken by Rickey Henderson.

At the last game of the year, manager Toshiharu Ueda delivered a farewell address at the post-game ceremony.

He works as a baseball commentator for Asahi Broadcasting Corporation and an independent TV station, SUN-TV.