Munetaka Murakami Biography: Age, Parents, Height, Net Worth, Brothers, Girlfriend, Salary, Contract, Stats
Munetaka Murakami, popularly called Mune, is a Japanese professional baseball player celebrated for his powerful batting and record-breaking achievements. He plays first base for the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball.
Before joining the American league, he became one of Japan’s most successful baseball stars, winning major individual awards and helping Japan capture international titles.
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| Real Name: | Munetaka Murakami |
| Stage Name: | Mune |
| Born: | February 2, 2000 (age 26 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan |
| Nationality: | Japanese |
| Ethnicity: | Japanese |
| Height: | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Parents: | Kimiya Murakami (father) and Fumiyo Murakami (mother) |
| Siblings: | Tomoyuki Murakami (older brother) and Keita Murakami (younger brother) |
| Occupation: | Professional Baseball Player |
| Net Worth: | $10 million |
Early life and education
Munetaka Murakami was born on February 2, 2000, in Kumamoto, Japan. His father, Kimiya Murakami, played baseball during his school years, while his mother, Fumiyo Murakami, played volleyball.
Growing up in an athletic family helped shape his interest in sports.
Murakami began playing baseball at a young age and developed into a promising hitter. He attended Kyushu Gakuin High School in his hometown, where he hit 52 home runs during his high school career. His performances attracted attention from professional baseball teams across Japan.
In 2017, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows selected Murakami in the first round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft. The Yomiuri Giants and Rakuten Golden Eagles also sought him in that round, but Yakult won the lottery for his negotiating rights.
This marked the beginning of his professional baseball journey.
Career
Murakami made his professional debut for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows on September 16, 2018, hitting a home run in his first plate appearance. In 2019, he hit 36 home runs and earned the Central League Rookie of the Year award.
In 2021, he won his first Central League Most Valuable Player award and helped Yakult win the Japan Series championship. He repeated his MVP success in 2022, hitting 56 home runs and winning the batting Triple Crown by leading the league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in.
His home-run total established a record for a Japanese-born player in a single NPB season.
Murakami represented Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He delivered a decisive walk-off double against Mexico in the semifinal and hit a game-tying home run against the United States in the final, helping Japan win the championship.
After eight seasons in Japan, Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox in December 2025. He made his MLB debut on March 26, 2026.
In the 2026 regular season, he recorded 35 home runs and 77 RBIs in 127 games and earned an American League All-Star selection and the May 2026 American League Rookie of the Month award.
Personal life
Munetaka Murakami comes from a sports-oriented family. His father, Kimiya, played baseball in school, while his mother, Fumiyo, played volleyball.
His older brother, Tomoyuki, and younger brother, Keita, are also part of his family background.
Murakami generally keeps his personal life private. Reports in April 2023 linked him romantically to Japanese professional golfer Erika Hara, although Murakami described her as a good friend and expressed support for her sporting career.
Outside baseball, Murakami has demonstrated a commitment to community support. After joining the Chicago White Sox, he donated $10,000 to the St. James Food Pantry and provided grocery gift certificates for 100 Chicago families experiencing food insecurity.
Murakami is a left-handed batter who throws right-handed. He stands 188 cm (6 feet 2 inches) tall.
Net worth
Munetaka Murakami’s net worth is estimated at $10 million USD. His income sources include professional baseball earnings, potential sponsorship agreements, and commercial opportunities associated with his international sporting profile.
In December 2025, he signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, representing a major career milestone. His achievements in Japan and transition to Major League Baseball have increased his international visibility and earning potential.
Selected career highlights
- 2017: Selected in the first round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
- 2018: Made his professional debut and hit a home run in his first NPB plate appearance.
- 2019: Won the Central League Rookie of the Year award after hitting 36 home runs.
- 2021: Won the Central League Most Valuable Player award and helped Yakult win the Japan Series.
- 2022: Earned his second consecutive Central League MVP award, won the batting Triple Crown, and hit 56 home runs, setting a record for a Japanese-born player in a single NPB season.
- 2023: Helped Japan win the World Baseball Classic, delivering a walk-off double against Mexico in the semifinal.
- 2024: Hit 33 home runs and drove in 86 runs for the Yakult Swallows.
- 2025: Reached 225 career home runs for Yakult, setting the club record for a left-handed hitter.
- December 2025: Signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.
- March 26, 2026: Made his Major League Baseball debut.
- May 2026: Earned American League Rookie of the Month honors.
- 2026: Selected as an American League All-Star and finished the regular season with 35 home runs and 77 RBIs.
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