Shohei Ohtani’s home run record has been broken

A new chapter is being written for Japanese stars in Major League Baseball , and it’s happening fast. White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami has officially passed Shohei Ohtani for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player in their first 21 MLB games, setting a new benchmark with seven homers. For context, Ohtani, now a global superstar with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hit five in his first 21 games as a hitter.

Murakami didn’t just edge him; he cleared him. MORE: Yankees pitcher receiving death threats this week A Record-Breaking Start Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) homers (1) on a fly ball to right field during the ninth inning of the Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday March 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Seven home runs in your first 21 games isn’t just impressive, it’s historic.

Murakami now holds the record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player through their first 21 MLB games. That put him ahead of every player who’s made the transition from Japan to the majors. That includes one of the greatest to ever do it.

If you thought he’d cool off after setting the record, think again. Murakami followed it up by launching his eighth home run on Sunday, continuing a scorching start that has quickly turned heads across the league. Power, Consistency, and Early Dominance This isn’t just about one stat; it’s about how he’s doing it.