Departures of note

Born on 5 April 1940 in what is now Jilin Province, China, Eiji Bandō rose to fame as a high‑school pitcher, setting striking strike‑out records that attracted national attention. He entered professional baseball in 1959, joining the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball.

During his eleven‑year career with the Dragons, Bandō recorded 77 wins, appeared in three All‑Star Games, and became the first Central League pitcher to earn a win with a single pitch. Persistent arm injuries led to his retirement in 1969, after which he transitioned to broadcasting.

Bandō became a well‑known television personality, first as a baseball commentator for CBC and later as the host of numerous variety and quiz programs such as "The Big!" and "Magical Brain Power!!". His outspoken style and humor made him a household name in both the Kansai region and across Japan, and he also pursued writing, business, and occasional acting roles.

In his later years, Bandō faced legal scrutiny over tax matters but continued to appear on radio and occasional TV segments. He died of chronic heart failure on 22 July 2026 at the age of 86.