Chicago Cubs Pitcher Shota Imanaga Becomes the Official Ambassador for “Sukesan Udon,” Operated by Skylark Group

On March 26, 2025, Japanese MLB pitcher Shota Imanaga officially became the inaugural ambassador for Sukesan Udon, a popular restaurant chain operated by the Skylark Group.  

Imanaga, who is from Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture of Japan, where Sukesan Udon originated and has long been a fan of the restaurant ever since. During a recent team blessing ceremony at the Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo, Imanaga personally requested a Sukesan Udon food truck to serve his teammates and staff his childhood favorite: the Nikugobo-ten Udon. The meal was a hit within the team.  

Commenting on the appointment, Imanaga said, "It’s a great honor to be the first ambassador for Sukesan Udon—a brand I’ve loved since I was a child. I hope to share the taste of home with my teammates and continue to grow together with the brand."  

As Imanaga takes the field for the Chicago Cubs, his partnership with Sukesan Udon symbolizes the brand’s goal of expanding its presence from Kitakyushu throughout Japan—and eventually, to the world.

Imanaga's Career Highlights
Shota Imanaga was selected as the first-round draft pick by the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in 2015. He recorded 8 wins in his rookie season and consistently delivered strong performances. In 2017, he posted 11 wins and was selected for Japan’s national team. In 2022, he pitched the first no-hitter in team history and led the league in strikeouts in 2023. After the season, he joined the Chicago Cubs.