Yukiko Ueno

Yukiko Ueno, born on July 22, 1982, in Fukuoka, Japan, is a professional softball pitcher for Bic Camera Takasaki Bee Queen and the Japan women’s national softball team. She began her career in the Japanese softball league in 2001 and quickly established herself as a formidable talent. Her powerful right-handed pitch, known to reach speeds of 128 km/h (80 mph), combined with a highly effective change-up, has made her widely recognized as one of the fastest and most deceptive pitchers in women’s softball history.

Ueno’s career is marked by significant international and domestic achievements. She earned her first Olympic medal, a bronze, at the Athens Games in 2004, where she pitched the first perfect game in Olympic softball history against China. She later secured two Olympic gold medals, first in Beijing in 2008 and again in Tokyo in 2020. Her performance in Beijing, where she pitched over 600 pitches in four days, including 28 innings against top teams like the United States and Australia, is frequently cited as one of the most remarkable pitching efforts in recent memory. Domestically, Ueno made history on April 27, 2025, by becoming the first player in the Japanese softball league to achieve 250 career wins.

Throughout her career, Ueno has consistently led her teams to success. She has won three World Cup titles, including the 2024 edition where she was named MVP, and contributed to back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2014. Additionally, she has earned six consecutive gold medals at the Asian Games, demonstrating her sustained dominance in the sport. Beyond her playing achievements, Ueno’s influence extends to shaping the perception of softball, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike with her athleticism and competitive drive.