Career
He plays outfielder for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Yanagita led both leagues with a.363 batting average and led the Pacific League in runs (110), total bases (317), slugging percentage (631), on base percentage (469), and walks (88). He ranked second in hits (182) and stolen bases (32) and third in home runs (34, tied) and Reserve Bank of India (99).
With the exception of stolen bases, all of these stats were career highs, and Yanagita became the just the 10th player in either league to join the "Triple 3" club (300 average, 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases).
After the season, Yanagita underwent a right elbow surgery and is expected to recover in time for the 2016 season.