Hiroshima Carp right-hander Kenta Maeda was the top vote-getter in Japanese baseball and Chiba Lotte Marines slugger Kim Tae Kyun led the votes in the Pacific League as the final results of fan balloting for the upcoming All-Star series were announced Monday.
Maeda received 435,375 votes to make his first All-Star appearance on the Central League roster, while Kim attracted 360,358 votes from fans for the July 23-24 series being held at Yahoo Dome and Niigata's Hard Off Eco Stadium.
"I am extremely happy," said Maeda, who is 9-3 with a CL-leading 1.60 ERA in 15 starts this season. "I didn't expect to get this many votes. There will be a lot of good hitters. I want to make an impact and win an award."
"I'm thankful to the fans for supporting me in my rookie season," former Hanwha Eagles star Kim said. "I want to show my appreciation by playing well. It was challenging to face Maeda in interleague play. I look forward to facing him in the All-Stars."
Hanshin Tigers catcher Kenji Johjima, playing in his first All-Star game since 2005, was chosen for the 10th time.