Shogo Akiyama, who signed with the Cincinnati Reds earlier this week, said Wednesday he looks forward to facing off against fellow Japanese major leaguers Masahiro Tanaka and Kenta Maeda in pitcher-batter matchups this season.

At a crowded media session at Great American Ball Park where the Reds introduced him as the first Japanese player in franchise history, Akiyama said he wanted to join his countrymen at the highest level of professional baseball.

"I want to face the New York Yankees' Tanaka and the Los Angeles Dodgers' Maeda, both players who've been competing at a high level. One of the reasons I decided to take on this challenge is because I want to compete against players like them," Akiyama said.

The Reds signed the 31-year-old outfielder to a three-year, $21 million contract, making him the third Japanese player to join an MLB club during this off-season.

The Tampa Bay Rays signed slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo and the Toronto Blue Jays signed pitcher Shun Yamaguchi.

(Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations Dick Williams (L) helps Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama put on a team jersey at an introductory press conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Jan. 8, 2020.)

(Shogo Akiyama)

Akiyama played the last nine seasons in Japan with the Seibu Lions and filed for international free agency.

Akiyama knew the Reds were the only MLB team that never had a Japan-born player, and wanted to make history with them. Should he be given a roster spot in a regular season game, it would mean a Japanese player has made the active roster in all 30 MLB teams.

Masanori Murakami, a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, was the first Japanese player to play in the major leagues, making his debut in 1964.

"It was appealing to me that there has never been a Japanese player (in the 150-year history of the Reds). I was lucky to be approached at this time. But just signing with them doesn't mean I've fulfilled (my purpose)," Akiyama said.

"I will prepare myself (for the new season) so I can show them what I've got," he said.

Akiyama fractured a bone in his right foot during an exhibition game against Canada on Oct. 31, but he passed his physical in Cincinnati before the Reds announced the deal.

Akiyama said he intends to be in tip-top shape when position players report to camp before their first full workout on Feb. 18.

Related coverage:

Koji Uehara reflects on glory years and life after baseball

Baseball: Shohei Ohtani finishes rehab following right elbow surgery