The Sawamura Award is a prestigious honor in Japanese professional baseball, awarded annually to the best starting pitcher in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. Established in 1989, the award is named after Eiji Sawamura, a legendary pitcher known for his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. To qualify for the Sawamura Award, pitchers must meet specific criteria, including a minimum number of innings pitched and a strong performance in various statistical categories. The award aims to recognize outstanding talent and excellence in pitching, celebrating the achievements of players in the NPB.