WATCH: Newest Astros starter Tatsuya Imai attends Texans' game

Tatsuya Imai must become engulfed in the Houston culture after signing a three-year deal with the Houston Astros.

On his to-do list? Attending a Houston Texans game was a priority.

Imai, the star Japanese right-handed pitcher who recently joined the Astros, was greeted by an uproar of applause from the Texans crowd at Sunday's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Between the first and second quarter, Imai was seen sitting in the suite of owner Jim Crane, alongside agent Scott Boras.

Considered the next great arm from the NPB league, Imai had a standout 2025 season for the Seibu Lions, posting a 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts to 45 walks in 163⅔ innings. Known for having a five-pitch arsenal, including a "vulcan curve," Imai should be one of the key pieces in the Astros' rotation behind Cy Young finalist Hunter Brown.

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In eight seasons with Seibu, Imai went 58-45 with a 3.15 ERA, with 907 strikeouts in 963⅔ innings. He was a three-time All-Star and lowered his ERA every season.

The Texans lead 13-10 over the Colts with nine minutes remaining in the second quarter.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: WATCH: Newest Astros starter Tatsuya Imai attends Texans' game