MINNEAPOLIS -- The Royals on Friday added former Japanese star Kenjiro Nomura to their baseball operations department, the club announced.Nomura will serve as an advisor to baseball operations.In a statement, Royals general manager Dayton Moore said, "Kenjiro has been a great friend to the Royals organization over the years. He

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Royals on Friday added former Japanese star Kenjiro Nomura to their baseball operations department, the club announced.

Nomura will serve as an advisor to baseball operations.

In a statement, Royals general manager Dayton Moore said, "Kenjiro has been a great friend to the Royals organization over the years. He was a tremendous player on the field and is highly respected in the game. We look forward to his expertise and insight as we expand our efforts in Japan."

Nomura has been a broadcaster and advisor for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan's Central League. He also was a manager for the Carp from 2010-14, and a player for 17 seasons. An infielder, Nomura had 2,020 career hits and led the Central League in hits in 1991 and '94.

Nomura is a member of Japan's Meikyukai (Golden Players Club), which includes any player that collected 2,000 hits in their career.

Jeffrey Flanagan has covered the Royals since 1991, and for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter @FlannyMLB.