Shota Imanaga didn’t really want to entertain All-Star Game chatter last week.

“He’s being very, very modest,” Ian Happ, a former All-Star, said on Wednesday. “He’s been fantastic. He’s one of the best pitchers in the game, but definitely, as far as rookies go, what he’s been able to do in his first 16 starts in the big leagues has been super impressive.

“From our vantage point, he’s been the guy for us all year and I would be honored for him to represent the Chicago Cubs at the All-Star Game.”

Imanaga’s tone changed on Sunday.

“I think I can tell the Chicago Cubs fans that are cheering me on as well as the fans in Japan some good news,” Imanaga said through interpreter Edwin Stanberry.

The Cubs’ lefty starter was named an All-Star on Sunday and will represent the team at next week’s Midsummer Classic in Arlington, Texas. Imanaga is the lone representative for the Cubs after posting a 3.16 ERA in 16 starts. He’s the first Cubs rookie to be named to an All-Star team since Kris Bryant in 2015.

“It’s really about his attitude, he’s got a great attitude every single day,” manager Craig Counsell said. “He’s a learner. He wants to get better, he’s curious and all those things keep him moving forward, get him past the tough moments. And he wants more and he always tries to do a little better and do a little more and get better at the next thing.

“Those are just signs of great players. And he’s very deserving of the recognition.”

Since the moment he joined the Cubs, Imanaga has taken the baseball world by storm — on and off the field. In his introductory press conference before Cubs Convention, the lefty introduced himself to fans in English and a line from “Go Cubs, Go”.

On the bump, Imanaga has been dazzling. The 30-year-old went 20.2 innings before allowing an earned run and carried an 0.84 ERA through his first 9 starts. He was the NL Rookie of the Month for March/April.

That dominant run helped the Cubs rotation as it dealt with injuries to starters Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and Jordan Wicks as well as early-season struggles by Kyle Hendricks. The Cubs are 12-4 in games in which Imanaga starts.

“When I was pitching well, around May, it was a thought that was in the back of my mind,” Imanaga said. “And then, as it went on, it was there. But I will say, having the support of my interpreter [Stanberry]. I think if it wasn’t for him, I couldn’t have made it. So the fact that we’re going together, I’m very happy.”

Imanaga is just the second Cubs rookie pitcher to be selected to the All-Star Game, joining righty Sam Jones in 1955.

Any questions of adjusting to Major League Baseball have been quelled in his debut campaign.

He’s been one of the Cubs’ best pitchers amidst a difficult season and has turned into one of the better pitchers in the National League — in a year where pitching has dominated the game.

“I’m very thankful for everybody in the clubhouse, support staff, everyone,” Imanaga said. “Honestly, watching the other players, I mimic what they’re doing, going about their day. And I think the support from them, teammates, everybody I think that’s helped a lot.”