Japan Celebrates Shohei Ohtani Signing With the Dodgers
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The Dodgers' signing of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has been sweeping the nation since Ohtani himself made the announcement. It was a long process, but it ended with the biggest show in baseball coming to Los Angeles.
Ohtani is the biggest star in the game of baseball today, nationally and internationally. He is one of the only players that has a brand overseas, where he is a beloved celebrity in his native Japan.
Once the news broke about Ohtani choosing his new destination, it was celebrated just as widely in Japan as it was in Los Angeles.
"I want Ohtani to play in the World Series," said Isshin Watanabe, a baseball fan speaking Sunday near Tokyo's famous Ginza shopping area. "That's my hope."
The Dodgers recognize his talents both on and off the field, which is why they made such a strong push to land him. The marketability of Ohtani is through the roof. His record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract could end up paying for itself.
"I've been following Ohtani since his high school years," Asihisa Suzuki told Japan's news agency Kyodo. "I want to cheer him wherever he is."
Ohtani landing with the Dodgers is the largest contract in sports history, and certainly the largest investment the franchise has made in a single player. Depending on the return in marketing and other rights fees, Ohtani could generate new revenue for the Dodgers before he even suits up in the uniform — and long after the first check lands in Ohtani's bank account.
His two-way abilities differentiate him from every other player in the world, unprecedented in baseball's modern era. He is an elite superstar in every sense of the word, a once-in-a-lifetime talent.
"I'm so happy. I had been waiting for this announcement since yesterday," said Sho Sato, who is a nurse.
Expect Dodger Stadium to be filled with Japanese advertisements going forward, much like it was in Angel Stadium during his tenure there. Ohtani is a larger-than-life presence, and it all started where he began his historic career.
