A stadium full of cheering fans and a historic MLB season opener, yet there’s one T-shirt that’s grabbing all the attention.
Shohei Ohtani’s impact is felt all around, from an impressive collection of memorabilia to a viral social media post. As the MLB approaches Opening Day, his return is more than just a homecoming.
Kenta Maeda’s Artwork on Shohei Ohtani’s T-Shirt
Ohtani posted an image on Instagram of himself wearing a T-shirt with a silly sketch of him and his dog, Decoy, which was illustrated by Kenta Maeda, a fellow Japanese pitcher who plays for the Detroit Tigers.
In the caption, Ohtani jokingly asked Maeda to sign his shirt.
“マエケンさんこれにサインください。” which means “Maeken, please sign this.”
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At the 2015 WBSC Premier12 tournament, they both played key roles for the Japanese national team, leading to a bronze medal victory.
In 2018, when Ohtani was on the move to the MLB, Maeda, who was a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers back then, expressed his support toward Ohtani’s effort to be a standout two-position player with the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani later joined Maeda’s former team, the Dodgers, in 2023.
Ohtani’s 10-Minute Workout Steals the Show
The Dodgers will start the MLB season on March 18 with a pair of matchups against the Chicago Cubs. More than 10,000 fans packed the lower section of the Tokyo Dome, the venue for the MLB’s season-opening Tokyo Series, each shelling out 2,000 yen to catch the Dodgers’ first official practice.
Ohtani returned to Japan for the first time since joining the Dodgers late in 2023, and he stunned the crowd with a 10-minute, powerful workout.
“The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco played in the workout session.
Shohei Ohtani gets introduced to his classic "The Show Goes On" walkout song during the Dodgers team workout in Japan.
He's about to have a classic Tokyo Series.pic.twitter.com/3IiCkvBQyG
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 14, 2025
“Shohei walks out to Lupe Fiasco? How much more I can love this man I don’t know…” said one fan on X.
Shohei walks out to Lupe Fiasco? How much more I can love this man I don’t know…
— doxci (@doxcito) March 14, 2025
“The aura this man has just by running 😭😭” said another user.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, other key players in Japan’s triumph at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, were also greeted with enthusiasm.
“The boys are back in town 💙🔥” replied another fan.
The boys are back in town 💙🔥
— Lucasparmenter23 (@Lucasparmenter0) March 14, 2025
Dodgers Embrace Tokyo Experience
In an interview with “Dodgers Blue,” Roberts said, “[Ohtani], Yoshinobu, and Roki are hosting — just the players, which is great — it’s mandatory, and so just the players are going to be there, all 31 guys.”
“And they’re going to bring this crazy sushi chef and go to some dinner, and they’re going to host it, so it’s awesome.”
He continued by showing his appreciation for Tokyo and its culture.
“I will say this publicly guys, I went to Tokyo with my son Cole in January. It is one of the kindest, best places in the world, and I just really hope our players can pull from how sincere the players are or the people are. The culture is great, it’s clean, it’s safe, the food’s amazing. It’s just going to be a great experience.”
Amid the excitement for Ohtani and other Japanese baseball stars’ retrurns to Japan, a dental clinic in Koshigaya has turned into a mini-museum dedicated to the two-way superstar.
With gloves, helmets, autographed balls, jerseys tied to Shohei Ohtani, this Japanese superfan has turned his dental clinic into a shrine to the baseball player https://t.co/2CkybWuvmv pic.twitter.com/uShOaZyeVb
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 14, 2025
Dr. Yusuke Kamimura and his father have reportedly spent about ¥100 million over the past few years to assemble around 300 pieces of Ohtani memorabilia including gloves, helmets and signed items.
READ MORE: Shohei Ohtani Clears His Feelings on His Long Bullpen Pause That Delayed a Return to Pitching
This is the sixth time since 2000 that the MLB has opened its season in Japan. This year features the most Japanese talent ever. In addition to the Dodgers’ trio, the Cubs have outfielder Seiya Suzuki and pitcher Shota Imanaga, both big names in Japanese baseball.