Takumi from Japan 🇯🇵

Hello to all my American friends！🇺🇲 🇯🇵 Welcome! If you're a fan of Japanese baseball or the Dodgers, you're in the right place. ⚾ Follow the journeys of: • Shohei Ohtani • Yoshinobu Yamamoto • Roki Sasaki • Munetaka Murakami • Kazuma Okamoto I'll also share: 🏆 MLB & Dodgers news 📊 Stats and highlights 🇯🇵 Japanese baseball insights 🚗 JDM cars 🏍️ Japanese motorcycles 🎌 Japanese culture My goal is to bring Japanese sports and culture closer to fans around the world. If you love baseball and Japan, hit Follow and join the community! 🇯🇵💙 【※】Copyright & Citation Policy All rights to the videos and images used on this account belong to their respective rights holders. This account does not intend to infringe copyright, and strives to use such materials within the scope of reporting, commentary, translation, and citation. In the event that a rights holder requests removal or points out any issue, we will promptly respond accordingly. We would appreciate it if you could contact us in such a case. #Dodgers #MLB #ShoheiOhtani

Shohei Ohtani opened up about his true feelings during the MLB MVP announcement show. Holding Decoy in his arms, Ohtani appeared relaxed as he reflected on his 2026 season and shared some honest thoughts. First, he spoke about this past season. "Honestly, it was a very frustrating season. We didn't get the results we wanted in the postseason, and personally, I also feel there were things I could have done better throughout the year. Simply put, it wasn't a great season for me." 30 home runs. An ERA under 2.00 as a pitcher. Even with those numbers, Ohtani wasn't satisfied. When asked about being named an MVP finalist for the sixth consecutive year, he expressed his gratitude. "It's truly an honor to be recognized as a finalist." He was also asked about how he continues to improve and maintain his motivation. His answer revealed an interesting part of his mindset. Ohtani explained that he doesn't spend much time comparing himself to his past self or measuring himself against great players from previous generations. Instead, he focuses on the present. His goal is to make every season he plays the best season of his career. And what about next year? "First, I want to get my body back to 100%. I want to maximize my abilities and win the World Series. That's what I want to focus on." Even after being named an MVP finalist for six straight years, Ohtani refuses to live in the past. He evaluates himself by his own standards and keeps pushing himself to become even better. For Shohei Ohtani, the ultimate goal may not be individual awards. It's winning the World Series. We can't wait to see what he accomplishes in 2027, hopefully back at full strength as a two-way superstar.

The reason Shohei Ohtani turned down business offers involving Decoy is heartwarming. Ohtani reportedly declined most commercial opportunities involving his beloved dog. Why? Because he never wanted Decoy to become just another marketing tool. To Shohei, Decoy is family. ❤️ But he made an exception for a children's book. His reason? He wanted to have a story about himself and Decoy that he could one day read to his daughter. Even more touching, proceeds from the book will support animal welfare organizations. Before being a global superstar, Shohei is simply a father and a loving dog owner. This is another side of Ohtani that makes you appreciate him even more.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a surprising hobby he's had since he was just six years old. Fishing. It all started when his grandfather took him fishing for the first time to catch gobies. But what he loved wasn't just catching fish. He enjoyed searching for fishing spots with his grandfather and spending time talking while waiting for a bite. Over the years, his passion for fishing continued. He's even caught a massive 60 cm (nearly 24-inch) largemouth bass! In January 2026, he shared another glimpse of this passion, showing himself fishing back home in Okayama and catching a rockfish over 50 cm (nearly 20 inches) long. Even after becoming a World Series champion, he still enjoys returning home and spending time doing what he loves. There's more to Yoshinobu Yamamoto than what we see on the mound.

🔥 Miguel Rojas' New Title? "Super Specialist"! Miguel Rojas may have retired as a player, but his journey with the Dodgers is far from over. Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes had some interesting things to say about Rojas and his new role. "Super specialist... we haven't worked through that exactly, but he's been great." Gomes also added: "Watching him work with those guys in the Fall League, really impressed with that as he had just come off playing." Rojas is already making an impact behind the scenes, sharing his defensive knowledge and experience with young prospects like Charles Davalan. He was a mentor to Mookie Betts and a leader in the Dodgers clubhouse. Now, he's passing that knowledge on to the next generation. His playing career may be over, but his impact on the Dodgers is just beginning. Could we see Miguel Rojas managing the Dodgers someday? What kind of future do you see for Rojas in the organization? ⚾

Shohei Ohtani’s impact on New Balance is incredible. 😳 New Balance’s baseball category reportedly grew 20-fold in roughly three years after signing Ohtani. Ohtani signed with New Balance in 2023. And his influence goes far beyond simply being the face of the brand. ⚾ His signature products have attracted huge attention. ⚾ He has been involved in the development of baseball gear, including cleats, gloves, and batting gloves. ⚾ Reports say nearly half of the available stock of his signature collection sold on its first day in Japan. Meanwhile, New Balance’s total global revenue reached approximately $9.2 billion in 2025, up 19% from the previous year. Of course, that overall growth cannot be attributed to Ohtani alone. But there's no denying the impact he has had on the brand's baseball business. Shohei Ohtani isn't just changing baseball. He's making an impact on the sports business world, too.

Shohei Ohtani’s idea of happiness is surprisingly simple. Back in 2020, a Number magazine interview featured the intriguing title: “Finding Happiness in a Bowl of Japanese Egg Rice.” It offered a glimpse into a more everyday side of the global baseball superstar. And in a separate interview in 2023, Ohtani shared what happiness means to him: Being able to practice hard. Coming home and enjoying a meal. Getting a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed. And waking up the next day, ready to practice again. For Ohtani, happiness isn't always about hitting home runs or winning MVP awards. Sometimes, it's simply about being able to enjoy the little things in everyday life. A side of Shohei Ohtani that we don't always get to see.

Why is Roki Sasaki so determined to strike out hitters? His own words offer a fascinating insight into his pitching philosophy. “Rather than having the ball put in play, a strikeout is a more complete out. That's something I want to keep pursuing.” Sasaki said this in an interview after delivering 7 scoreless innings and 10 strikeouts against the Angels on June 6, 2026. For Sasaki, strikeouts are about more than personal statistics. When a ball is put in play, the result can depend on defensive positioning, a fielder's reaction, or simply where the ball lands. But with a strikeout, he can get the out with his own pitching. That's what makes it so valuable to him. A fastball that exceeds 100 mph. A devastating splitter that drops sharply out of the strike zone. These are the weapons he uses to get ahead of hitters and control the at-bat. Of course, strikeouts aren't everything. To pitch deep into games, limiting pitch counts and getting efficient outs are important, too. Still, at the heart of Sasaki's approach is a clear desire: to beat hitters with his own ability and command the game from the mound. “A strikeout is a more complete out.” Those words reveal something important about Roki Sasaki's pitching philosophy. What do you think is Sasaki's greatest weapon? Is it his ability to overpower hitters and consistently generate strikeouts?

Aaron Judge was impressed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto. And he explained exactly what makes him so difficult to hit. On June 7, 2024, Yamamoto delivered a dominant performance against the Yankees, holding their lineup to just 2 hits over 7 scoreless innings while striking out 7. After the game, Yankees superstar Aaron Judge had high praise for the Dodgers' ace. "Besides having elite stuff, he's got great command. What really stood out to me today was that even when we got into hitter's counts, he still wouldn't give in and throw the ball down the middle. He kept working the edges of the strike zone and could use any pitch at any time." When asked which pitch impressed him the most, Judge simply answered: "All of them. He's got really good stuff." His curveball, splitter, and 97–98 mph fastball gave hitters very little room to work with. It wasn't just the quality of his pitches. It was his command, pitch selection, and ability to execute in any count that caught Judge's attention. There's something special about hearing this kind of praise from a hitter who faced him firsthand. What do you think is Yamamoto's greatest weapon: his command, his variety of pitches, or his ability to keep hitters off balance?

🔥 Are the Dodgers making a move for Japan’s next pitching sensation? Meet Shoki Oda, an 18-year-old Japanese pitching prospect. The Yokohama High School standout throws a fastball reaching 157 km/h (97.6 mph) and is considered one of Japan’s most exciting young pitching talents. In October 2026, Oda announced his intention to pursue a career in the United States after graduating from high school. He was selected first overall by the Yomiuri Giants in Japan’s NPB Draft, but his desire to pursue MLB remains unchanged. Now, reports indicate that 11–12 MLB teams, including the Dodgers, are interested in meeting with him. The Dodgers have reportedly shown strong interest in signing him. Oda looks up to Shohei Ohtani and is now drawing attention from the organization where Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto play. If he joins Los Angeles, another exciting Japanese talent could be on his way to Dodger Stadium. Of course, no deal has been finalized yet. Which MLB team will win the race for this 18-year-old pitching talent? Would you like to see Shoki Oda become the next Japanese star in Dodger Blue? ⚾

What Roki Sasaki gained in the 2026 season goes beyond the numbers. It was growth. In an exclusive interview with Shukan Bunshun on October 3, 2026, Sasaki reflected on his season. He made 26 appearances this year, surpassing his previous career high of 20, set back in 2022. One area where he felt he had made progress was his physical durability. After dealing with a lengthy injury absence last year, Sasaki began this season in the starting rotation and was able to avoid another extended absence. He felt he had made real progress in his ability to handle the demands of a full season. A blister on his right hand eventually forced him to miss time in the second half, but he said the rest of his body was in good condition. His final numbers were: - 26 appearances - 5 wins, 5 losses - 4.49 ERA - 122.1 innings pitched - 123 strikeouts The numbers may not tell the story of a dominant season. But in terms of building the physical foundation needed to compete over a long MLB season, this was an important step forward. Roki Sasaki is more than just a pitcher with a 100-mph fastball. He's working toward becoming a pitcher who can stay healthy and compete at the highest level for an entire season. How would you evaluate Sasaki's 2026 season? Was this a necessary step in his development toward becoming a successful MLB starter?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto moved THREE times during his first year in MLB. Even one of the best pitchers in the world had struggles that fans rarely get to see. During a January 2026 conversation on the Orix Buffaloes' official YouTube channel, Yamamoto opened up about his first year in the United States. When he first arrived in America, he didn't know the area well or what kind of living environment would suit him. As a result, he ended up moving about three times. At one point, he even stayed at a friend's place while trying to find somewhere he could truly settle down. Looking back, Yamamoto admitted: "At the time, I was just doing everything I could, so I didn't really think about how difficult it was to adjust." And it wasn't just life off the field. He also had to adapt to different pitching strategies, signs, and the way baseball was played in the United States. Little by little, he found his own rhythm and established his style. Then came his second MLB season. Yamamoto took a huge step forward, ultimately becoming the World Series MVP. When reflecting on what helped him improve, he pointed to something surprisingly simple: "My personal life became more stable." Three moves during his first year. A more settled life during his second. His journey to becoming one of baseball's elite pitchers involved challenges that went far beyond the mound. Talent and hard work matter, of course. But sometimes, having a place where you can truly feel at home makes all the difference.

A $3,000 Shohei Ohtani signature bat sold out in just ONE DAY. That's incredible. On November 8, 2026, American bat manufacturer Chandler Bats released a limited-edition Ohtani model called the "SO17.4 Limited Edition." And this wasn't just another piece of baseball merchandise. Here are the details: - Limited to just 1,000 bats worldwide - 500 allocated to Japan and 500 internationally - Price: $2,995 (approximately $3,000) - Built to the same specifications as the bat Ohtani uses on the field - Individually numbered - Includes PSA authentication documentation - Comes in a special collector's box This wasn't simply a commemorative item. It was designed to replicate Ohtani's actual game-used bat specifications. Still, the most remarkable part is this: A collectible priced at nearly $3,000 sold out worldwide in approximately ONE DAY. It says a lot about the global demand for Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is no longer just a baseball superstar. He's become a global brand.

Shohei Ohtani wasn't simply a player who trained harder than everyone else. He was a player who understood his own body and knew exactly what kind of training he needed. In November 2021, the Los Angeles Times published a detailed look at Ohtani's training methods. One of the most fascinating aspects was how he managed his pitching workouts. Rather than relying solely on traditional bullpen sessions between starts, Ohtani incorporated different drills, including weighted-ball training. But what made his approach even more remarkable was how carefully he monitored himself. - Used Pocket Radar to track throwing velocity - Used sensors to monitor workload during training - Adjusted his workouts based on his physical condition - Regularly communicated with his manager and coaches - Modified his batting practice to conserve energy Former Angels pitching coach Matt Wise praised Ohtani, saying: "He self-regulated himself really, really well." Former manager Joe Maddon also said: "He truly does understand himself really well." And the results in 2021? As a hitter: - 46 home runs - 100 RBIs - 26 stolen bases As a pitcher: - 9 wins - 156 strikeouts - 3.18 ERA He went on to win the American League MVP unanimously. Ohtani's approach wasn't simply about working harder. He understood his body, monitored the data, and adjusted his training based on what he needed. Behind his historic two-way performance was an incredible level of preparation, self-awareness, and discipline.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a surprising favorite food… and it's SQUID! 🦑 One of baseball's best pitchers has a serious love for squid. And this isn't something new. Yamamoto has loved squid since he was a kid. Whenever he went to a Japanese festival, he would sometimes eat FIVE whole grilled squids in one sitting! But that's not all. In 2020, during an Instagram Live with the Orix Buffaloes, he was asked about his favorite sushi. His answer? "Squid. When I walk into a sushi restaurant, I order 10 pieces of squid first!" And in 2021, his love for squid became so well-known that his team actually launched a special promotion: "Yoshinobu's Squid Project!" The Orix Buffaloes sold grilled squid inspired by his childhood favorite, complete with stickers featuring an illustration drawn by Yamamoto himself. Even in 2025, while chatting with Ichiro, he couldn't hide his love for squid. He explained that he enjoys squid in almost any dish, especially when it has that slightly crunchy texture. Cool and composed on the mound… But when it comes to squid, Yamamoto is a passionate fan! 😂 It's these unexpected little details that make him so interesting.

A $700 million superstar joined the Dodgers and chose to act like a rookie. When Shohei Ohtani arrived in Los Angeles in February 2024, he was asked about building relationships with his new teammates. His answer was simple: "I'm on a brand new team, so I'm going to act like I'm a rookie." And he meant it. Ohtani took the initiative to approach players and staff, introducing himself and building relationships from the ground up. He also made it clear that Yoshinobu Yamamoto wasn't someone special just because they were both Japanese. To Ohtani, everyone in the clubhouse was a teammate, regardless of nationality. Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani's character, saying: "There's just a great sense of humility and kindness." After the season, Roberts added: "He just really wants to be looked at as just one of the guys." Think about it. A global superstar. A two-time MVP. A $700 million contract. Yet he never expected special treatment. Instead, he chose to approach a new team with humility, respect, and a willingness to connect with everyone. Ohtani's greatness goes far beyond what he does on the baseball field. Perhaps this is one of the reasons so many people respect and admire him.

When Yoshinobu Yamamoto was a kid, his biggest heroes weren't professional baseball players. They were the older boys who lived in his neighborhood. At a January 2026 talk event, Yamamoto looked back on his childhood and said: “I remember looking up to the older boys in my neighborhood and copying everything they did.” Growing up in Bizen, Okayama, Japan, he didn't have many opportunities to watch professional baseball on TV. Instead, the kids around him who played baseball became his role models. And there's another incredible part of this story. Right next door to Yamamoto's family home lived Yuma Tongu, who would later become his teammate with the Orix Buffaloes. They grew up together, played for the same youth baseball team, and spent countless hours playing baseball as kids. According to Tongu, Yamamoto was already incredibly competitive at a young age. He practiced relentlessly, even throwing a ball against a wall in his family's driveway. Then, in 2021, something special happened. The two childhood friends reunited on the professional stage, forming a battery in Orix's Opening Day game. Two boys who once played baseball together in their neighborhood had made it to the professional game together. Today, Yamamoto is one of baseball's biggest stars, competing at the highest level. But his journey began with neighborhood friends, childhood dreams, and countless hours of practice. Sometimes, the most incredible stories have the simplest beginnings. What's your favorite lesser-known story about Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

One thing Shohei Ohtani hasn't changed in over a decade: his commitment to sleep. For Ohtani, sleep isn't just rest. It's an essential part of preparing to perform at the highest level. His dedication is remarkable: - Aims for 10 hours of sleep at night - Takes naps of around two hours before some games - Brings his preferred bedding when traveling - Uses devices like WHOOP to monitor sleep and recovery - Has used Nishikawa bedding for more than 10 years In 2023, there was even a story about Ohtani turning down an invitation to dinner from Lars Nootbaar on his day off because he was prioritizing sleep. And in 2026, marking 10 years of his partnership with Nishikawa, Ohtani shared: "Sleep is what I've always considered most important." He also explained: "For me, getting quality sleep is the greatest form of recovery." It's not just the work he puts in on the field. He carefully manages even the time spent resting, maintaining the same commitment for more than a decade. Ohtani's greatness is built on the hard work most people never see. What do you think about Ohtani's incredible dedication to sleep?

Yu Darvish gave Roki Sasaki an extraordinary vote of confidence. On March 13, 2023, during an appearance on Yutaka Takagi's YouTube channel, Darvish spoke about Sasaki's enormous potential. And his evaluation went far beyond just velocity. Darvish highlighted three things: - The incredible talent to throw as fast as 165 km/h (102.5 mph) - His intelligence and the way he thinks - His potential to develop even further through proper training and nutrition Then Darvish made a remarkable statement: “I truly believe he can become the No. 1 pitcher in the world.” Even back then, Sasaki was already throwing well over 100 mph. But Darvish wasn't just impressed by what Sasaki could do at that moment. He saw how much more he could grow. Coming from a pitcher with years of experience at the highest level of baseball, that kind of praise carries real weight. Darvish saw something special in Roki Sasaki's future. Do you believe Sasaki has what it takes to become the best pitcher in the world?

The words Dave Roberts shared with Roki Sasaki that he will never forget. March 29, 2025 — Roki Sasaki's first home start at Dodger Stadium. Sasaki struggled with his command and was taken out in the second inning. It was a difficult outing, especially as he tried to find his footing in the major leagues. But when Dave Roberts watched Sasaki on the mound, he sensed something deeper. He felt that Sasaki's confidence was beginning to waver. So the Dodgers manager wanted to encourage him and deliver an important message: "You don't have to be perfect. The coaches, your teammates, and I all believe in you." Roberts also gave him some specific advice: throw more strikes, use his breaking pitches more, and trust his fastball. He wasn't simply trying to comfort Sasaki. He was acknowledging what needed to improve while making it clear that one difficult outing wouldn't change the team's belief in him. Roberts later revealed that he was very careful in how he approached Sasaki and wanted to protect him. In a November 2025 interview, he also recalled encouraging Sasaki during another difficult moment in the dugout, telling him to stay positive, keep watching, and keep learning. Even when things are tough, having people who believe in you can make all the difference.

Shohei Ohtani has become a case study at Harvard Business School. But what caught the professor's attention wasn't his home run total or MVP awards. It was a goal-setting chart Ohtani created when he was just a high school freshman. His ultimate goal back then? To be selected No. 1 overall by eight NPB teams. To achieve that goal, he broke it down into eight key areas—not just baseball skills, but also character, luck, and mental strength. He then identified 64 specific actions to help him get there. One detail stands out in particular: LUCK. His action plan included: - Picking up trash - Keeping his room clean - Greeting people - Taking care of his equipment - Maintaining a positive attitude Even luck was something he tried to create through his daily actions. That's what made his mindset so fascinating to a Harvard professor. Ohtani's success isn't just about natural talent. Even as a teenager, he was already thinking strategically about his future—and taking daily steps to make it happen. Which part of Ohtani's goal-setting chart impresses you the most?