Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani continued to solidify his status as one of the most influential athletes of the 21st century in a remarkable 2025 season marked by unprecedented achievements. The year began with two historic games in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs, capturing the hearts of fans in Ohtani’s home country of Japan. This Major League Baseball season-opener achieved record-breaking viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales, making it one of the league’s most successful overseas events.
As the year drew to a close, Ohtani announced his much-anticipated return to the Japanese national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he aims to help Japan defend its title against a competitive lineup, including the likes of Yankees sensation Aaron Judge and Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.
In the months between these two pivotal moments, Ohtani made headlines as he returned to the pitcher’s mound after a long hiatus of 21 months. He delivered a performance for the ages in the National League Championship Series, where he hit three home runs and struck out ten batters in a stunning playoff game against the Milwaukee Brewers. In an 18-inning thriller during Game 3 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, he reached base an impressive nine times, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ victory.
Ohtani played a central role in leading the Dodgers to become Major League Baseball’s first back-to-back champions in 25 years. His outstanding performances earned him the National League MVP award unanimously for the second consecutive year since joining the Dodgers, making it his fourth MVP title overall. Dodgers reliever Will Klein praised Ohtani, calling him a “freak” and suggesting that words fail to capture his unique talent as both the league’s premier hitter and pitcher.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed this sentiment, noting Ohtani’s extraordinary capabilities, adding that he represents a distinct class of athlete with a rare mindset.
The influence of Japanese players in Major League Baseball is growing, with Ohtani leading the way. He is not only integral to the Dodgers alongside fellow Japanese players like Roki Sasaki and Yoshinobu Yamamoto—who won MVP honors in the World Series—but he is also emblematic of the increasing impact of Japanese talent in the league. The offseason has seen the emergence of additional Japanese stars, including slugger Munetaka Murakami and pitcher Tatsuya Imai, enhancing the competitive landscape.
Ohtani’s effect extends beyond the diamond, significantly boosting Japanese tourism to the United States, especially at Dodger Stadium. Estimates suggest that over 80% of Japanese tourists visiting Los Angeles incorporate a Dodgers game into their plans, prompting the team to introduce Japanese-speaking tour guides to cater to the influx of fans.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized Ohtani’s positive impact on the game, stating, “Shohei has just absolutely been the greatest benefit to the game you can imagine throughout the year.” As Ohtani continues to break barriers and shatter records, it is clear that he is not only a standout player; he represents a cultural bridge enhancing the global appeal of baseball.