Hello Everyone,

Exciting news in Japan was that Shohei Ohtani recently announced his decision to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.

My allegiance has always been with my home team, the Hiroshima Carp, ever since I was 13 years old. Despite this, my interest in American baseball dates back to my high school days when Major League Baseball was unquestionably superior to the Japanese league.

Over the years, numerous Japanese players have crossed the Pacific Ocean to play in the United States, making it a common occurrence for one or two players to join the MLB each year.

Ohtani, being on a different level both in terms of baseball prowess and personality, has garnered widespread admiration in Japan, even among those who aren’t baseball followers.

Today, I’d like to share my thoughts on why Ohtani chose the Dodgers over the Toronto Blue Jays.

There were many speculations by media.

I was one of those who believed he would lean towards Toronto.

Considering the US major cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, Toronto seemed like a relatively low-key choice. Despite being a significant city, it doesn’t quite carry the same weight as the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, or Dodgers in light of media attention. I was convinced Ohtani would opt for the Toronto Blue Jays, given his serious considerations about the city, stadium, training facilities in Florida, fan base, in addition to media attention.

However, one factor worried me.

It was the presence of a Japanese player on the team.

Though Ohtani would likely never admit to such considerations, I sensed he might prefer joining a team without a Japanese player, as I would.

It doesn’t matter who he is.

I know nobody cares my preference, LOL, but

It is a cultural thing in Japan.

In my opinion, there are two types of Japanese individuals – those comfortable in a community with many Japanese and those who prefer a more solitary existence. Ohtani, much like myself, appears to belong to the latter group.

This preference may have influenced his decision to eliminate options like Toronto, Chicago, and Boston, all of which have a Japanese players, despite his positive impressions of these cities.

Money and location weren’t the primary factors I thought.

Last week, rumors circulated about Ohtani heading to Toronto, a notion I liked, but reservations made by Kikuchi at a sushi restaurant cast doubt on the possibility. Ohtani would not like it.

And it turned out to be fake news.

Over the weekend, the announcement came that Ohtani had chosen the Dodgers. While he is undoubtedly a gracious individual who would never publicly express such concerns, I can’t help but think I might be among the few who believe that factors beyond baseball considerations and money influenced his decision.

I just felt he liked and prefered non-Japanese environment over the six years.

I find it intriguing to delve into these cultural nuances, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my reflections.

Thank you,

Toshiya