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

🔥 Hideki Matsui Returns to the Giants as Their New Manager! A star who shined with the New York Yankees and won the 2009 World Series MVP award. A legend who once hit cleanup for the Yomiuri Giants is now taking on a new challenge as their manager! And there's another major storyline to watch: the Giants selected Shoki Oda with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. With rumors linking Oda to the Dodgers, can Manager Matsui convince this highly touted prospect to join the Giants? Will Oda pursue his dream of playing in MLB, or will Matsui's influence persuade him to stay in Japan and join Yomiuri? This could become one of the biggest stories shaping the future of Japanese baseball. ⚾️ What do you think? Will Shoki Oda choose MLB or the Yomiuri Giants?

⚾️ A man who recognized Roki Sasaki’s talent in Japan four years ago… reunited with him on the biggest stage in baseball. Former Chiba Lotte Marines teammate Tayron Guerrero recently shared a heartwarming story about Roki Sasaki. When Guerrero first saw Sasaki pitch in 2022, he immediately recognized his extraordinary talent. He believed Sasaki had what it takes to make it to Major League Baseball someday. And on May 13, 2022, the two shared a memorable moment in a game against the Orix Buffaloes. Sasaki earned the win, while Guerrero recorded his first save in Japan. Even today, Guerrero still keeps a photo from that special day on his phone. Fast-forward to July 31, 2026. Their paths crossed again at Dodger Stadium. Now pitching for the Boston Red Sox, Guerrero spotted Sasaki running on the field. The two caught up, sharing a reunion after years apart. Guerrero described Sasaki as a genuinely good person — quiet, kind, and fun to be around. He also expressed confidence in Sasaki’s future, saying he believes Roki can become an outstanding pitcher as he adjusts to MLB hitters and the differences in the baseball. From wearing the same uniform in Japan to meeting again on an MLB field, their story is a reminder that baseball connections can last long after teammates go their separate ways. Guerrero saw Sasaki’s potential back in Japan, and he still believes Roki has an incredible future ahead of him.

Shohei Ohtani found comfort in the simple everyday moments he shared with his beloved dog, Decoy. 🐶❤️ After undergoing elbow surgery in 2023, Ohtani began the long process of rehabilitation. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, he opened up about what life was like during that time. He took Decoy for walks twice a day, worked on his rehab in between, and even shared mealtimes with his furry companion. Ohtani explained that after living alone for so long, having someone who was always by his side and showed him love meant a lot to him. Even one of the biggest superstars in the world found comfort in the little things in life with his dog. ❤️ Behind all the records and achievements, there's a heartwarming story about the bond between a man and his best friend. 🐶 What do you love most about Shohei and Decoy's bond?

“I felt nothing. I felt like I was a kid playing baseball again.” Those were Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s words after Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. The night before, Yamamoto threw 96 pitches in Game 6 to help the Dodgers stay alive. Many pitchers would have been done for the season. But Yamamoto took the mound again in Game 7. Entering in the ninth inning, he delivered 2⅔ scoreless innings, keeping the Blue Jays from taking control and helping the Dodgers win back-to-back World Series titles. It was also the first time in his professional career that he had pitched on consecutive days. Even Yamamoto wasn’t sure he could pitch at his best before warming up. But he made the adjustments, trusted his arm, and went out there for his team. The result? World Series MVP. In the most pressure-packed moment of his career, he returned to the mindset of a kid who simply loves baseball. That quote—and that performance—still gives me chills every time I think about it. 🇯🇵 What moment from Yamamoto’s legendary Game 7 performance stood out to you the most?

⚾️ Roki Sasaki’s Side You Rarely See: His Dodgers Teammate Calls Him “Like a Brother!” In August 2026, Full-Count published an exclusive interview with Hamlet Marte, the Dodgers bullpen catcher who has been supporting Roki Sasaki behind the scenes. When asked about their relationship, Marte had a heartwarming answer: “We’re like brothers!” Sasaki is known for his serious, focused expression on the mound. But away from the spotlight, he shares a much more relaxed side with Marte. The two are close enough to joke around and enjoy each other’s company. They spend time together playing catch, running, and working through their daily routines. And here’s another heartwarming detail: Marte has even been studying Japanese to communicate with Sasaki! He has been practicing everyday words and phrases such as “taberu” (to eat), “tabeta” (ate), and “tabetai” (want to eat). After Sasaki picked up a win, Marte even cheered him on in Japanese, shouting phrases like “Oniichan!” and “Kakkoii!” (“Big bro!” and “Cool!”). Despite the age difference and language barrier, the two have built a bond that feels more like family than a typical player-staff relationship. A bullpen catcher does much more than simply catch pitches. They help pitchers prepare, support their daily routines, and create an environment where they can perform at their best. Marte’s efforts to learn Japanese show how much he values his relationship with Sasaki and wants to connect with him. Behind Roki Sasaki’s success is a teammate who supports him like family. It’s a side of Sasaki that fans don’t often get to see—and a reminder that baseball is about more than what happens on the field. It’s also about the bonds built along the way. What do you think of this heartwarming friendship between Roki Sasaki and Hamlet Marte? ⚾️🇯🇵 📰 Source: Full-Count exclusive interview

🔥 Shohei Ohtani Ranks No. 1 Among North American Sports Stars! 🏆 Shohei Ohtani has reportedly claimed the No. 1 spot in a ranking of North American sports stars! 🇺🇸🇯🇵 According to reports, the ranking was published by sports betting company FanDuel, comparing athletes across major North American sports. And Ohtani came out on top! His dominance on the baseball field is undeniable, but his influence now extends far beyond MLB. From the NFL to the NBA, North America is home to some of the biggest names in sports—and Ohtani continues to stand out among them. A two-way superstar who keeps pushing the limits of what one athlete can do, Ohtani is captivating fans around the world. 🔥 He’s no longer just a baseball superstar. He’s becoming one of the defining figures in North American sports！

As a baseball fan in Japan, I want to learn more about what makes MLB special to fans in the United States. The atmosphere at the ballpark? Rivalries? The stories behind the players? Or the feeling that anything can happen in a game? Fans in Japan and the US may enjoy baseball in different ways. MLB fans in America: What's your favorite thing about baseball?

⚾️ Shohei Ohtani was one of the reasons Yoshinobu Yamamoto chose the Dodgers. In December 2023, when Yamamoto officially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, he shared some interesting thoughts about Ohtani. “I believe Ohtani is one of the top players in Major League Baseball, not just among Japanese players.” Yamamoto also admitted that Ohtani’s decision to join the Dodgers was one of the factors that influenced his own decision. But there was more to it than simply following Ohtani to Los Angeles. Yamamoto explained: “Even if Ohtani had chosen another team, I think I still would have chosen the Dodgers.” His biggest priority was winning—and joining a team where he could pursue his ultimate goal of winning a World Series. During the recruiting process, Ohtani also offered Yamamoto some thoughtful words of encouragement: “Make a decision you won't regret.” “If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me anything.” Ohtani was already an established MLB superstar, and he took the time to offer support to Yamamoto as he prepared to begin a new chapter of his career in the United States. Ohtani wasn't the only Dodgers star involved, either. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman also took part in the meeting with Yamamoto. Yamamoto ultimately signed a 12-year, $325 million contract, which at the time was the largest contract ever given to an MLB pitcher. This wasn't simply a case of Yamamoto joining the Dodgers because Ohtani was there. It was about Yamamoto's determination to win, his respect for Ohtani, and the encouragement he received as he prepared for a new challenge. And that's how two of Japan's biggest baseball stars ended up wearing the same Dodgers uniform. 🇯🇵💙

⚾️ Roki Sasaki is bringing hope and inspiration to the children of his hometown. Roki Sasaki, now competing on baseball’s biggest stage in Major League Baseball, has announced the launch of the “Roki Series,” a baseball event designed to connect children and their local communities in his home prefecture of Iwate, Japan. The event is planned for Rikuzentakata, where Sasaki was born, and Ofunato, where he developed as a baseball player during his high school years. But his goal goes far beyond simply organizing a baseball tournament. He wants to give children a reason to dream through baseball and create opportunities for them to think, “I want to challenge myself, too!” Sasaki experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake as a child and grew up with the support of people in his hometown. Now, as a major leaguer competing on the world stage, he is turning his attention back to the community that helped shape him, hoping to inspire the next generation. And there’s another heartwarming part of this story. Will Ireton, who has worked closely with Sasaki during his time with the Dodgers, reflected on the two years they have spent together. Ireton spoke about how deeply Sasaki cares for his hometown and the people who have supported him throughout his journey. He also expressed how happy he was to see Sasaki launch this initiative and offered his support. Those words mean something special coming from someone who has spent so much time around him. Sasaki is known for his incredible talent on the mound, but this story reveals another side of him: a person who remembers the people who helped him along the way and now wants to give something back. He isn’t just chasing his own dreams. He’s helping the next generation discover theirs. I hope this initiative continues for many years and becomes a source of inspiration for children in Iwate, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their own goals through baseball. What do you think of Roki Sasaki’s efforts to give back to his hometown? ⚾️🇯🇵

🔥 Miguel Rojas’ baseball journey isn’t over! Even after announcing his retirement, the Dodgers fan favorite is still making an impact on the baseball world! ⚾️ Rojas is serving as a World Series correspondent for MLB Español, interviewing players and managers from both teams and bringing fans closer to the game from a whole new perspective. And his connection to the Dodgers isn’t ending, either. He reportedly has a plan to join the organization’s player development department after retiring. From making plays on the field to telling baseball’s stories behind the microphone, Rojas is entering an exciting new chapter. 💙 Retirement from playing doesn’t mean the end of his baseball journey! What do you think of his new role? 👇

⚾️ Yoshinobu Yamamoto once shared a mindset that may be a key to his success. Back in 2018, during his time with the Orix Buffaloes, a young Yamamoto said: “I always put staying calm first.” Being nervous is natural. But you can't let it take away your composure. Getting restless doesn't help. And getting too fired up, thinking “Let's go!” can also backfire and prevent you from performing at your best. That's why Yamamoto made staying calm his top priority. Even at a young age, he understood that true strength isn't just about getting fired up. It's about never losing control of yourself, no matter the situation. That mindset still seems relevant to the Yamamoto we see competing on baseball's biggest stage today. Dodgers fans, do you think his composure is just as important to his success as his pitching talent? 🇯🇵⚾️

🔥 Are the Dodgers about to land another Japanese pitching phenom?! Reports suggest that 18-year-old Shoki Oda, a right-handed pitcher from Yokohama High School who throws up to 157 km/h (97.6 mph), could be headed to the Dodgers! 🇯🇵⚾️ Oda is exploring the possibility of pursuing MLB directly rather than playing in Japan’s professional leagues first. The Yomiuri Giants selected him first overall in the 2026 NPB Draft, but he has expressed his desire to pursue a career in the United States. Even more interesting? Yoshinobu Yamamoto is reportedly one of his favorite players, and the Dodgers are reportedly the only MLB team he follows on Instagram! His signing bonus could reportedly reach $5 million. However, these are media reports and estimates. No deal with the Dodgers has been officially announced. If this happens, could we see another Japanese pitching star wearing Dodger blue in the future? 🔥 Do you think Shoki Oda will become a Dodger? Let me know what you think! 👇

Why does Shohei Ohtani never stop chasing greatness, even after achieving so much? In February 2026, during Dodgers spring training, Ohtani was asked about his future goals. His answer was simple but powerful: “One time is good, but two is better, and three is better than two.” For Ohtani, winning a World Series or earning an MVP award once is never the end of the journey. He doesn't settle for a single achievement. He keeps aiming for the top, again and again. He also shared this thought: “Once you become satisfied, I think that's when it's time to stop.” He's already accomplished things most players can only dream of. Yet he's still not satisfied. For Ohtani, success isn't the finish line. It's the starting point for the next challenge. And maybe that's exactly why he keeps getting better. ⚾️🔥

One of the biggest questions for the Dodgers in 2027 is how much opportunity their young talent will get. Prospects like Josue De Paula give the organization exciting options for the future. Should LA continue leaning on its established veterans, or give its young players bigger roles? Sustained success requires finding the right balance between experience and youth. Would you give the Dodgers' prospects more playing time next season?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's heartfelt words about a Dodgers legend. 💙⚾ In September 2025, Clayton Kershaw announced that he would retire from baseball. Yamamoto admitted that the news made him sad, reflecting on the two years he had spent alongside one of the greatest pitchers in Dodgers history. He then shared these powerful words: “I truly want to become an ace pitcher like Kershaw. And someday, I want to work hard enough to surpass such a great senior.” Kershaw spent 18 seasons with the Dodgers, winning three Cy Young Awards and establishing himself as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. But what impressed Yamamoto wasn't just Kershaw's incredible accomplishments. Kershaw reportedly arrived early at the training room almost every day and continued to work tirelessly. Even after achieving so much, he never stopped putting in the work. Watching that dedication up close helped Yamamoto understand what it takes to remain an elite pitcher for so many years. And Yamamoto doesn't simply want to admire his legendary teammate. He wants to learn from him, follow in his footsteps, and someday become even greater. Those words reveal both Yamamoto's humility and his relentless ambition to reach the highest level. Kershaw's legacy isn't just about records and awards. His work ethic and example may continue to inspire Yamamoto and the next generation of Dodgers pitchers for years to come. Could Yoshinobu Yamamoto one day become a legendary ace who leaves his own mark on Dodgers history? And could he really surpass the great Clayton Kershaw? What do you think, Dodgers fans? 💙🔥

One of the biggest questions facing the Dodgers this offseason: What's next for Tarik Skubal? The left-hander joined LA during the season and is now expected to be one of the biggest names on the free-agent market. Will the Dodgers make another major move, or focus on building a younger, more balanced roster? Nothing has been decided yet. If Skubal is available, should LA go all-in to bring him back?

Shohei Ohtani’s words reveal something about what makes him so special. In an interview before the 2024 World Series, Ohtani said: “To me, it’s more of a blessing than pressure.” He explained that fans travel all the way from Japan just to watch him play. He sees that as something truly special, and it motivates him to give them his very best. The world is watching. The expectations are enormous. Yet Ohtani chooses to turn that pressure into gratitude—and that gratitude into motivation. Turning pressure into joy. Turning expectations into motivation. Maybe that’s part of what makes Shohei Ohtani so extraordinary. ⚾️🔥

A powerful message from Yoshinobu Yamamoto. 🇯🇵⚾ “I can only give my absolute best on the field. I hope that through my play, I can have a positive impact on future generations of players and in many other ways.” He shared these words in an MLB.com interview in March 2025. Yamamoto isn't thinking only about his own stats or achievements. He hopes that the way he plays can inspire the next generation and give young players something to aim for. From working tirelessly in Japan to challenging himself on baseball's biggest stage, Yamamoto continues to prove himself at the highest level. He doesn't make grand promises. He simply gives everything he has to the game. And perhaps that's exactly how a player becomes an inspiration to others.

Shohei Ohtani’s words reveal exactly why he came to America. Before the 2024 World Series, Ohtani said: “I came to the U.S. precisely to win a World Series.” He also revealed that when he saw the World Series trophy, he chose not to touch it until he had actually won it. A dream he couldn’t achieve during his time with the Angels. He joined the Dodgers with that goal in mind, and in 2024, he finally became a World Series champion. He didn’t just talk about his dream. He made it happen. And even after reaching the top, he keeps pushing forward. That’s what makes Shohei Ohtani so special. ⚾️🏆

The Dodgers' 2026 season didn't end the way we hoped, but there were still plenty of unforgettable performances. Shohei Ohtani? Yoshinobu Yamamoto? Mookie Betts? Someone else? Who was YOUR Dodgers MVP in 2026? Tell me who you picked and why!