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

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?

The one thing Shohei Ohtani said that Hideki Kuriyama never forgot. March 16, 2023 — World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Italy. Ohtani started for Japan but ran into trouble in the fifth inning, allowing two runs with the bases loaded. With his pitch count reaching 71, manager Hideki Kuriyama decided to take him out. As Kuriyama walked to the mound, Ohtani said: "I'm sorry." Kuriyama replied, "No, no. You've done enough. Good work." But as Ohtani walked off the mound, he said once again: "I'm sorry." Kuriyama later revealed how much those words meant to him. Why? Because Ohtani wasn't usually the type of player to apologize for what had happened. Instead, he focused on what he could do next to help the team win. Kuriyama felt that Ohtani must have been deeply disappointed. He wanted to stay in the game. He wanted to finish the job. Above all, he wanted to lead Japan to victory himself. Perhaps all of those feelings were behind those few words. And because Kuriyama had known Ohtani for so many years, he understood just how much that apology meant.

The kindness behind Mookie Betts — as revealed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In an interview on Orix Buffaloes’ official YouTube channel, released on January 20, 2026, Yamamoto opened up about his life with the Dodgers. During a period in 2025 when both players were going through rehab, Betts often invited Yamamoto out for meals. He also welcomed him into his home. And what a home it is: A basketball hoop, a pickleball court, two bowling lanes, and even a golf simulator. But what impressed Yamamoto most wasn't the incredible facilities. It was Betts' welcoming personality. Betts would tell him: “Come over anytime. There are no rules. Just make yourself at home.” Yamamoto was genuinely impressed, saying: “That's amazing. I really admire that. I don't think I'd have the courage to do the same if our roles were reversed.” He also shared that Betts frequently talks to him and makes an effort to speak slowly and kindly so Yamamoto can understand him. A superstar on the field, but an even better teammate off it. Maybe this is one of the reasons Mookie Betts is so loved inside the Dodgers clubhouse.

The advice Yu Darvish gave Yoshinobu Yamamoto before his move to the Dodgers. In December 2023, before deciding where to begin his MLB career, Yamamoto had a conversation with Yu Darvish. Darvish gave him one piece of advice: “Think carefully about which team needs you the most before making your decision.” Those words came from someone who had experienced the challenges of moving from Japan to Major League Baseball himself. Yamamoto later revealed that every team he met with was impressive and made him feel genuinely wanted, which made his decision incredibly difficult. In the end, he chose the Dodgers. Darvish didn't try to make the decision for him. Instead, he shared his own experience and offered advice to help Yamamoto make a choice he could feel good about. Respecting a younger player's future while quietly giving him a push in the right direction. This is another example of the kind of person Yu Darvish is.

“Shohei, convince me.” That was the challenge Hideki Kuriyama gave Shohei Ohtani when he decided to leave Japan and pursue his dream in MLB. At just 23 years old, Ohtani could have stayed in Japan for two more seasons. By waiting until age 25, he could have avoided the restrictions on international free-agent contracts and potentially secured a much bigger deal. But his determination never wavered. Ohtani gave Kuriyama an unforgettable answer: “It doesn't matter whether I succeed or fail. There are players out there who are better than us. I want to go there and compete against them. That's all that matters. Nothing else needs to be considered.” Those words convinced Kuriyama that Ohtani was ready. It wasn't about money. It wasn't about guaranteed success. He simply wanted to challenge himself against the best players in the world. And today, after everything he has accomplished, that competitive spirit remains at the heart of Shohei Ohtani. What do you think of the mindset of a 23-year-old Shohei Ohtani?

A surprising side of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. 🎬 Did you know his favorite movie is Titanic? During a February 2024 interview with the Dodgers' official Instagram, Yamamoto opened up about his life away from baseball while riding to spring training. When asked about his favorite movie, he answered: “Titanic. The one everyone knows.” He revealed that he had actually watched it for the first time about six months earlier, after hearing so many people say how good it was. And when asked about his favorite scene? He picked the iconic moment at the bow of the ship, with arms outstretched, feeling the wind. His other answers offered an even more personal glimpse into his life: 🎵 Favorite music: ONE OK ROCK 📺 Days off: Watching Netflix and shopping 🛋️ After games: Relaxing at home on the sofa On the mound, Yamamoto is focused, composed, and incredibly competitive. But away from baseball, there's a more relaxed and surprisingly romantic side to him. It's little moments like these that make fans appreciate the person behind the player.

⚾️ Roki Sasaki is growing in more ways than just as a pitcher in Los Angeles. In May 2026, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about Sasaki’s development within the team. According to Roberts, Sasaki has become close with the Latino players and has even been improving his Spanish. He also gets along well with the bullpen catchers and is well-liked by his teammates. But one thing Roberts particularly noticed was how much Sasaki himself has changed. He has started opening up more, communicating with the people around him, and showing greater confidence. He is also taking more initiative in conversations with the coaching staff, sharing his thoughts and asking questions. Playing in a different country and culture is never easy. The language barrier, different customs, and a completely new environment can all be challenging. But Sasaki has been making an effort to connect with his teammates, learning Spanish, building relationships, and gradually finding his place in the Dodgers clubhouse. These small, everyday interactions are an important part of becoming a true member of the team. Roberts wasn't just talking about Sasaki's pitching ability. He also emphasized something meaningful: "His teammates like him." That says a lot about the relationships Sasaki has been building behind the scenes. We all want to see him continue to grow on the mound, but it's just as encouraging to see him growing as a teammate. What do you think about the progress Roki has made since joining the Dodgers? 🇯🇵⚾️

The records are incredible. But seeing Ohtani enjoy the game is what I love most.

Yu Darvish reveals what makes Shohei Ohtani so terrifying as a hitter. In a March 19, 2024 interview with Yoshio Itoi for TBS NEWS DIG, Darvish shared some fascinating insights into Ohtani's hitting ability. When asked whether Ohtani has any weaknesses, Darvish replied: "With Ohtani, it's actually difficult to identify a specific weakness. It seems to change depending on the time of year." In other words, finding a weakness in Ohtani isn't easy. Even when pitchers discover a way to challenge him, that weakness may not remain for long. What's even more surprising is that Darvish keeps an eye on Ohtani even when they aren't scheduled to face each other. He revealed that he checks Ohtani's recent statistics and watches footage of his at-bats from the previous two weeks. As Darvish explained: "Sometimes, when I have free time, I'll watch video to see what kind of hitting he's been doing over the past two weeks." But perhaps the most fascinating part of Darvish's analysis was Ohtani's ability to adjust. Darvish described Ohtani as the type of hitter who tries to overcome the pitches and approaches that give him trouble, rather than simply accepting them as weaknesses. That's what makes him such a difficult opponent. A pitcher might think they've found a way to get Ohtani out. But the next time they face him, he may have already made the adjustments needed to counter it. And on top of that, Ohtani has the power to change a game with one swing. Even an elite pitcher like Darvish studies his numbers and watches his at-bats to stay prepared. A hitter whose weaknesses can change because he keeps working to overcome them. Maybe Ohtani's greatest weapon isn't just his incredible power. It's his ability to adapt and stay one step ahead of the pitchers trying to figure him out. What do you think is Ohtani's biggest weapon: his incredible power or his ability to adjust and overcome opposing pitchers' strategies?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto left off the NL Cy Young Award finalists… The three finalists for the 2026 National League Cy Young Award have been announced, but Yoshinobu Yamamoto's name was nowhere to be found. Here are Yamamoto's numbers this season: - 28 starts - 14-9 record - 2.53 ERA - 185 innings pitched - 182 strikeouts - 0.87 WHIP He posted an outstanding 2.53 ERA and 0.87 WHIP while remaining in the Dodgers' starting rotation throughout the entire season. His ERA and WHIP were even better than those of finalist Christopher Sánchez. Of course, innings pitched, strikeouts, and other factors also play a role in Cy Young voting. Still, it's surprising to see a season like this not earn him a spot among the finalists. What do you think of Yamamoto's 2026 season? Do you agree with the Cy Young finalist selections?

The Dodgers are a force on the road, too! 🔥 The Dodgers' incredible popularity isn't limited to Dodger Stadium. Their ability to draw crowds on the road is just as impressive! According to MLB, the Dodgers averaged 35,118 fans per road game in 2025, ranking No. 1 among all 30 MLB teams. And as of July 2026, they were still on top, averaging an incredible 36,437 fans per road game! Even when they're playing in someone else's ballpark, you can often spot plenty of fans wearing Dodger blue in the stands. In places like San Diego and Sacramento, the atmosphere can sometimes feel almost like a Dodgers home game. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. The presence of these Japanese stars has undoubtedly helped bring even more attention to the Dodgers around the world. The Dodgers don't just draw crowds at home. They bring their fans wherever they go. What do you think is the biggest reason behind the Dodgers' incredible popularity on the road?

Shohei Ohtani's greatness isn't just about his extraordinary talent. Yu Darvish, who had a close-up view of Ohtani during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, once shared what impressed him most about the two-way superstar. Darvish was asked what he thought was so special about Ohtani. His answer was fascinating: "What I find most impressive about Ohtani is what happens behind the scenes." Darvish wasn't talking about what Ohtani does on the field. He was talking about the things most fans never get to see. His daily habits. What he eats. How he approaches nutrition. The way he trains and prepares his body. During the WBC, Darvish paid attention to what players ate and even observed Ohtani's training routines. He took notes and had conversations with Ohtani about them. Darvish also said: "Of course, his talent is incredible. But when you add all of those things to his natural ability, you can understand why he performs the way he does." That's a powerful observation. Everyone can see Ohtani's incredible talent. But his ability to perform at the highest level isn't built on talent alone. It's also the result of countless hours of preparation, attention to nutrition, disciplined training, and daily habits that most people never see. Coming from a fellow professional who understands what it takes to compete at the highest level, Darvish's words carry real weight.

Shohei Ohtani opened up about how having a family changed his everyday life. In a February 2026 interview with Access Hollywood, Ohtani spoke about how his life has changed since starting a family. During his first five years in the United States, his routine was simple: go back and forth between the hotel and the ballpark. Even when he returned to his room, it was mostly just a place to sleep. But having a family changed everything. Now, going home is something he looks forward to. And when he has to leave home, he sometimes finds it a little harder to say goodbye. He also shared a heartfelt reflection: “It's refreshing to be able to move between two completely different worlds — baseball and time with my family. It has made me realize just how important my family is to me.” Ohtani continues to compete at the highest level of baseball. But beyond the home runs, records, and championships, he has another part of life that means just as much to him. A glimpse of Shohei Ohtani that we don't always get to see.

The Kindness of Clayton Kershaw That Helped Yu Darvish Through His Toughest Time In 2017, Yu Darvish joined the Dodgers in pursuit of a World Series championship. But the World Series became a painful experience for him. He struggled in both Game 3 and Game 7, and the Dodgers fell short of winning it all. During a time when Darvish was struggling with his confidence, one teammate reached out to him: Clayton Kershaw. After the season, Kershaw invited Darvish to play catch with him. He also praised the quality of Darvish's pitches and encouraged him to believe in himself. At the time, Darvish didn't feel he was on the same level as Kershaw. But Kershaw never turned his back on him. He treated him like a teammate and helped him regain his confidence. Then came 2021. Now pitching for the Padres, Darvish faced his former team, the Dodgers, as an ace in his own right. When asked about Kershaw, Darvish reflected on the support he had received four years earlier. He explained that Kershaw's strength had, in a way, become his own strength and support. Teams change. Roles change. But genuine respect and gratitude never fade. They may be rivals on the field, but the friendship and respect between them go far beyond baseball. That's one of the things that makes baseball so special.

Dave Roberts has a message for the Dodgers: There’s a lot to learn from the Brewers. During an appearance on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney, the Dodgers manager shared his thoughts on what makes Milwaukee such a difficult team to beat. It’s not just about home runs or power hitting. 🔹 Elite athleticism and defensive range 🔹 Aggressive baserunning and taking the extra base 🔹 A balanced approach at the plate, not relying only on power 🔹 Tough, disciplined at-bats that put the ball in play Roberts believes MLB teams will increasingly look for players with greater athletic ability. One of his most memorable comments about the Brewers: “Our guys were hungry, but the Brewers were starving.” The Dodgers wanted to win, too. But Roberts recognized the intensity and determination Milwaukee brought to every play. Imagine the Dodgers combining the power of Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman with even more speed, defense, and relentless at-bats. What would that team look like? Do the Dodgers need to add more star power this offseason, or is it time to change the way they play as a team? What do you think, Dodgers fans?

Shohei Ohtani’s goal was never just to throw 100 mph. He wanted to change what the next generation believed was possible. Back in high school, Ohtani spoke about why he set his sights on throwing a 160 km/h (99.4 mph) fastball. He explained that if one person could reach a goal that nobody believed was possible, others would start aiming for it too. “If one person does it, everyone will start aiming for the same thing.” And he added: “When the level of our goals rises, the level of baseball rises with it.” Ohtani wasn’t thinking only about his own achievements. He was thinking about how pushing the limits could inspire the players who came after him. On July 19, 2012, while playing for Hanamaki Higashi High School, he reached 160 km/h — a remarkable milestone for a high school pitcher. Today, Ohtani himself has become the kind of player young athletes around the world look up to.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is one of the best pitchers in the world. But off the field, he can be just like a high school kid! His former Orix teammate, Hiroya Miyagi, once revealed a surprisingly playful side of Yamamoto. In a March 2024 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Miyagi described him this way: “He’s serious about baseball. Outside of that, he’s like a high schooler.” Apparently, Yamamoto loves joking around and teasing his teammates. When someone made an error, he would sometimes throw out a playful comment. And he would even joke with Miyagi, saying things along the lines of: “Don’t be the one to stop our winning streak!” On the mound, Yamamoto is focused, disciplined, and incredibly competitive. But around his teammates, he’s relaxed, playful, and enjoys having fun. Other members of the Orix organization also praised his character, saying that even after becoming a star, he never acted superior or changed the way he treated people. In 2025, Yamamoto became the World Series MVP. Yet behind all that success is still the same down-to-earth person his former teammates knew. Isn't that contrast part of what makes Yamamoto so special？