While his bat might be a bit quiet this year, Japanese baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani's pitching has been absolutely lights out, keeping him firmly in the global spotlight. His incredible performance has fans buzzing, eagerly anticipating whether the Los Angeles Dodgers can clinch another World Series title this year.
Now, traditional Japanese craft "Takasaki Daruma" (高崎だるま) has just dropped the news: they're launching an exclusive "Shohei Ohtani × Takasaki Daruma" collaboration, featuring three distinct jersey styles! Pre-orders kick off on May 15th at the official MLB online store in Japan.
Shohei Ohtani continues to rewrite baseball history, shocking the world with his unprecedented "two-way" prowess. But behind all the dazzling achievements lies untold grit and unwavering determination. From multiple surgeries to grueling rehabilitation, Ohtani's journey epitomizes an indomitable spirit.
This very spirit perfectly aligns with the "Nanakorobi Yaoki" (fall seven times, stand up eight) philosophy symbolized by the traditional Japanese Takasaki Daruma, sparking this epic collaboration.
This collection builds upon the rich tradition of Takasaki Daruma, blending the exquisite craftsmanship of artisans with Ohtani's beliefs and spirit. It's truly an ultimate masterpiece, merging traditional techniques with modern appeal.
As Shohei Ohtani continues to conquer the global stage, he inspires countless fans with courage and hope. His unyielding "comeback spirit," relentless "challenging spirit," and hopeful "wishes" for the future—all these shared ideals with Takasaki Daruma are now encapsulated in this special collaboration.
Each of the three colors corresponds to a different jersey worn by Shohei Ohtani:
● Home White Edition
Symbolizes the glory and pride of continuing a winning tradition and pushing for even greater heights.
● Away Gray Edition
Represents the unyielding spirit of battling on enemy turf and still striving for victory.
● Spring Training Blue Edition
Embodies the vibrant energy of a new season and the hope of forging a bright future.
The golden MLB Logo on the back of Ohtani's jersey is an exclusive emblem, reserved only for players who earned top honors like MVP, Cy Young, or Rookie of the Year in the previous season. This rare honor is bestowed upon only a select few across the entire MLB, and this prestigious golden MLB Logo is proudly featured on the back of the Daruma.
▼ White × Blue Daruma Two-Piece Set (Limited to 900 sets) Price: 27,500 JPY
Contents:
・White Daruma ×1
・Blue Daruma ×1 *The Blue Daruma is exclusively available in the two-piece set.
・Stadium-shaped Base ×2
・Product Brochure ×1
Dimensions: Daruma body: Approx. H12cm / Base: Approx. 14.3cm × 14.3cm × H1cm
▼ White Daruma (Single) Price: 11,000 JPY
▼ Gray Daruma (Single) Price: 11,000 JPY
▼ Stadium-shaped Base (Single) Price: 2,420 JPY
The Daruma base is designed like a baseball stadium, featuring artificial turf and "LA" lettering around the frame. It's an original design created specifically for this "Shohei Ohtani × Takasaki Daruma" collaboration.
Placing the Daruma on its base truly captures the tension and atmosphere of the ballpark, making the spirits of "wish" and "challenge" even more vivid.
via： MLB SHOP JAPAN PR TIMES