Major League Baseball is commemorating its 12 active Japanese players by unveiling specially designed manhole covers in their hometowns, beginning Monday, June 16. This Shohei Ohtani MLB manhole cover installation highlights each player‘s journey to the majors through custom artwork created by local artists.
The designs showcase the players‘ unique traits and stories, turning everyday cityscapes into tributes to their accomplishments. Visitors can scan QR codes embedded in the covers to watch exclusive augmented reality films related to each athlete.
Partnership with Japan Airlines Enhances the Experience
In collaboration with Japan Airlines, MLB is developing an interactive project to enrich the public’s experience with these manhole covers. Further details about this initiative are expected later in the month, promising additional engagement for fans and visitors exploring the installations.
Launch Locations Begin in Iwate Prefecture with Key Players
The first installations will appear in Iwate Prefecture, honoring Shohei Ohtani from Oshu City, Yusei Kikuchi from Morioka City, and Roki Sasaki from Rikuzentakata City. MLB’s Japanese Instagram will announce other launch sites over time, offering ongoing insights into this nationwide tribute.
Following this, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be featured in Okayama Prefecture’s Bizen City starting Wednesday, June 25, marking the third Dodgers player honored in Japan.
Strong Ties Between Dodgers and Japanese Baseball Fans
The Los Angeles Dodgers maintain a significant fanbase in Japan, partly due to their roster of Japanese star players. In early 2025, the Dodgers participated in the Tokyo Series, winning both games against the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, L.A. launched a Japan-exclusive fan club offering perks such as limited-edition items and discounted tickets for its members.
Complete Schedule of MLB Manhole Cover Installations
The following is the schedule for the manhole cover unveilings across Japan:
June 16: Shohei Ohtani (Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture)
June 16: Yusei Kikuchi (Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture)
June 16: Roki Sasaki (Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture)
June 17: Yu Darvish (Habikino City, Osaka Prefecture)
June 18: Yuki Matsui (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
June 19: Shota Imanaga (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
June 20: Kenta Maeda (Senboku District, Osaka Prefecture)
June 23: Lars Nootbaar (Higashimatsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture)
June 24: Seiya Suzuki (Arakawa Ward, Tokyo)
June 25: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture)
June 26: Masataka Yoshida (Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture)
June 27: Kodai Senga (Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture)
June 28: Shinnosuke Ogasawara (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
June 29: Tomoyuki Sugano (Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Growing Recognition of Japanese MLB Players through Public Art
This initiative not only highlights the achievements of notable players like Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish but also strengthens the cultural connection between Japan and Major League Baseball. The manhole covers provide a unique way for residents and fans to celebrate their hometown heroes while introducing MLB’s presence in local communities.
As the installations continue to roll out across Japan, they are expected to draw both baseball enthusiasts and art lovers, enhancing fan engagement and promoting pride in Japan’s contributions to the sport internationally.