Key facts
- Midsize Japanese companies are leveraging Shohei Ohtani's popularity to enhance their U.S. brand recognition.
- Nippon Kanzai Center experienced a tenfold increase in job applicants following advertising efforts at Dodger Stadium.
A growing number of midsize Japanese companies are seeking to raise their profile in the United States by capitalizing on the immense popularity of Major League Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. These companies are using Ohtani's appeal as a way to gain brand exposure and attract attention in the U.S. market. One notable example is Nippon Kanzai Center, a building materials trading company, which reported a tenfold increase in job applicants after advertising at Dodger Stadium, where Ohtani plays. This strategy highlights how Japanese businesses are looking to connect with American consumers and potential employees through the widespread interest in baseball and its star players.