Dodgers P/DH Shohei Ohtani’s global attraction has Japanese entertainment companies using Dodger Stadium “as a platform to popularize their star attractions,” according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. Shaikin: “If you’re a Japanese company wanting to get the word out in America about your product, you’re in good company at Dodger Stadium.” Dodgers President Stan Kasten said there is “not a business sector that hasn’t weighed in with us.” He added, “If you’re a brand looking for attention, where else would you go?” Japanese fiction character Ultraman showed up to Dodger Stadium to “revive his popularity” in the U.S. With four Japanese character appearances at Dodger Stadium this season, the Dodgers have “made more than” the $2M they pay Ohtani in salary this year. As the entertainment companies reach customers in the U.S., the Dodgers reach fans in Japan, where they have “leveraged Ohtani to become the dominant major league team.” When Tokyo’s Cover Corp. opened an L.A. office last year, they “brought their star animated character – Gawr Gura – to Dodger Stadium.” The Dodgers sold 8,000 tickets as part of the Cover promotion, “with 80% of those fans visiting Dodger Stadium for the first time” (L.A. TIMES, 8/28).
