The Los Angeles Dodgers became the de facto home team of Japan last season after signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to record-setting contracts in free agency.
The presence of both players helped the Dodgers set viewership records in the country, as well as land significant sponsorship deals from notable Japanese companies.
Japanese fan interest in the Dodgers only figures to increase this year following the team’s signing of Roki Sasaki, who is considered one of the most talented pitchers to come out of the country.
The Dodgers have now launched a fan club that is only available to residents of Japan, which comes with special perks such as limited edition merchandise and a chance to win tickets to the Tokyo Series.
Dodger fans in Japan, get ready! Join the new Dodgers Fan Club and receive special Dodger perks including limited edition gifts, a chance to win tickets to the Tokyo Series, exclusive content and more. Please note, this membership is only available to residents of Japan.… pic.twitter.com/gFLXAlqP7y
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 3, 2025
The official Dodgers Fan Club consists of four different membership options that vary in price and benefits. The MVP tier, which costs 75,000 yen (roughly $500 USD) and includes several premium items such as an Ohtani bobblehead, reportedly sold out in three minutes.
Widespread interest in the Dodgers Fan Club further illustrates how popular the team is among Japan residents.
“We’re working on some experimental things with adding fans and fan clubs,” president and CEO Stan Kasten recently said.
“Something that Premier League and European soccer leagues already do, amassing international fans. We’re doing a pilot program to start that and see how it does. And whatever we learn is for baseball, for all the teams to take advantage of and maybe grow their own going forward.”
Shohei Ohtani’s impact on Dodgers
The Dodgers were once again aggressive in improving their roster during the offseason, which comes after a year that saw them generate significant revenue due to Ohtani’s presence.
“Chicken and egg. I don’t know, but it has paid off tremendously,” Kasten answered when asked if there is a correlation between the two.
“But as I’ve always stressed, also for central baseball, what this has done opening up their plans. We’ve spent the last few years opening up Europe, and this is really helping us across the Pacific Rim.
“Not just Dodgers, even though we are also starting programs there too with MLB’s blessings, but so are there in a way that they didn’t before this recent onslaught. We’re happy to play that part. It’s good for all of us.”
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