When the Dodgers have liftoff in 2025, Shohei Ohtani made a startling remark about playing in Japan.

Shohei Ohtani, the baseball phenomenon who has taken the world by storm with his rare combination of elite pitching and hitting, has long been at the center of global baseball conversations. As we move into the 2025 MLB season, rumors and speculations continue to swirl about his future in Major League Baseball. His impact on the sport is undeniable, but what may come as a surprise to many is Ohtani’s recent, startling remark about playing in Japan again.

While Ohtani’s departure from Japan’s NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) to the MLB was a historic moment, the possibility of him returning to Japan has always been a topic of intrigue for baseball fans, analysts, and even his teammates. Ohtani’s 2025 remark about returning to Japan left many wondering what it means for the future of baseball on a global scale.

The Ohtani Phenomenon

Before delving into the significance of Ohtani’s statement, it’s essential to take a step back and acknowledge his monumental role in the world of baseball. Shohei Ohtani arrived in the MLB in 2018, signing with the Los Angeles Angels after years of dominating the NPB. His journey from Japan to the United States had been long anticipated, and Ohtani wasted no time living up to the hype. He was touted as the “Japanese Babe Ruth” for his ability to both pitch and hit at elite levels, something that had not been seen in Major League Baseball for decades.

In his first season, Ohtani delivered an electric performance, hitting 22 home runs and posting a 3.31 ERA on the mound. His versatility became his defining feature, captivating audiences across the globe and earning him the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year award.

From there, Ohtani continued to improve, shattering records and defying expectations year after year. His ability to excel as both a hitter and a pitcher in the modern era was unprecedented, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest players in baseball history. By 2025, Ohtani had firmly established himself as one of the most valuable players in Major League Baseball.

Ohtani’s Startling Remark About Japan

Given his immense success in the MLB, Shohei Ohtani’s unexpected statement about possibly returning to Japan caught the baseball world off guard. In a recent interview, Ohtani remarked that, although he was currently focused on the 2025 season and his career in the MLB, he had not ruled out the possibility of playing in Japan again in the future. The statement came as a shock to many, as Ohtani had previously expressed a desire to stay in the MLB for the long haul, driven by his ambition to be recognized as one of the best players in the world.

This comment sparked a wave of speculation among fans and analysts alike. Would Ohtani really leave the MLB, where he had reached the pinnacle of success, to return to the NPB? What would his return to Japan mean for both the NPB and the MLB? Could it be a matter of him simply feeling a desire to return home after years of living abroad, or was there something deeper behind his words?

Ohtani’s Relationship with Japan

To understand the significance of Ohtani’s remark, we must first look at his relationship with Japan. Ohtani grew up in Oshu, Japan, where he developed a love for baseball at an early age. His remarkable talent was clear from a young age, and he eventually made the decision to pursue a professional career in the NPB. Playing for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, Ohtani quickly became a star, impressing scouts with his extraordinary pitching velocity and his powerful hitting.

But while Ohtani enjoyed significant success in Japan, his ambitions always reached beyond the shores of his home country. His decision to join the MLB in 2017, despite overwhelming interest from Japanese teams, marked a significant turning point in his career. At the time, Ohtani was driven by the desire to prove himself on the biggest stage in the world—the MLB.

However, it’s important to note that Ohtani has always maintained a strong connection to Japan. In interviews, he has spoken fondly of his upbringing, the values instilled in him, and the support of his family and fans back home. Ohtani has always made it clear that Japan is close to his heart, and while he has embraced the challenges of playing in the United States, there is a certain cultural comfort and familiarity in Japan that he might one day seek to reconnect with.

The Impact on NPB and MLB

If Ohtani were to return to Japan, it would have profound implications for both the NPB and MLB. For the NPB, Ohtani’s return would be nothing short of a seismic event. As one of the most popular and beloved athletes in Japan, Ohtani’s presence would instantly elevate the league’s profile on the global stage. The NPB has always been a strong and competitive league, but the allure of Ohtani—already one of the biggest stars in the world—could spark a resurgence of interest in the sport within Japan.

The return of Ohtani could also encourage other MLB stars to consider playing in Japan, which would raise the NPB’s international profile and improve the quality of the league overall. While many talented players from Japan have made the leap to MLB over the years, few have managed to combine both pitching and hitting to the extent that Ohtani has, and even fewer have achieved such global superstardom. His return would elevate the NPB to new heights, attracting international fans and increasing the league’s overall revenue.

On the other hand, Ohtani’s potential departure from MLB would be a significant loss for the American league. Major League Baseball would lose one of its brightest stars, someone who has revitalized the game with his unique skills. Ohtani has already made a huge impact on the MLB, both as an individual talent and as a global ambassador for the sport. His ability to pitch and hit has inspired a new generation of baseball fans and players, and his departure would leave a void that would be difficult to fill.

It would also have a cultural impact, as Ohtani’s status as a symbol of the global appeal of baseball has made him a beloved figure not just in Japan, but in countries around the world. The internationalization of MLB has been one of the driving forces behind its growth, and Ohtani is at the center of that movement. Losing him to the NPB, even if only for a short time, could disrupt the momentum MLB has worked so hard to build.

Why Would Ohtani Return?

While it’s still unclear why exactly Ohtani has expressed interest in returning to Japan, there are several possible reasons for his remark.

1. Personal Fulfillment and Cultural Connection: Despite his immense success in the U.S., Ohtani may simply yearn for a sense of homecoming. Living abroad for many years can be difficult, and for someone as closely tied to their roots as Ohtani, the idea of returning to Japan could be a deeply personal and fulfilling decision.

2. Legacy in Japan: Ohtani is already a legendary figure in Japan, but a return to the NPB could further cement his place as one of the greatest athletes in Japanese sports history. Playing out his final years in Japan could allow him to leave an indelible mark on his home country, just as he has on MLB.

3. Family Considerations: Ohtani has been known to value family deeply. His relationship with his parents and his desire to be close to them could play a role in his decision-making. Japan may offer him the opportunity to spend more time with his loved ones, something that can be difficult to do when living in the U.S.

4. A Desire to Dominate at Home: After conquering the MLB, Ohtani may simply want to return to Japan and showcase his talents in front of his home country’s fans one more time. The idea of being the undisputed king of Japanese baseball could appeal to his competitive nature, and finishing his career in the NPB could be a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary journey.

Ohtani’s startling remark about playing in Japan again in 2025 has undoubtedly captured the attention of baseball fans worldwide. While it is still uncertain whether Ohtani will actually return to the NPB, his comments have sparked a fascinating conversation about his future and the impact such a move could have on both the MLB and the NPB.

Whether Ohtani decides to stay in the U.S. for the remainder of his career or return to Japan to close out his journey, one thing is certain: his legacy as one of the most unique and influential athletes in the history of baseball is already secure. His remark serves as a reminder of his deep connection to both his homeland and the global baseball community. Only time will tell what the next chapter in Ohtani’s career will look like, but no matter where he plays, his influence on the game will be felt for years to come.