In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), few players capture global attention like Shohei Ohtani. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar, known for his unparalleled skills as both a pitcher and hitter, continues to shatter records and inspire fans worldwide. On September 2, 2025 (September 3 Japan time), during an away game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Ohtani delivered a jaw-dropping performance by smashing his 46th home run of the season. This solo shot not only marked his first homer in seven games but also came at a blistering exit velocity of 120 miles per hour (193.1 kilometers per hour)—his personal fastest ever. Although the Dodgers fell short in a 9-7 loss to the Pirates, Ohtani’s feat stole the spotlight, and his sponsor, Nisshin Seifun Welna, responded with remarkable speed and creativity.
The Thrilling Game and Ohtani’s Record-Breaking Blast
The matchup between the Pirates and Dodgers was intense from the start. Ohtani, batting leadoff as the designated hitter (DH), stepped up in the third inning for his second at-bat. Facing a challenging pitch, he unleashed a powerful line drive that rocketed into the right-field stands, leaving the opposing crowd in awe. This home run wasn’t just any hit; it traveled at an astonishing 120 mph off the bat, making it the hardest-hit ball of Ohtani’s career. It also marked his 100th home run as a Dodger, a milestone achieved in just his 294th game with the team. For international fans tuning in from Japan, Europe, or beyond, moments like these highlight why Ohtani is often called a “unicorn” in baseball—a rare talent who excels on both sides of the ball.
Baseball enthusiasts know that exit velocity measures how hard a ball is hit, and anything over 110 mph is considered elite. Ohtani’s 120 mph blast places him among the game’s powerhouses, underscoring his physical prowess and technical mastery. Despite the Dodgers’ late-game stumble, where they allowed the Pirates to rally for the win, Ohtani’s contribution kept hopes alive for a postseason push. As of early September 2025, Ohtani’s stats are impressive: a .276 batting average, 45 home runs prior to this game, 85 RBIs, and an OPS of .986, ranking him near the top of MLB leaderboards.
(Reuters)
Nisshin Seifun Welna’s “Explosive” Reaction: A Tower of Delight
What made this home run even more memorable was the lightning-fast response from Ohtani’s sponsor, Nisshin Seifun Welna, a leading Japanese food manufacturer specializing in flour-based products like pancake mixes, pasta, and baking essentials. Just 31 minutes after Ohtani’s homer at 8:32 a.m. Japan time, the company updated their social media on X (formerly Twitter) at 9:03 a.m. Their post featured a luxurious image celebrating the achievement, complete with a playful comment: “Bullet liner! Before I knew it, it was in the stands. I hope he keeps extending his records in September like this.”
Nisshin Seifun Welna has an ongoing advertising contract with Ohtani, signed in November 2024, which includes creative campaigns that tie his on-field success to their products. This season, they’ve popularized the “SHO-TOWER”—a virtual tower of stacked pancakes that grows with each of Ohtani’s home runs. For the 46th homer, the tower was topped with whipped cream and caramel popcorn, symbolizing the “sweet” victory. This fun, engaging approach has become a fan favorite, blending sports excitement with everyday culinary joy. For non-native English speakers or those new to baseball, think of it as a digital high-five: the company uses Ohtani’s milestones to promote their pancake mixes, encouraging fans to recreate the tower at home.
This rapid response exemplifies modern sports marketing, where brands leverage social media for real-time engagement. In Japan, where baseball holds deep cultural roots—dating back to the late 19th century—such tie-ins resonate strongly. Ohtani, hailing from Iwate Prefecture, embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence, values cherished in Japanese culture. His global appeal helps bridge East and West, attracting diverse audiences to MLB.
Ohtani’s 2025 Season: Chasing History and Inspiring Globally
Ohtani’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. After a historic 2024 where he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, he’s on pace to challenge his own records. His 46th homer puts him third in MLB, behind Cal Raleigh (50) and Kyle Schwarber (49). This blast against Pirates prospect Bubba Chandler was a solo shot, adding to his pursuit of topping his career-high 54 home runs from last year.
For international readers, Ohtani’s story is inspirational. Arriving in MLB from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 2018, he’s overcome injuries and cultural adjustments to become a two-time MVP. His dual-role ability—pitching with a fastball over 100 mph and hitting moonshots—defies traditional baseball norms. In 2025, he’s also contributed on the mound with a 4.18 ERA over 11 starts, striking out 44 batters in 32.1 innings. Fans in countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and Latin America, where baseball thrives, see him as a role model promoting cross-cultural unity.
The Broader Impact: Sports, Sponsorships, and Cultural Sensitivity
Sponsorships like Nisshin Seifun Welna’s highlight how athletes like Ohtani drive economic and cultural exchanges. The company, Japan’s top producer of wheat flour and mixes, uses Ohtani’s image in commercials, such as one from March 2025 where he deftly prepares pasta while wearing an apron. This not only boosts brand visibility but also encourages healthy, fun cooking—appealing to families globally.
Culturally, it’s important to appreciate how Ohtani’s success fosters positive Japan-U.S. relations. Baseball, introduced to Japan by American educators in the 1870s, is now a national passion, with events like the World Baseball Classic uniting fans. Ohtani’s humility and work ethic align with values of respect and harmony, making his story accessible and uplifting for non-native audiences.
As September unfolds, all eyes are on Ohtani to extend his records. Whether you’re a die-hard MLB follower or a casual viewer discovering baseball’s thrills, his journey reminds us of sport’s power to connect people across borders. Stay tuned for more updates on Ohtani’s quest—who knows what delicious celebration Nisshin Seifun Welna has in store next?
