Japan Reaches Peak Shohei Ohtani as Dodgers and Cubs Open MLB Season March 18, 2025 NYT NYT > Business NYTimes + The Los Angeles Dodgers star is a marketer’s dream — both a sports icon and national hero in Japan. Ohtani has about 20 active sponsorship deals at any time. NYT NYT > Business NYTimes The Los Angeles Dodgers star is a marketer’s dream — both a sports icon and national hero in Japan. Ohtani has about 20 active sponsorship deals at any time.