The Los Angeles Dodgers are not just winning on the field in 2025—they’re also winning hearts off the field by fully embracing their rapidly growing Japanese fanbase. This year has marked a cultural shift for the team as Dodger Stadium transforms into a more global, inclusive baseball experience. The clearest sign? Today’s email announcement that the Dodgers are introducing Nikaido Shochu, a premium Japanese spirit, to their stadium beverage lineup.
Let’s break down why this move is more than just a menu addition—it’s a reflection of the Dodgers’ commitment to making their Japanese fans feel at home and celebrated.
Shohei Ohtani Changed Everything
The signing of Shohei Ohtani in December 2023 instantly reshaped the Dodgers’ brand on a global scale. One of the most celebrated athletes in the world, Ohtani brought more than just his two-way superstar ability to Los Angeles—he brought millions of devoted Japanese fans, international media coverage, and an unprecedented spotlight on Japanese baseball culture.
Since Ohtani’s arrival, the team has seen a massive spike in Japanese attendance at home games, an increase in Japanese language signage around the stadium, and even a broader range of Dodgers merchandise tailored to Japanese fans. There’s been a noticeable boost in social media engagement from Japan and Dodger games are now regularly broadcast with Japanese commentary.
But instead of letting the hype ride on Ohtani alone, the Dodgers have leaned into the cultural exchange with intention and class.
Nikaido Shochu Comes to Dodger Stadium
This morning’s email from the Dodgers officially welcomed Nikaido Shochu—a smooth, barley-based Japanese spirit—to the stadium beverage lineup. For longtime fans of Japanese alcohol, Nikaido is a familiar name. Known for its clean flavor and smooth drinkability, Shochu is one of Japan’s most popular traditional spirits and is often enjoyed with food or mixed with water, soda, or tea.
Shochu isn’t sake. It’s lower in alcohol, lighter on the palate, and typically consumed in casual and relaxed settings—which makes it a perfect fit for a summer evening at the ballpark.
The inclusion of Nikaido at Dodger Stadium is a savvy cultural move. It’s a clear nod to the team’s Japanese supporters and an invitation for all fans to try a taste of Japan while watching the boys in blue. Whether served straight up, with soda, or over ice, it’s expected to be a hit for fans looking for something a little different from the usual beer and cocktails.
More Than a Drink — It’s a Gesture of Inclusion
This isn’t the first time the Dodgers have made Japanese fans feel welcomed.
Earlier this season, the Dodgers hosted a Japanese Heritage Night that sold out in record time. The event featured taiko drum performances, Japanese-style food vendors, a commemorative Shohei Ohtani bobblehead, and thousands of fans waving Japanese flags and wearing Ohtani jerseys. The night was electric and showed that the Dodgers weren’t just cashing in on Ohtani’s name—they were cultivating a real sense of cultural appreciation.
There’s also been a noticeable effort to accommodate Japanese-speaking fans at the stadium. From Japanese-language guides and QR codes for menus to dual-language signage and merch tags, it’s clear the organization is thinking beyond baseball.
They’re thinking globally.
Ohtani, Yamamoto, and a Pipeline of Talent
Let’s not forget that Shohei Ohtani isn’t the only Japanese star on the roster. The Dodgers also signed right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a massive deal, giving them two of the biggest names in Japanese baseball. Having both of these elite players in one of the world’s most storied franchises creates a natural bridge between Japan and Los Angeles.
That bridge is paying off not just in attention, but in attendance, fan loyalty, and now—in what you can drink at the stadium.
This pipeline could also lead to even more Japanese players considering L.A. as the go-to destination for international careers. It’s not just about contracts anymore—it’s about comfort, familiarity, and knowing the organization values your culture.
What This Means for the Future
Bringing in Nikaido Shochu is a small gesture, but it’s symbolic of something bigger. The Dodgers are rewriting the playbook on how to welcome and celebrate international fans, and other MLB teams are watching closely.
This could open the door to more Japanese-themed offerings: perhaps bento box meals, Japanese snack vendors, or even rotating specialty nights that spotlight different regions of Japan. It’s also not out of the question for other international fanbases to get the same treatment. With baseball becoming more global each season, the Dodgers are ahead of the curve.
They aren’t just playing the game. They’re building the experience.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the Dodgers aren’t just the best team in baseball—they’re also the most inclusive. The introduction of Nikaido Shochu is a small but meaningful way to say “You’re welcome here” to their Japanese fanbase.
From heritage nights and merchandise to stadium signage and drink menus, the Dodgers are proving that baseball can be a bridge between cultures—and that Dodger Stadium is where that connection thrives.
So next time you’re at the stadium, raise a glass of Shochu—whether you’re from Tokyo or Torrance—and toast to a team that understands the power of global fandom.