From parrots to chemists, the world is captivated by baseball superstar Ohtani

TOKYO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar, continues to captivate millions of fans worldwide, including a unique admirer: Cocochan Hayakawa, a parrot with nearly 48,000 Instagram followers. Known for mimicking phrases like ‘Ohtani. Home run. Awesome,’ the parrot symbolizes the widespread adoration for the baseball phenom. Despite the Dodgers trailing 3-2 in the World Series against Toronto, fans like Hideyuki Kamimura, a Tokyo-based dentist, remain steadfast in their belief that Ohtani will lead the team to victory. Kamimura’s devotion is evident in his $10 million collection of Ohtani memorabilia, including three of the player’s helmets. Ohtani’s influence extends beyond the field, permeating Japanese culture even as the country is engrossed in its own Japan Series. His face dominates billboards, advertisements, and merchandise, endorsing products ranging from watches to rice balls. With an estimated $100 million in annual endorsements and a $2 million salary, Ohtani’s commercial appeal is unmatched. His teammates have even playfully mimicked his gestures from a sunscreen ad, showcasing his widespread popularity. To fans, Ohtani embodies perfection: a home run hitter, a skilled pitcher, a base stealer, and a humble personality. Max Bedding, a chemist from Sydney, captured the essence of Ohtani’s global impact during his visit to Japan, stating, ‘He is a tremendous athlete and a cultural phenomenon.’