All Japanese baseball players know that they are being watched by kids too and as kids aspire to become baseball players, they feel the responsibility to be a good example. Shohei is just one of many Japanese players who simply wants to be a good example.
Shohei said in japanese interview 1 or 2 years ago, “I’m not great person. I’m ordinary person who can play baseball better a little bit. I wanna be reliable as a person. It’s not relevant to baseball but humanity. I knew human being’s bad aspect when I was more famous. So, I wanna be a reliable person who never change whoever I will be.”
@@bige8496 Hate to break it to you, but there's tons of fat on the guy lol. He's obviously a great athlete and everything, but you don't need to make him out to be a cartoon character. He's not that defined or cut even for baseball. Definitely a big guy, but I don't think I'd ever refer to him as being all muscle and no fat. That's just silly.
I saw his goal list when he was middle school student. Interestingly he wrote how to become professional baseball player and one of important factors is Luck and how to improve. He listed "Take care your equipment " "Greeting " "Pick up trash""Respect judges " That's impressive that he is keeping a promise he made as a child.
Shohei is the definition of a class act. He knows he has the entire country of Japan watching him and knows all of his actions are under a microscope, and still is a fierce competitor and is one of the most sportsmanlike players we’ve had the pleasure of having in the MLB in recent years. Keep being you Shohei!
North American viewers: Wow, they are so respectful of other human beings and just polite in general. Asian viewers: I don't get it , we all do this. Why is this a video ?
Shohei Ohtani is a person with a solid core. Not only is he kind, but he has a lion heart that will not give up even if people all over Japan say that dual wield is impossible.
Musashi's take on dual wielding seemed to be more of a flex against an unskilled opponent, rather than a practical strategy for defeating a worthy one. It's interesting how close they are paralleling with the name they chose, but maybe Shohei can do it.
Shohei said in japanese interview 1 or 2 years ago, “I’m not great person. I’m ordinary person who can play baseball better a little bit. I wanna be reliable as a person. It’s not relevant to baseball but humanity. I knew human being’s bad aspect when I was more famous. So, I wanna be a reliable person who never change whoever I will be.”
That's just how Japanese baseball is. Ichiro was the same. Respect is number 1 priority. Shohei is such a wholesome type of dude. Just to put it into perspective Ichiro played *18* I repeat *EIGHTEEN* season in the MLB and was ejected only *ONCE* . 1 time in 18 years is god level restraint and emotional control!
To be honest, Ichiro shouldn't even have gotten ejected. Umpire was making terrible calls and he was calling it out but umpire got butthurt over Ichiro truthfully lecturing the umpire how terrible his calls are and ejected him over emotional reason. Ichiro simply indicated with his bat where the pitch went through and there's no way he can even reach that in the first place. Some umpires would've give a leeway to some players to complain. But this umpire was having none of it. Very unfortunate for Ichiro.
Most of them are, but I wouldn't say that it's 99.99999999% of the entire population. But yeah, Ohtani is really nice and talented. I'm not even a baseball fan but I love watching it sometimes because of him :)
Definitely a culture thing becuz I knw for a fact that it doesn't how right you are when you speak to an elderly person. You had to suck it up and let it go. There is no way we speak to our parents like I know most Americans children speak to their parents. No way in hell we disrespectful someone that is older than us or with an authority figured.
He was a angel now dodging!? , but still in the west coast, California! Hopefully he stays on the west coast! Easier for me to see him play live! Aloha from Hawaii.
Shohei said in japanese interview 1 or 2 years ago, “I’m not great person. I’m ordinary person who can play baseball better a little bit. I wanna be reliable as a person. It’s not relevant to baseball but humanity. I knew human being’s bad aspect when I was more famous. So, I wanna be a reliable person who never change whoever I will be.”
I took a year off to travel the world and went to many countries. People often ask me what people made the most impression on me and the answer is the Japanese people. How they are is ingrained in their culture. You are just seeing the tip of an iceberg of what I mean by "How they are" when you watch Ohtani's social behavior. There is no one like the Japanese people.
I so much agree with you. I was extremely fortunate to have a grandfather who loved to travel, and had the resources to do so. We ventured about the world every year during my summer and winter breaks from school, believing it was necessary for my education; in a very real sense, Pan Am became a second home As a result, I have visited more than a hundred countries and all seven continents. The one country that has always stood out for me (and my grandfather) was Japan. He loved discovering and interacting with the culture, the beautiful scenery, etc., but especially her people. When my secondary school and university had a foreign language requirement, it was never a question that it would be Japanese. For the last 30 years, I have tried to visit Japan every year, and at different times (though Covid 19 has temporarily broken that record), to experience as much as I can of a country that has been a lifelong fascination. But like my grandfather, it has always been her people that has attracted me most. Many years ago, a Japanese politician was heavily criticized by foreigners for saying that Japanese culture was unique. He was not saying that the Japanese were superior, but that the culture was different from other cultures, especially in the way society treats each other. After travelling the world, I wholeheartedly agree that the Japanese are unique. The way the Japanese behave after natural disasters, the extremely low levels of crime in the country, to the respect that is accorded to relative strangers in social interactions, definitively substantiate what the Japanese are like. There is no society in the world like them.
@@mattsoca1 I am Japanese. I translated it and saw the contents. Many Japanese people do not like the national character of Japanese people very much. However, I am very happy that it has been evaluated in this way. I really like the broad personality of an American.
Hideki Matsui was the class act, too. Most Japanese players brought in good manners in MLB. Though I like the exciting American style as well. Good blend should be done.
Ohtani's culture teaches to play with honor and respect. None of that changes even if you are a superstar because you're playing a children's game. A dream come true for many and he's appreciative of the opportunity.
I was surprised to learn from Japanese news that Shohei Ohtani's family has never touched his money. Even when Ohtani offered to rebuild his family home, his parents said, "We're still healthy, and the house isn't that old, so that's not how you should spend your money. Save it properly." His mother still works part-time, and their lifestyle hasn't changed at all from old days. When his mentor and sister got married, Ohtani tried to give them a big gift, but they didn't accept it. Ohtani himself doesn't spend money on anything other than baseball; it's clear that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
it's partly why I think that the whole "500 million dollar contract" thing when he becomes a free agent is really stupid and overblown. He's going to go with the team he wants to be on because of the vibe of the team and their championship prospects, not because he's gonna make a whole lotta money.
Being an American, I certainly understand our culture. That being said, I LOVE this guy Shohei Ohtani. Class act all the way, and probably the greatest 2-way player in Major League baseball since Babe Ruth. There's a time and place for passion and emotion, but I like the way this man handles himself on the baseball diamond. 💎 PS - Roger Clemens' bad behavior was probably induced by steroids. LOL!
He’s better than babe Ruth, babe Ruth never was an all star pitcher and hitter at the same time, he just switched from pitching to hitting midway through his career
@@pohorex6834 Babe Ruth had seasons where his HR total was higher than that of ENTIRE TEAMS. No, Shohei Ohtani is not more dominant than Babe Ruth was.
@@watchman1178 babe Ruth also invented the idea of hitting home runs. Nobody else was even trying to. It’s like claiming you are the champion at chess when you are the only person who knows how to play
@Pohorex That's simply ridiculous. Babe Ruth didn't "invent" the home run. In a dead ball era, he was simply the best at hitting them. For you or anyone to act like the rest of baseball at that time didn't understand the value of the home run, it is just ludicrous.
@@watchman1178 why is babe Ruth revolutionary again? Is he a great player or did he revolutionize the game? Because he either was a great player OR revolutionized the games, not both though
Nice is a personality trait. Shohei has great character, and embodies the virtues of Japanese culture and its people. He's one of millions of reasons why Japan is the gold standard of modern civilization.
I have a feeling this is a loaded question. LOL There's a saying that nice guys always finish last and some people take being nice as a weakness or a looser. Shonei Ohtani is a genuinely nice guy and he's definitely not finishing last or a looser by any stretch of the imagination. My take on nice guys is that they can "afford" (I'm not referring to money) to be nice. They have enough confidence that it does't matter if picking up a broken bat for the guy he's pitching to and candy wrappers on the field may seem "below" them. In today's society that would not be an "alpha" thing to do. But again, nice guys do not need an alpha image. They're confident about themselves. And nice guys tend to put others before themselves, a selfless act that is rare these days. They "let" others win because they know they are a winner. But don't think you can push a nice guy around, you'll regret it. A perfect example: Steven A Smith mistakenly thought he could talk trash about Ohtani. Ohtani didn't even have to say a word in response. His fans and supporters got his back. No alpha image necessary. Being "geniunely nice" doesn't have anything to do with your socio-economic status, your job, your racial background or education. Last but not lease, I'm sure Ohtani's parents, culture and upbringing play a critical role. So, the answer to the question is no, Ohtani is not being too nice. I would say he is a very nice guy. People who aren't nice think others are too nice. LOL
A reporter asked Otani why he picks up trash in Japan when he is a superstar. He replied, He replied, "I'm just picking up luck that others have thrown away. Since I am Japanese, people often talk about the social morality and education of the Japanese people, but I think this is not a racial issue, but because Japan has such a long history of fighting major disasters. In the face of the power of nature, we tiny humans need to respect each other and help each other with compassion to overcome. Shohei Otani experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake when he was in high school. It has had a significant impact on his character development.
I thought I was reading a book. Let us know when the next chapter is posted. Bottom line: Nice = confident Jerk = insecure aka SAS aka Stephen Ass Smith
@@johnchang1412 what is your point? I didn't see ohtani tweeting it and asking for recognition. Giving the support staff money is a nice gesture that lots of players actually also do. And yes, that's not a lot of money given what he will be able to make in the future but realize he is not hurting for money given his salary in Japan and product endorsement deals.
@@eyebeebak good question..its true rarely do athletes give anything to a cause ...but like i said if i knew in the future i will be getting millions, 150k as a gift or promoting my image or goodwill gesture, is all worth the cause...its good publicity too
You're right, it could be a better world if people were like this, the only problem is we have a huge mental health crisis. And quite frankly we are an entitled nation. Though Japanese culture is way more traditional when it comes to family values, and their way more intelligent than us. Americans are too consumed with reality TV, etc.
I think Ohtani's example of how to behave when the umpires checked for sticky stuff actually had an impact - so many pitchers were having hissy fits and throwing tantrums when they were checked, then video of Ohtani's polite, friendly compliance went viral and the childish tantrums pretty much stopped right away.
Legend mindset, to be cool headed. But what I do know about some of Japanese men is that they're reserved, gentle, and humble. Really nice to behold this side of Ohtani-senshu.
Me too! The only thing Shohei is focused on is becoming thebest dual player there ever will be. Just like in the manga, Major! He has said this inspired him and I think he is playing the character Gorou out in real life with Japanese tendencies. Thank you all Japanese for sending us Shohei. Let us gather behind him. Let's watch as he tries his best to find a path that no one has found before. We should respect his struggles he will have and stand aside with wonder.
i think he is more special compared to standard Japanese. his speciality is based on his personality. it is apparent after watching some NPB games. of course, standard Japanese style is humble and kind, but he is special. It's also special compared to many Japanese major leaguers so far.
@@darinb7966 No, you're wrong. I've lived in California for over 20yrs, but my colleagues tell me I still bow when i'm talking to people on the phone. I also can't help but slightly bow to customers or people I meet. The culture you've been raised in & of course, how your parents raised you has a far-reaching effect on how people behave.
100% our culture. Baseball is sacred in Japan. Example of what we do in Japan, if you hit a batter it's custom to tip your cap to the batter to signal that it was an accident. in Japan, also the team basically owns you. Your actions reflect the team and the company that owns it. That's the Japanese way.
Shohei knows he is representing his entire country and culture and knows kids all over the world see him in the spotlight and acts as such dudes a class act
It's because he is Japanese, raised in Japan... where over there, it is all about respect. Plus, he ain't no baby like these MLB players... he just wants to get his job done & done right. Big respect to him for not being a baby.
violence in america continues to rise due to ...boys being raised to be macho all the time...being nice in american culture is seen as weakness...as a pushover...ohtani has complete self-control over situations while instilling confidence without any arrogance...he is a real man with core values...a great role-model for kids...& just an overall decent human-being
You do not have a proper concept of machoism. Being macho also means men must control their emotions and weigh things more with critical thinking. In the US many of our troubled young men are raised in households headed by women, educated K-12 by mainly women teachers/perspectives. Critical thinking is replaced by emotionalism. Add to this a society that has no established norms, because everything is normal. K-12 education, pop culture, media and intellects encourages this. No emotional control, no enforced norms and inability to deal with someone who tells you no you cannot have this, you will end up with social chaos and violence. Now we teach kids you can choose your gender!!!
@@Simp_Police_ No I’d say he’s spot on. America definitely has a problem with toxic machoism. I’m not saying there aren’t healthy strong men that are just genuinely strong and controlled men, but that’s becoming few and far between the boys that grow up thinking they want to be macho but without any of the respect and self control that a true man of respect would have.
I am a Japanese American. When I played in Little League, my gad taught me two things: always walk behind the umpire when coming to bat and always respect the field, which meant no spitting. Now, my teammates would tease me when I walked behind the ump. I was just glad my dad didn't make me bow to the umpire. Besides, following these two rules was a small price to pay to play the game I love.
Wrong again idiot. Just like in life wrong again. He says Japanese American because he still has that culture in him. Just like some mexican American and yes African American identity with there parents culture.
@@OldestGamer50 This is a very weird thing to say to someone who is identifying themselves. No, its not. Yes he's American, but he's also Japanese American, as he told you.
@@antthehckyplayer If he was born in America then he is American period. That’s like saying all black people are African American and were born in Africa. Not all black people were born in Africa.
@@OldestGamer50 I mean keep arguing your point but it just makes you look worse. Some black people prefer to not identify that way and others do, its a lot hazier and dependent on individual lived experiences than you are making it out to be. That's besides the fact that the relationship black people in America have with Africa is very different, and "black" describes skin tone while Japanese describes a nationality. I'm telling you man, just stop.
I wouldn't say Ohtani is too nice. He's smart for not getting thrown out of the game! Picking up chards of wood is also intelligent, lest someone gets injured. Why Clemens decided to throw the splintered wood at Piazza is just savage. Many could take a page from the Ohtani model of behavior, especially our kids learning how to play the game.
He not too nice, he respects the game and understand how much baseball is to,America and Japan! CLASS ACT and a great example of EXCELLENCE, SPORTSMANSHIP AND DICIPLINE! Aloha from Hawaii!
Shohei Othani conducts himself with class at all times. He treats every with respect which kinda forces others to show him respect in return. Anyone that would start barking in his face or try to pick a fight with him would look foolish and bullish
In scherzer defense, he got checked 3 or 4 times in the same game because the other team's head coach was asking for it, the first time he was fine with it but then it started being a little annoying and I think thats understandable.
America used to share Ohtani's spirit when Glenn Campbell was singing "You've got to try a little kindness yeah show a little kindness, Just shine your light for everyone to see. And if you try a little kindness then you'll overlook the blindness of narrow minded people on their narrow minded streets"
That just being Japanese. In Japan they teach kids at a very young age how to be polite, how to be mindful of others and how to respect people. The more people are shocked, the more its obvious how wayward things are where they come from. We can all learn something from the Japanese.
@@martinelasorsa4334 That would take a massive overhaul of the current educational system that we know of (and not just the american ed system). The first couple of years of Japanese education is spent without any academics, very little to no aptitude tests and no subjects/homework that we are all familiar with. The Japanese kids for their first few years are just taught manners and good behavior, community, respect, honor, honesty and responsibility. Thats it. No math exams, no science tests or any of that sort. Only when that part is done, then they move on to the academic phase of learning.
This guys a hero, he doesn’t need to act like an ahole to have power. Actin like an ahole to gain status comes from a place of scarcity and incompetence, acting nice while you’re on top comes from generosity and competence.
@@TheKoreanContradiction There was this one dude/spammer who kept on posting Sho was Korean or Chinese. He's infamous in Ohtani's MLB Highlight videos that actual Koreans were pissed off for being put on a bad light by someone who is either pretending to be Korean and has a hard-on with Ohtani but can't accept that he's japanese.
It is not Ohtani only. Most Japanese are like that - courteous and considerate to a fault. Many time I offered my bus seat to old or pregnant women and all were rejected simply because they dont want to be an inconvenience to others. They also tend not to argue with someone not close to them. I was a graduate student their in an English program with lots of international students. Although it was in Japan, we were encouraged to discuss or debate because it was an international program. So we invited some locals and we had some common discussions and some differing opinions and the old man apologized for what he said. I have to explain to him that it is okay to have different opinion.
