Shohei Ohtani is expanding his global influence beyond the baseball diamond, teaming up with renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to release a set of exclusive trading cards ahead of the MLB Tokyo Series.
This collaboration merges Ohtani’s superstar presence in baseball with Murakami’s iconic, colorful art style, creating a unique fusion of sports and contemporary design. The limited-edition cards, featuring Murakami’s signature aesthetic, highlight Ohtani’s most memorable moments on the field.
As part of the rollout, Ohtani and Murakami appeared on Fanatics Live, where they signed “redemption cards” for two Topps sets designed by Murakami—making them must-have items for collectors. Murakami was key in designing the 2025 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Tokyo Game Exclusive and the 2025 Topps x Murakami MLB Tokyo Series Matchup sets. In addition to the cards, he also created special merchandise ahead of the Dodgers vs. Cubs season-opening matchups in Tokyo.
With Ohtani’s highly anticipated return to Japan, these unique edition cards are expected to be in high demand among baseball fans and art collectors alike. Murakami’s past collaborations have consistently gained immense popularity in the collectible world.
By blending athletics, culture, and fine art, this partnership further cements Ohtani’s status as a global icon, proving that his influence extends far beyond the game.