Shohei Ohtani is known for his extraordinary power—his ability to hit the ball farther than almost anyone in Major League Baseball.

During the 2021 All-Star festivities, he participated in the Home Run Derby, becoming the first Japanese player ever to do so.

The event itself is physically demanding and carries risk.

Repeated full-power swings in a short time can disrupt timing and even affect performance in the regular season.

Some questioned whether he should participate at all.

But Ohtani’s reason was surprisingly simple.

“I just wanted to see a Japanese player out there. It didn’t even have to be me.”

There was no ego in that statement.

No need to be the one.

Only a quiet desire to see representation.

To see someone from Japan stand on that stage.

That simplicity reveals something deeper about his character.

He doesn’t act to elevate himself.

He acts because something feels worth doing.

Because it’s interesting.

Because it matters—on a level beyond personal gain.

And when no one else is there,

he becomes that person.

Source

This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.

Shohei Ohtani: A Documentary Report, p.103