It was heavy for an 18-year-old me.

Shohei Ohtani announced his decision to join the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on December 9, 2012, at Hotel Plaza Inn Mizusawa in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. His official introductory press conference was later held on December 25 at the Sapporo Dome. Because Ohtani chose to give up his plan to go to the United States and instead join Nippon-Ham, the announcement drew tremendous public attention.

At the beginning of the decision press conference, Ohtani apologized, saying he felt sorry that it had taken time to reach his decision and that many people — both in Japan and the United States — had been involved in the process. After expressing that feeling, he formally declared his intention to join Nippon-Ham. Looking back on that day, he said:

“I don’t think there has ever been a day as nerve-racking as that one. I had never spoken in front of that many cameras before, and because I had caused such a stir, it felt even heavier. For an 18-year-old me, it was a lot to carry. I remember being very nervous.”

During the period leading up to the decision, Ohtani’s parents never forced their own opinions on him. They respected his wishes, telling him, “We want you to do what you truly want to do. Go where you want to go.” Nippon-Ham, too, approached the situation not merely from the standpoint of what was best for the organization, but with Ohtani’s future in mind, providing him with a wide range of information.

Because the decision was made after receiving and accepting all of those feelings and considerations, it was a heavy one for Ohtani. Manager Hideki Kuriyama later reflected on hearing Ohtani’s decision by saying, “It was truly frightening.”

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

Way Opening, Crossing the Ocean: The Real Face of Shohei Ohtani, p.201

Shohei Ohtani Quotes

It was heavy for an 18-year-old me.

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