HOUSTON — Renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, celebrated for his collaborations with top fashion brands and famous musical artists, has now ventured into the sports world through an exciting partnership with Major League Baseball. This unique collaboration marks a special tribute to next month’s Tokyo Series.
The newly announced Takashi Murakami x MLB Tokyo Series collection will be unveiled on March 7, ahead of the much-anticipated season-opening games featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome, scheduled for March 18-19. Presented in collaboration with Complex, the merchandise collection signifies the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States, an aspect Murakami feels privileged to highlight through this project.
Murakami expressed his excitement, stating, “I am grateful to be part of something that not only celebrates such a historic relationship but also pays tribute to Shohei Ohtani, an exceptional athlete from Japan who has achieved international acclaim.” Originally recognized for his vibrant paintings and sculptures, Murakami gained global fame in 2002 with his artistic partnership with luxury brand Louis Vuitton, which featured his signature colorful flowers and characters.
Often lauded as the Andy Warhol of Japan, Murakami has contributed his creative genius to multiple hip-hop album covers, most notably for Kanye West’s acclaimed 2007 album “Graduation.”
The collaboration is a significant marketing initiative for MLB as it seeks to expand its influence in Japan. As explained by MLB Chief Marketing Officer, the partnership aims to engage existing and new fans alike, celebrating the cultural synergy between baseball and the rich storytelling element inherent in Murakami’s artistry.
The merchandise collection will primarily feature apparel such as Nike T-shirts, hoodies, and exclusive jerseys adorned with Murakami’s flower patterns. Only select athletes from both the Dodgers and Cubs will have specially crafted jerseys. For the Dodgers, these include Ohtani, Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. The Cubs’ jerseys will highlight Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson.
Beyond apparel, the collection extends to New Era knits and caps, Rawlings baseballs, gloves, and Victus bats, all infused with Murakami’s distinctive style. Unique slides from Murakami’s Ohana Hatake footwear will feature team logos combined with his floral designs.
The collaboration further includes a special Topps X Murakami MLB Tokyo Series Matchup card set. This includes 25 unique cards showcasing Murakami’s art and featuring key players from both teams, with the potential to find exclusive autographed cards—a 1-of-1 dual autograph card by Murakami and Ohtani being a prized highlight.
Aaron Levant, CEO of Complex, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, describing it as a remarkable merging of Murakami’s iconic art with the international appeal of baseball, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Tokyo and the strong connection between art and sport.
This year’s Tokyo Series not only spotlights these creative collaborations but also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the first MLB games in Japan, with this being the sixth such season opener in the nation’s history.
The full collection will be accessible online from March 7, including platforms like Complex.com, Fanatics.com, and MLBShop.com. Limited items will also be available during the Tokyo Series and at various iconic locations such as Dodger Stadium and Wrigley Field, as well as the MLB Flagship Store in New York City.
Fans eager to experience this artistic fusion can look forward to immersive pop-up events in Los Angeles and Tokyo, featuring Murakami-inspired installations, to celebrate the lead-up to the Tokyo Series.
