Takashi Murakami says the response to his MLB capsule collection was “the biggest” he’s ever experienced.
In a new interview with the Hollywood Reporter, the 63-year-old artist talked about his now-sold-out MLB Tokyo Series collection of Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs merchandise.
However, Murakami’s new Los Angeles Dodgers Japanese Heritage Night capsule collection will become available on April 28 on the Fanatics’ website, Complex Shop, and in person at Dodgers Stadium where Murakami will also throw the first pitch during the Dodgers’ Japanese Heritage Night game against the Miami Marlins.
“The reaction [to my capsule collection] in Japan was the biggest I’ve ever experienced, and it made me realize anew how important Shohei Ohtani and baseball are to Japanese people, which made my heart fill up with excitement,” Murakami told THR.
He continued, “When I was a child, baseball was the king of sports, but by the time I graduated from college, people’s interest had shifted to soccer, and recently, people were even saying that maybe baseball was a thing of the past. But since Shohei Ohtani went to the Major Leagues, there has been a huge resurgence of interest, and it feels like my childhood has come back. It makes me very happy.”
Murakami’s collection features his signature cherry blossoms, happy flowers, and playful characters across t-shirts, hoodies and the new Ohana Hatake’s slides.
“I think this new collection builds upon the historical friendship between Japan and the United States,” said Murakami in a past statement. “I feel lucky to be able to work alongside Complex, MLB and highlight Shohei Ohtani, an outstanding athlete who has emerged from Japan and made a name for himself on the global stage. This is something I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be a part of.”
Last month, 2025 ComplexCon Hong Kong performers NJZ (a.k.a NewJeans) were seen wearing pieces from the collection.
The Murakami x MLB Tokyo Series collection will be available to shop online starting April 28 at Fanatics.com and Complex Shop.
