Shohei Ohtani breaking records? Nothing new. However, this time, his weapon of choice was not a bat—it was an insatiable appetite. While filming a FamilyMart commercial, Ohtani skipped lunch, then casually inhaled multiple onigiri like, it was just another day at the ballpark. Forget exit velocity, this was elite eating velocity. His reaction? Pure bliss. “I was taken aback by their quality,” he said. This proved that a baseball titan can be humbled by a perfectly made rice ball.
Naturally, the internet devoured the moment. Memes, jokes and admiration flooded social media. Ohtani does not just dominate games—he dominates viral moments.
Shohei Ohtani’s viral onigiri moment and his love for food
Shohei Ohtani’s current commercial became a fan favorite instead of merely another brand endorsement. The Japanese celebrity shocked everyone by indiscriminately consuming 19 rice balls, said FamilyMart’s CMO. The appeal was further enhanced by his praising the onigiri’s deliciousness. Naturally, the internet had a field day.
Fans flooded social media with memes, jokes, and expressions of admiration. “This guy has 43,978 sponsorships and 64 brand deals. And also plays baseball prt-time”, one fan joked. Another said, “Ohtani’s going to be the new Bartolo and eat his way out of a few Cy Youngs and MVPs.” International sports publications promptly picked up the story after widely reported in Japanese media. Shohei Ohtani has become a cultural hero, as identified by his capability to make the most mundane situations entertaining.
Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani recently shot a commercial for FamilyMart convenience store onigiri. Ohtani reportedly skipped lunch before the shoot so he could eat 19 onigiri while on set. He liked them so much that he brought some home too.pic.twitter.com/JVM6BvhS3W https://t.co/vIdE4apEth
— Jeffrey J. Hall (@mrjeffu) February 27, 2025
Shohei Ohtani’s passion for food has been a recurrent motif throughout his career. On the basis of reports, Ohtani bulked out in high school by consuming 10,000 calories a day. By graduation, Shohei Ohtani weighed a healthy 189 pounds, up from a slack 143 pounds in his 1st year. Such a hunger is still alive.
His reputation as a foodie is well-earned. Ohtani celebrates the end of a demanding season with Double-Doubles and Animal-Style fries. Whether on the field and at the table, Shohei Ohtani knows how to make an effect. He has been observed grabbing food after his games, munching in the dugout and eating informally in public. It has this relatable side— mixed with his historic 2024 MVP season and World Series victory—that makes him more beloved.
Ohtani is not just a generational talent, he is a guy who works hard, wins big, and enjoys his favorite dishes along the way.
Shohei Ohtani’s marketability
Shohei Ohtani’s onigiri advertisement is simply the most current in a string of vital endorsements. He received almost $40 million in sponsorships in 2023 alone. New Balance designated him a top athlete ambassador. He also cooperated with ITO EN to grow green tea marketing in the US and Japan. Hugo Boss launched a baseball-themed clothing line starring Ohtani. Dunlop signed him to promote their upcoming all-season tires. He joined Porsche for a worldwide campaign as well. In addition to such businesses, Shohei Ohtani has endorsed Boss Coffee, Asics and Seiko, solidifying his position as the world’s most marketable athlete.
His captivating appearance in advertisements has delighted fans. However, they are much more excited over his impending comeback to the pitch. Ohtani is going to make his Spring Training debut as the Dodgers’ designated hitter on Friday. He will play against the Angels, his old team. This will be his 1st game after surgery on his left shoulder last year.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed this eagerly anticipated appearance. The Dodgers’ season opener against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18 is when Ohtani hopes to be ready as the designated hitter. While he expects to return to pitching in May, his presence as a hitter is already building excitement. In 2024, he won NL MVP honors, hitting .310 with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs, proving his dominance at the plate.
Shohei Ohtani is not just a baseball superstar—he is a global phenomenon. He can captivate fans worldwide no matter what he is doing. He has unmatched marketability and unwavering fan support. However, the question remains, what is next for Ohtani? Another MVP season? Another unexpected viral moment? Either way, the world will be watching.
The post Shohei Ohtani’s Foodie Side Comes Out in Open After His Hilarious Onigiri Story Goes Viral appeared first on EssentiallySports.