Bloomberg suggests Shohei Ohtani "choose the Prime Minister of Japan"? The cultural and economic influence is astonishing, and Japan needs a super idol.

A recent Bloomberg report promoted Shohei Otani as Japan's candidate for prime minister, arguing that his economic influence and cultural appeal can transform Japan, sparking heated discussions in the community. (Summary: The UK's new law intends to include cryptocurrencies and NFTs in "personal property": provide more flexible legal protection) (Background supplement: NFT latest report: average life of 1.14 years, loss rate of nearly 45%, what is the most profitable collectible?) Japanese baseball superman Shohei Otani returned to his hometown after many years, and the MLB 2025 season kicked off last weekend at the Tokyo Dome, between the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the San Diego Padres, nearly 100,000 tickets for the two events sold out instantly after they went on sale, and the ticket prices on the resale platform repeatedly hit sky-high prices, setting a new record for MLB's overseas opening games in previous years. According to Japanese media reports, his return not only drove the ticket rush, but also drove the overall growth of the industrial chain such as peripheral goods, tourism and broadcast rights, and was praised as "Otani Economics Dazzling Wind". Economists estimate that these two games alone could generate more than 10 billion yen in economic benefits for Tokyo, comparable to the concert economy of international superstar Taylor Swift. Interestingly, Bloomberg writer Gearoid Reidy published an article last week, "Superstar Shohei Ohtani for Prime Minister," suggesting in a half-joking tone that Otani run for prime minister, calling him "a much-needed role model for Japan." Cultural appeal and the "dream of prime minister" Reidy mentioned in the article that Otani is not only a sports star, but also a cultural symbol of Japan. His warm interactions with his beloved wife and dog Decoy frequently appeared in the media and became a healing idol for the Japanese people. This time Otani returned to Tokyo as a World Series champion and was welcomed heroically. Reidy writes that if Otani runs for prime minister, his positive image and international influence could revive Japan's sluggish economic and social morale. Source: MLB Reidy speculates that Otani, as a representative of globalized Japan, may bring more opportunities for international cooperation to Japan. For example, Otani's partnership with SpaceX (signed as a brand ambassador in 2024) could boost Japan's space industry. His success has also led to a baseball boom in Japan, with NPB attendance growing by 15% in 2024, demonstrating its profound impact on sports culture. Although a bit whimsical, the idea has sparked heated discussions on social platforms. X user @JapanSportsFan said: "Otani as prime minister? It's crazy, but he's really our pride!" Another netizen responded: "If Otani can bring the economy up, I will vote for him!" However, some netizens have reservations about the "Dream of Prime Minister Otani", believing that it is best for him not to touch politics. @EconWatcher said: "Otani is a sports star, not a politician, and economic problems need to be solved professionally." Nikkei also reported that Japan is currently facing structural problems such as aging and labor shortages, and although the symbolism of Otani is important, it is difficult to directly address these challenges. Otani's economic influence Shohei Otani, as a Los Angeles Dodgers star, is known for his rare ability to shoot amphibious. In 2024, he set a record of 50 home runs and 50 steals in a single season, becoming the first person in MLB's 100-year history. Katsuhiro Miyamoto, a professor emeritus at Kansai University, estimates that Otani's economic influence in the United States and Japan will reach 87 billion yen (about $594 million) in 2024. This includes direct income from sponsorships, advertising and fan spending, as well as indirect benefits from tourism and related industries. Otani's influence also benefits Japanese companies. Another Bloomberg report pointed out that the shares of brands that work with Otani such as Seiko and Kose (cosmetics companies) rose 12% and 8%, respectively, in 2024, while unsigned competitors performed flat. In addition, Otani's $70 million contract (10 years) created more than $550 million in economic benefits for Dodge, showing its huge commercial value. Implications of the Otani Phenomenon Shohei Otani's promotion as a "candidate for prime minister" is a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that reflects his enormous influence in the economic and cultural spheres. On the other hand, it also reveals the Japanese people's frustration with the current political power holders, and the urgent need for new Japanese idols to inject hope into a depressed society. Related Stories Earn! 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