Ohtani: Made In Iwate | The Untold Story of Shohei Ohtani’s Roots in Japan

This is the story of the place that made Shohei Ohtani. For over a fortnight, Sports Illustrated’s Max Whittle travelled across Japan to explore the people, culture and values that helped shape baseball’s biggest superstar. Along the way, we meet Ohtani’s former high school coach Hiroshi Sasaki, legendary manager and mentor Hideki Kuriyama, devoted fans, former teammates, baseball historians and those who witnessed his rise long before the rest of the world knew his name. From the training grounds of Hanamaki Higashi High School, where Ohtani developed under Coach Sasaki’s guidance, to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters organisation that launched his professional career under Kuriyama, this documentary explores the unique environment that produced one of the most remarkable athletes in sporting history. Featuring exclusive interviews — including Ohtani’s former MLB manager Joe Maddon — alongside rare stories and original reporting from across Japan, OHTANI: MADE IN IWATE is a journey into the heart of Japanese baseball culture, from the passionate ōendan cheering sections to the communities that continue to inspire generations of players. Produced by Sports Illustrated TV.

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