Key Facts

Project honors 12 Japanese MLB players with artistic manhole covers
Launches June 16, starting in Oshu, Iwate—Shohei Ohtani’s hometown
Each design includes AR content viewable via smartphone
Covers created by 12 different artists to reflect each player’s story
MLB collaborates with Japan Airlines for special on-site promotions

Starting June 16, Major League Baseball will install a series of custom-designed manhole covers across Japan to celebrate 12 of its top Japanese players—including Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, and Roki Sasaki. Each manhole will be placed in a location tied to the player’s roots, beginning with Iwate Prefecture. Designed by 12 different artists, the covers uniquely capture the spirit and story of each athlete. Fans can also enjoy an AR experience by scanning the covers with a smartphone, unlocking short videos on site. The project is further supported by a special collaboration between MLB and Japan Airlines.

A Tribute to Japanese MLB Stars in Their Hometowns

MLB's tribute begins on June 16 in Iwate Prefecture with installations honoring Shohei Ohtani (Oshu), Yusei Kikuchi (Morioka), and Roki Sasaki (Rikuzentakata). The initiative will then roll out across Japan in alignment with each player’s MLB schedule.

Installation Schedule (June 16–29):
Jun 16: Shohei Ohtani (Oshu, Iwate)
Jun 16: Yusei Kikuchi (Morioka, Iwate)
Jun 16: Roki Sasaki (Rikuzentakata, Iwate)
Jun 17: Yu Darvish (Habikino, Osaka)
Jun 18: Yuki Matsui (Kawasaki, Kanagawa)
Jun 19: Shota Imanaga (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka)
Jun 23: Lars Nootbaar (Higashimatsuyama, Saitama)
Jun 24: Seiya Suzuki (Arakawa, Tokyo)
Jun 25: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Bizen, Okayama)
Jun 26: Masataka Yoshida (Fukui, Fukui)
Jun 27: Kodai Senga (Gamagori, Aichi)
Jun 29: Tomoyuki Sugano (Sagamihara, Kanagawa)

Augmented Reality and Artistic Storytelling

Each manhole is embedded with AR functionality. By scanning the cover with a smartphone, fans can view a short video experience celebrating that player’s journey.

The manholes are designed by 12 different artists—one per athlete—each bringing a unique visual narrative that reflects the individual’s career, personality, and hometown pride. The vivid artwork blends baseball and culture in a public, interactive format.

MLB x JAL Special Collaboration

In partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL), MLB is offering an exclusive campaign to enhance visitors’ experiences at manhole locations. Details of the special promotion will be announced on June 16 alongside the first installations.

Behind-the-scenes footage of the manhole creation process is now available on MLB Japan’s official social media, giving fans a closer look at the craftsmanship and passion behind the project.

FAQ

Q: What is the MLB manhole cover project in Japan?
A: It’s an initiative honoring 12 Japanese MLB players with custom AR-enabled manhole covers installed in locations connected to their roots.

Q: When and where does the project start?
A: The first covers will be installed on June 16, 2025, in Iwate Prefecture.

Q: How does the AR feature work?
A: By scanning the manhole cover with a smartphone, users can watch an AR short movie about the featured player.

Q: Who is involved in the collaboration?
A: The project is organized by MLB and supported by Japan Airlines (JAL), with visuals by 12 unique artists.

Source : ORICON NEWS