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Shohei Ohtani Spots in Japan
Shohei Ohtani is a professional baseball player from Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, and a proud graduate of Hanamaki Higashi High School.
During his high school days, he played as a junior to Yusei Kikuchi, already showing signs of extraordinary talent.
Hanamaki Higashi High School Era
Even as a teenager, Ohtani was throwing fastballs exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph), gaining national attention.
Known for his discipline and determination, he famously kept a detailed notebook outlining his goals and plans — a testament to his focused mindset.
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Era
After high school, he joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, where he pioneered the concept of a “two-way player” — excelling as both a pitcher and hitter.
His blazing 165 km/h fastball and powerful home runs made him one of the most dynamic players in Japanese baseball history.
Major League Baseball Career
Ohtani later signed with the Los Angeles Angels, where he continued to dominate in both pitching and hitting.
He earned two MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards, rewriting MLB history as a once-in-a-century talent.
Present
As of 2024, Ohtani has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, aiming to push his legendary two-way career even further.
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Hanamaki Higashi High School
Hanamaki Higashi High School is a private academic high school located in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It is widely known for its powerhouse baseball team and for producing professional players such as Yusei Kikuchi (now in MLB) and Shohei Ohtani (also a former Hanamaki Higashi star), both of whom gained nationwide fame through their performances at Koshien.
School Features
Hanamaki Higashi values a balance between academics and athletics under the philosophy of "Mind, Skill, and Body."
The baseball team, led by coach Hiroshi Sasaki, is famous for its disciplined training and its motto of “Thinking Baseball” — focusing not only on technical skill but also on character development and humility. Players are taught to be respectful and self-motivated both on and off the field.
About Viewing the Baseball Field
While the school grounds are not open to outsiders, the baseball practice field is adjacent to a public park. From there, you can see the team practicing from outside the fence, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a practice game.
During tournament seasons, fans sometimes gather quietly nearby to watch the players train.
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2021 MLB All-Star Game Monument
The 2021 MLB All-Star Game Commemorative Monument was established to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Yusei Kikuchi and Shohei Ohtani, both graduates of Hanamaki Higashi High School, who were selected together for the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Monument Features
The monument displays handprints of both Ohtani and Kikuchi, allowing visitors to appreciate the size and form of their hands — a fascinating detail for baseball fans. It serves as a symbol of pride for their alma mater and hometown.
Location
The monument is located next to the Hanamaki Higashi High School baseball ground.
Although the school grounds are not open to the public, it’s possible to walk close enough to view the monument from outside. On some days, you might even hear the sounds of practice coming from the nearby field.
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Shin-Hanamaki Station
Shin-Hanamaki Station is a Shinkansen-only station located in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. It serves as a gateway to the Hanamaki area, including the Hanamaki Onsen hot spring resorts and the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum.
The station is about 3 km from JR Hanamaki Station and can be reached by car or local bus.
Station Features
Inside the station, there is a special exhibition corner that displays memorabilia from local baseball stars — including Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi, both graduates of Hanamaki Higashi High School.
The exhibition showcases their uniforms, autographs, and photos, along with items from other professional players with ties to Hanamaki. It’s a popular spot for fans and visitors who want to feel the city’s deep connection to baseball.
Baseball Culture in Hanamaki
Hanamaki is known for its strong baseball tradition.
In addition to Hanamaki Higashi High School, Fuji University in Hanamaki has also produced many professional players, such as Hotaka Yamakawa and Shuta Tonosaki of the Saitama Seibu Lions.
Their achievements are also featured in the displays, celebrating Hanamaki’s community spirit and dedication to the sport.
Access
Location: Yaza 10-chiwari, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
Line: Tohoku Shinkansen
From Hanamaki Station: About 5 minutes by car or by local bus
Parking: Available (both free and paid)
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Soup Curry Shippo
Soup Curry Shippo was a beloved soup curry restaurant once located in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture.
Known for its rich, spicy flavors and warm atmosphere, it was a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Restaurant Features
Shippo was famous for its authentic soup curry, blending aromatic spices with deep vegetable flavors.
Popular menu items included chicken curry and vegetable curry, with customizable levels of spiciness and toppings — allowing each guest to enjoy their ideal flavor balance.
Shohei Ohtani’s Visit
One of the most memorable aspects of the restaurant’s history is that Shohei Ohtani, during his Hanamaki Higashi High School days, once visited the restaurant.
A photo of Ohtani’s visit was proudly displayed on the wall, making the place a small “pilgrimage spot” for fans.
Closure
Although Soup Curry Shippo has now closed, it remains warmly remembered by the community as a place full of flavor and kindness.
For many, it’s still cherished as part of Hanamaki’s culinary history — and as a restaurant connected to Ohtani’s youth.
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Marukan Grand Dining Hall
Marukan Grand Dining Hall is located on the upper floors of the historic Marukan Department Store in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture.
This retro-style cafeteria offers a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere with panoramic views of Hanamaki City, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
Highlights
One of its charming features is the “Chocolate Crepe,” said to be a favorite of Shohei Ohtani, which is available for a limited time.
The restaurant’s most famous item is the giant soft-serve ice cream, known nationwide for its impressive size and playful presentation.
Other popular dishes include the hearty “Napolitan Katsu” (fried pork cutlet with ketchup pasta) and other filling classics.
Personal Recommendation
My personal favorite is the Gyoza Set Meal — crispy pan-fried dumplings served with rice and miso soup.
Simple yet deeply satisfying, it’s a dish that captures the comforting essence of Japanese home cooking.
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hair＆spa Seems
A beauty salon in Ōshū City, the hometown of Shohei Ohtani.
The owner serves as the head of a private fan club. As a passionate fan of Ohtani, they possess and display a large collection of Ohtani merchandise.
However, visits are by reservation only and must be booked in advance.
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Maesawa Batting Center
This is the batting center that Shohei Ohtani used to go to during his elementary and junior high school days.
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Ōshū City Traditional Industry Hall
On the first floor's Civic Hall, panels and displays related to Shohei Ohtani are exhibited.
In particular, you can actually shake hands with a 3D-scanned hand sculpture of Ohtani.
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Meigetsukan Uehommachi Main Store
Meigetsukan Uehommachi, a long-established yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant in Osaka, became famous as the venue where Japan’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) team held their pre-tournament gathering.
The restaurant hosted a star-studded lineup, including Yu Darvish, Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga, Kazuma Okamoto, Shosei Togo, Lars Nootbaar, and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Surrounded by the aroma of grilled meat and laughter, the players bonded as a team before heading into international competition.
In a heartwarming gesture, the bill was covered by Darvish and Ohtani, symbolizing their leadership both on and off the field. Meigetsukan has since become known as the “BBQ of Unity” — the place where Samurai Japan strengthened their spirit before conquering the world.
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Translation by ChatGPT.