In a thrilling matchup on April 5, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious against the Philadelphia Phillies, clinching a 3-1 win at Citizens Bank Park. This game not only showcased the Dodgers' prowess on the field but also highlighted the growing influence of star pitcher Shohei Ohtani, whose recent commercial has inspired a new team celebration that is quickly gaining popularity among his teammates.
Shohei Ohtani, who is currently in a global advertising contract with the major cosmetics brand Kose, has been featured in commercials for their "Cosme Decorte" beauty essence, specifically the "Liposome Advanced Repair Serum." The commercial, which debuted on March 14, 2025, features Ohtani holding the product bottle in his right hand and sliding it horizontally across his face. This pose has now transcended advertising and made its way into the Dodgers' dugout.
During the game against the Phillies, several Dodgers players, inspired by Ohtani's commercial, began to mimic his signature pose. Infielder Enrique Hernandez, who hit a two-run home run in the second inning, and Max Muncy, who recorded a double, both celebrated by striking the Ohtani pose. Hernandez’s home run not only put the Dodgers ahead but also added a fun twist to the celebration, as he turned to the bench and performed the pose, much to the delight of his teammates.
In a post-game interview, Muncy confirmed that his celebration was indeed inspired by Ohtani’s commercial, stating, "Yeah, I did it. It’s a good commercial, you know?" Hernandez echoed this sentiment, saying, "It’s nice. We’re going to keep doing it." The Dodgers' official X (formerly Twitter) account even joined in on the fun, posting a video of the new celebration with the caption, "We got the win! Let’s start a new celebration!"
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, when asked about the new celebration, admitted he was unaware of the pose's origin, jokingly saying, "What pose? Ohtani has a lot of sponsors, so I didn’t notice it!" His lighthearted response reflects the camaraderie and playful spirit within the team, which is now embracing this unique blend of sports and marketing.
The Dodgers' victory was not only significant in terms of the score but also in the way it showcased the team's unity and creativity. The game saw a strong performance from starting pitcher Roki Sasaki, who allowed an early run but received ample support from the offense. Muncy’s double in the second inning set the stage for Hernandez’s home run, which turned the tide in favor of the Dodgers.
As the game progressed, Michael Conforto, a new addition to the Dodgers, also joined in on the celebration. After hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning, Conforto struck the Ohtani pose while rounding the bases, further solidifying the pose as a team tradition. This new celebration has sparked excitement among fans, with many expressing their enthusiasm on social media, noting the unexpected advertising impact for Kose and the potential boost in sales for the Cosme Decorte brand.
Fans have taken to X to share their thoughts, with comments like, "Everyone is doing it now!" and "This could become the new celebration!" The playful nature of the celebration has resonated particularly with Japanese fans, who have commented on the cultural crossover and the fun it brings to the game. As one fan noted, "Ohtani is being teased a lot, but it’s great to see everyone get involved!"
The Dodgers' new celebration is not just a passing trend; it reflects the team's ability to adapt and innovate. As the players embrace this fun new routine, it adds a layer of excitement to their games, engaging fans and creating a memorable experience both on and off the field. The blend of sports and marketing has proven to be a winning combination, with the Dodgers capitalizing on Ohtani's star power to enhance their team spirit.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this celebration evolves and whether it becomes a staple of Dodgers games. With Ohtani leading the way, the team is not only winning games but also capturing the hearts of fans with their creativity and unity. The Dodgers are setting a precedent for how sports and advertising can intertwine, and it’s a trend that could very well reshape how players celebrate their successes in the future.
In conclusion, the Dodgers' victory over the Phillies was more than just a game; it was a showcase of teamwork, creativity, and the influence of Shohei Ohtani’s commercial success. As the team continues to embrace this new celebration, it’s clear that the impact of Ohtani's brand extends far beyond the field, potentially leading to significant economic benefits for Kose and an exciting season ahead for the Dodgers.
