Fans of Japanese baseball are abuzz with excitement, as two of the sport's iconic figures, Shohei Ohtani and Shigeo Nagashima, are set to share the screen in the new Secom commercial titled "Dream Showdown," launching on March 11, 2025. The ad features the Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar Ohtani, now 30 years old, facing off against the legendary Nagashima, who, at 89, has been recognized as one of Japan's theater heroes of baseball for decades. This marks the first time the two have appeared together, bridging generations of baseball history.
Secom, Japan's leading security company, has announced the release of this highly anticipated commercial, which will officially hit the airwaves on March 15, 2025. Ohtani, who recently made headlines as the first player to achieve both 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in Major League Baseball history, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration with Nagashima, who served as Secom’s ambassador for 35 years. "I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share the screen with Mr. Nagashima. When I think of Japanese professional baseball, I think of him. I still vividly recall watching my first game at the Tokyo Dome, where his billboard was prominently displayed," Ohtani reflected on the significance of this encounter.
The commercial features Ohtani taking the pitcher's mound, facing Nagashima, who is recreated with cutting-edge CGI technology to resemble his playing days when he was known for his electrifying performances on the field. Nagashima’s likeness was carefully crafted by collecting various historical references and previously captured footage of his batting style and routines. The visuals aim to encapsulate the essence of Nagashima’s career, including his past experiences with Major League interest, even receiving offers from teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers during his prime years.
Notably, the commercial is narrated by Ohtani, who states, "60 years ago, a voice from America was calling out to one Japanese person," hinting at the long-standing relationship and admiration between Japan and Major League Baseball. He continues, "Now, I continue to challenge myself at the mound,” reinforcing the narrative of aspiration and legacy inherent within the sport.
A highlight of the commercial is the playful banter between the two legends, culminating with the iconic line, "Secom, are you doing it?" performed by both Ohtani and Nagashima, which serves as both tagline and reminder of the brand's commitment to safety and support.
Ohtani has suggested he would relish the chance to see Nagashima’s helmet fall off if he could manage to strike him out, humorously expressing his fantasy of challenging the past greats. “I’d love to see how he reacts to my fastballs, splitters, or even forkballs; it would be incredible to see how he would manage ideally at the plate,” he chuckled during interviews discussing the commercial's concept.
The partnership not only showcases the evolution of Japanese baseball but also emphasizes the cultural connections between past and present legends of the sport. Fans will undoubtedly be awaiting the release of the commercial and the nostalgic reunion between these two titans of baseball. With the official launch date approaching, the atmosphere is electric, as followers of the sport anticipate this significant moment when Ohtani and Nagashima converge on screen.
This collaboration is more than just an advertisement; it symbolizes the continuity of tradition and innovation within Japanese baseball, as Secom ties together its legacy with these two remarkable players and their shared dreams of triumph and excellence.