Much has been said about Shohei Ohtani’s effect on the Japanese society. He’s the man because of whom newspapers release special editions for people to collect. And he’s certainly the man who brings multiple brands to Los Angeles Dodgers’ doorsteps. But interestingly Ohtani is also the man that brings his Japanese fanbase to the doorsteps of In-N-Out Burger – that too for hours!

In an interview a few months ago, Shohei Ohtani revealed that he enjoys eating In-N-Out’s burgers. That was one of the things that proved that Shotime had taken a liking to LA. After all, which Angelino doesn’t love In-N-Out? But then fans in Tokyo couldn’t really relate to Ohtani’s comment. How could they? There isn’t any full-time outlet there. But then In-N-Out decided to open a one-day pop-up in Tokyo on June 15th and unsurprisingly, people went crazy. 

Videos began emerging of people waiting in long lines for Shohei Ohtani’s favorite burger. Just how long were the lines? Over 6 hours long! That’s quite ironic for an outlet that prides itself on being a quick-service place. But then, that’s the craze of Shohei Ohtani – he can make even a quick-service outlet turn into a prime-time gourmet place.

Still, this isn’t a one-time thing. In-N-Out has been opening a one-day pop-up in Tokyo for the past few years. It has always been received with excitement and enthusiasm. Usually, only a limited menu is offered but the Japanese fans don’t mind. However, this year the interest has gone even higher after Ohtani’s love for the outlet came into the picture.

But while this is a normal occurrence for Japanese fans, the fans in the US found it quite absurd. Especially because waiting for 6 hours in In-N-Out is something that seems incomprehensible to them.

Shohei Ohtani’s Japanese fans once again amaze their US counterparts

Even though enough has been said about Shohei Ohtani’s impact, seeing it in real life still generates awes among fans. “Whatever Ohtani touches really does turn to gold,” a user wrote. Ever since Shotime joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team has been swimming in sponsorship deals from Japan. On top of that, Ohtani’s deals with New Balance and BOSS too have proved highly fruitful for those brands.

“Insane, especially with how hot it has been in Tokyo recently,” another fan wrote. Turns out, Japan is having unusually hot weather currently. Just 6 days ago on 12th June, the country marked its first “extremely hot day” of 2024. Despite all of that heat, the fans still lined up to eat Shohei Ohtani’s favorite burger. 

“This is absolutely pathetic,” an irritated fan said. Or perhaps it is just a cultural thing. The Japanese love Shohei Ohtani, who is almost the most popular person in the country today. Anything associated with Ohtani turns into a collector’s item. So is it a surprise that the fans chose to line up for a burger because of Ohtani?

“They open an In-N-Out in Tokyo, but not one east of the Rockies,” a fan said. Though it was only a pop-up, one can imagine how some fans could be frustrated. There has been a lot of demand for an In-N-Out in different parts of America but as of now, those demands haven’t been met. But until then, the Tokyo fans are enjoying their yearly tradition of an In-N-Out burger.

“If I can’t get it in under 20 minutes, I’m out,” a user wrote. This is something that has amazed most American fans. How could people wait 6 hours for a burger? But that’s how fandom works. This time the fandom of In-N-Out combined with Shohei Ohtani’s. That certainly counts for something. In this case, it makes waiting for 6 hours totally worth it.

It’s amazing how Ohtani continues to impact Japanese fans. Despite seeing him since his teenage years, the people just can’t get enough. That explains why he is baseball’s biggest unicorn.