Hanamaki's proud two-sword hero, Shohei Otani! A tour of the city's colorful monuments and manholes

Hanamaki and Oshu cities in Iwate Prefecture are towns associated with Shohei Ohtani, the two-way hero who is active on the world stage. While seeing Ohtani on TV or in the newspapers may seem like a distant figure, if you visit his hometown you can feel him all around. There are plenty of photogenic spots, including a monument to his alma mater, the handshake statue at Oshu City Hall, an MLB manhole, and rice paddy art. This time, we'll take you on a stroll around Shohei Ohtani spots

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Following in the footsteps of a two-sword athlete at Hanamaki Higashi High School

Hanamaki Higashi High School in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture.

This is the place where Shohei Ohtani spent his youth. Behind the field, there is a monument commemorating his achievements. This monument was erected to commemorate the simultaneous achievement of double-digit wins in 2023 between Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who is from the same hometown and generation as Ohtani.

The stainless steel panel features autographs from both players, along with a message praising their achievements. For Ohtani, Kikuchi is a "rival from the same hometown and a friend with whom he has trained hard ." Come experience the origins of the two players' journey here.

Monument location

The monument is located near the back net of the Hanamaki Higashi High School baseball team's field. It is adjacent to Hiijono Sports Park, making it a great place for a stroll. If you are visiting by car, please use the Hanamaki Baseball Stadium No. 2 Parking Lot. Please note that entry onto the Hanamaki Higashi High School grounds is strictly prohibited. Please be mindful of moderation in the surrounding area and be careful not to cause a nuisance to other users.

Information

• Name: Monument commemorating the selection of Kikuchi and Ohtani to the 2021 MLB All-Star Game
• Location: 55-1 Matsuzonocho, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, behind the back net at Hanamaki Higashi High School (inside Hiijono Sports Park)

Google Map

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A testament to the world-renowned dual-wielding talent: MLB-designed manholes

In front of JR Mizusawa-Esashi Station in Oshu City, there is an official manhole cover designed by Major League Baseball (MLB). This is one of the manhole covers created as part of a project in which MLB features illustrations of 12 Japanese major leaguers.

The manhole cover of Shohei Ohtani features a picture of him as a two-way player, making him a great spot for taking commemorative photos. Located in front of the Tohoku Shinkansen station, the manhole cover is always bustling with locals, fans from far away, and tourists.

Location of MLB-designed manholes

The MLB-design manhole cover is located in front of Mizusawa-Esashi Station in Oshu City. It can be found on the sidewalk just outside the station ticket gates and is accessible on foot.

Information

• Name: MLB design manhole
• Address: 1-185, Mizusawa Hanedacho Ekimae, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture

Google Map

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Experience a handshake with Shohei Ohtani

The Civic Hall on the first floor of Oshu City Hall has an exhibition space celebrating the achievements of Shohei Ohtani. Panels showcasing his awards and achievements, as well as autographed uniforms, are on display, giving a sense of the respect the local people have for Ohtani. The exhibits are updated regularly, so you'll discover something new every time you visit.

One of the most popular attractions is the " Shohei Ohtani Handshake Statue ." A life-size brass statue of a handshake has been created using a 3D scanner and made with Nambu ironware techniques. When you place your hand on the life-size statue, you will feel as if you are really shaking hands with Shohei. The size and thickness of the hand have been faithfully reproduced, so both children and adults will be amazed. It also looks great on social media.

Location of the handshake statue

It is on display in the Civic Hall on the first floor of Oshu City Hall.

Information

• Name: Shohei Ohtani handshake statue
• Location: Oshu City Hall
• Phone number: 0197242111
• Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays

Google Map

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Giant rice field art depicting Shohei Ohtani

Aterui Village hosts a rice paddy art event every year, and in recent years has featured designs themed around Shohei Ohtani. The theme for 2025 is " Let's play baseball! 2025. "

The sight of the two swords drawn with colorful rice plants spreading across the rice fields is a spectacular sight when viewed from the top of the watchtower. It feels like you are looking down from the sky, and you can feel the excitement as if Ohtani is right there in front of you.

The best time to see the rice field art is usually from late June to late August. Taking photos with the rice field art as a backdrop is sure to create special memories.

Places where you can see rice field art

The rice field art is located in Aterui Village in Esashi Ward, Oshu City.

Information

• Name: Atoroi Rice Field Art
• Location: Oshu Aterui Village

Google Map

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Shohei Ohtani's footsteps in Iwate

As you travel around Hanamaki and Oshu City, you'll find traces of Shohei Ohtani everywhere. Each spot tells a small story filled with local pride and affection.

Walking through the town, touching the statues, and looking up at the rice paddy art will give you a real feel for the allure of a two-way
player achieved through hard work and passion. So why not embark on a journey following in the footsteps of Shohei Ohtani as you walk through the town of Iwate?

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