David model the special jersey
created for the event.
the ceremonial first pitch.
line of $55 Dodgers T-shirts
(below) debuted at the game and
were selling briskly.
There was plenty to cheer about at Dodger Stadium on April 28, as the L.A. team hosted its annual Japanese Heritage Night.
Ahead of the Dodgers’ game against the Miami Marlins, celebrities and dignitaries from both sides of the Pacific made appearances to celebrate their Nikkei roots.
Apparel was in the spotlight, as fans who purchased a special ticket package received an exclusive Dodgers jersey designed for the occasion, complete with the image of a traditional daruma on the back.
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Japanese fashion designer Takashi Murakami, who also debuted his line of Dodgers wear created in collaboration with the team.
“I’ve been practicing for weeks,” Murakami told a crowd in the stadium’s center-field plaza before taking the mound, vowing not to repeat the bouncing pitch he delivered in March when the Dodgers played an exhibition game in Tokyo.
Screaming throngs packed the plaza for a high-octane performance by the Japanese pop idol group J01, who said they had waited in line with hundreds of Dodger fans a few months ago to buy newly-released team gear.
Other music was provided by local jazz funk group City Pop Jam, L.A. Taiko Ichiza and vocal quartet Bi-Ray.
The Dodgers’ offense jumped out to an early 5-0 in the game, only to see the Marlins tie the contest on a grand slam in the fifth inning.
Tommy Edman sent the locals home happy with a pinch-hit, two-RBI single to win it in the 10th inning.