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TOKYO – A picture book by Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani depicting the adventures of his beloved pet dog, Decoy, was released Friday in Japan.
The Japanese edition, released through Poplar Publishing Co., is a translation of the children’s book “Decoy Saves Opening Day,” which hit shelves in the United States earlier this month.
Ohtani authored the book with storyteller and investor Michael Blank, with illustrations by Fanny Liem.
“I am happy to be able to share why Dekopin is so special through this story,” Ohtani said on the publisher’s website, referring to Decoy by his Japanese nickname.
In the story, Decoy has been entrusted to throw the first pitch on Opening Day of the new baseball season. But he realizes he has left his lucky baseball at home. He rushes home to retrieve it, but can he make it back in time for the first pitch?
Poplar Publishing will donate a portion of the book’s proceeds to animal welfare organizations, with Ohtani also pledging to donate all of his earnings from the publication to charity.
“I hope this book brings joy to children. I also hope that animal welfare groups will help more dogs find loving homes,” Ohtani said.
