Takashi Murakami Creating Line of Apparel, Collectibles for MLB’s Tokyo Series
In the run-up to Major League Baseball’s Tokyo Series next month, Complex has commissioned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami to create a limited edition of merchandise and collectibles.
In celebration of the games that will be played at the Tokyo Dome between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers on March 18 to 19, Murakami has added vibrant colors and playful motifs to a variety of Nike MLB T-shirts and hoodies as well as jerseys for both teams, all provided by Fanatics, MLB’s retail partner. In addition, Murakami’s floral artwork will also be available on individual player jerseys for Dodgers Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman and Cubs players Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson.
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“I think this new collection builds upon the historical friendship between Japan and the United States,” Murakami said. “I feel lucky to be able to work alongside Complex, MLB and highlight Shohei Ohtani, an outstanding athlete who has emerged from Japan and made a name for himself on the global stage. This is something I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be a part of.”
In addition to the apparel, the collection will include Topps trading cards; New Era 59FIFTYs, knits and adjustable caps; Rawlings baseballs and gloves; Victus bats; totes; keychains, and other products.
In addition, Ohana Hatake, a brand created by the artist, will introduce two new, limited-edition slides incorporating the logos of the two teams along with the flower motif.
The Takashi Murakami x MLB Tokyo Series collection will launch on March 7 and be available for sale on the Complex, Fanatics and MLB websites. Select products will also be available at the MLB Tokyo Series games, at Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field, Clubhouse stores and the MLB flagship in New York City. There will also be pop-up events in Los Angeles from March 7 to 9 and in Tokyo from March 8 to 21 that will feature the merchandise, Murakami-inspired installations, and historical MLB vignettes.
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