In March 2024, ahead of the MLB World Tour kickoff, New Balance unveiled Shohei Ohtani’s signature logo.
Created by Slam Dunk author Takehiko Inoue, the logo visually captures Ohtani’s baseball journey, depicting him rounding first base in a dynamic sketch.
IN FOCUS participated in this project, producing the brand movie and website under Inoue’s supervision.
With the concept “In that run, every soul delights.” the visuals embody the essence of Ohtani—his pure love for the game, his unwavering respect for the sport, and his relentless pursuit of excellence, pouring his heart and soul into every play.
In March 2025, the MLB season opener will take place at Tokyo Dome. Witness Ohtani’s remarkable performance alongside Inoue’s vibrant illustrations, brought to life through film and the web.
New Balance
https://newbalance-ohtani.com/
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CREDIT
CLIENT: New Balance Japan, Inc.
Director & Illustrator: Takehiko Inoue
Planner/Producer: Naoyuki Akiba (BOOMER inc.)
Art Director/Designer: Yoshihiro Kato (ikism)
Movie Production
Director: Taiju Nakajima (IN FOCUS)
Offline Editor: Miho Tanaka (IN FOCUS)
3D Animator: Tomohiro Murayama (Miracle Mile Inc. )
Music: Hikaru Arata
Sound Effect: Fumio Yasue
Production Manager: Tomoyuki Ishizaki (IN FOCUS)
Producer: Kazuki Sekiyama (IN FOCUS)
Website Development
Director: Masaya Yamamoto (ingraft Inc.)
Designer: Keitaro Suzuki
Developer: Taro Yoshimura (baqemono.inc.)
Producer: Tatsuya Mizuguchi (IN FOCUS)
English Logo Statement
Copywriting: Tei Meiwa (NO BOUNDARIES)
Agency
BOOMER inc.
Assistant Producer: Shinji Ohta (BOOMER inc.)