ASIA – In a global announcement, the President of the Asian Professional Baseball Federation (APBF), Jeffrey Koo Jr., today officially announced plans to build a monument to honor Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball superstar who is being called the “Living Legend” of the sport.

According to information from APBF, the monument will be located at a strategic location where Ohtani once left a deep mark, with the design depicting him in a ready-to-play pose – a symbol of strength, versatility and resilience. The official name of the project has been revealed as “Eternal Showtime”, to honor the peak performances, spectacular home runs and legendary moments that Ohtani created on the international field.

Jeffrey Koo Jr. shared in an emotional press conference:

“Shohei Ohtani is not only an outstanding athlete but also an inspiration to millions of young people across Asia. This monument will be a living testament to what he has contributed to sports and culture in the region. We want the world to see that Asian baseball can create global superstars.”

The news immediately caused a storm on social media. Fans from Japan, Korea, China and many other countries shared photos, videos and expressed their admiration for Ohtani, calling him an “ageless star” and “a living legend of the new generation of baseball”. Many also predicted that this monument will become a new pilgrimage site for the Asian sports community.

Shohei Ohtani, when asked about the monument plan, expressed his deep emotion:

“I am extremely grateful and really surprised to receive this honor. This is a great motivation for me to continue to contribute, not only to Japanese baseball but also to inspire the younger generation across Asia and the world.”

APBF also emphasized that the monument project is not only a tribute to Ohtani, but also a strategic step to elevate Asian baseball on the international sports map, affirming the ability to produce outstanding athletes with global influence.

According to the plan, the design and construction process will be carried out by leading Asian artists and engineers, expected to be completed within 18–24 months. The monument will not only be a work of art but also a venue for sports exchange events, exhibitions and honor ceremonies, creating an interactive space for the baseball fan community.

According to experts, the erection of the Shohei Ohtani statue is an important turning point in the history of Asian baseball, when a player who is still playing is honored with a large monument. This is clear evidence that Ohtani has redefined the sport, turning his performances on the field into cultural icons – just like previous global baseball legends.

With his historic home run, legendary pitching and relentless fighting spirit, Shohei Ohtani has proven that he is not just a player, but the embodiment of Asian pride on the world sports map. And with this monument plan, his name will live forever, becoming an endless source of inspiration for future generations of athletes and fans.