Shohei Ohtani's dog, Decoy, receives replica visa from U.S. Embassy in Japan
Shohei Ohtani received a surprise gift when he visited the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
When the two-time American League MVP met with U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, he was presented with a replica visa for his dog, Dekopin, also known by his American nickname, Decoy.
Is it showtime or is it Sho-time!? Thrilled to meet trailblazing two-time @MLB MVP Ohtani-san again – my lucky day. Maybe next time I’ll be fortunate enough to meet his MVPup, Decoy – this “visa” should help? I promise my bark is worse than my bite! ⚾️🐾@Dodgers @DodgersNation pic.twitter.com/hzPZRPYnSn
— ラーム・エマニュエル駐日米国大使 (@USAmbJapan) January 11, 2024
"Thrilled to meet trailblazing two-time MLB MVP Ohtani-san again," Emanuel posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Maybe next time I'll be fortunate enough to meet his MVPup, Decoy."
The issue date for the visa was Jan. 9, but Emanuel posted the gift Thursday.
Decoy was all over the news after Ohtani brought him along for his MVP acceptance in November. The pitcher wouldn't reveal his dog's name initially, which caused some to speculate that his dog was named after a team Ohtani was considering.
This will be our 2023 holiday card. 🐶 pic.twitter.com/XRYcKdVqzX
— MLB (@MLB) November 17, 2023
In December, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract to join the Los Angeles Dodgers. He later revealed the name of his dog at his introductory news conference at Dodger Stadium.