Shohei Ohtani's New Balance 990v6 Commemorates MLB Tokyo Series Homecoming

It's been two years since New Balance sent shockwaves through the sports industry with an announcement that it had signed Shohei Ohtani to a multi-year partnership. The now-one-time MLB World Series winner has helped the North American brand cement its footing on the baseball diamond, while also reinforcing its popularity across his home country of Japan. To commemorate Ohtani's "homecoming" through the League's Tokyo Series, his footwear sponsor has prepped a special pair of the Made in USA 990v6.

Currently the marquee silhouette in New Balance's 990 series, the silhouette is a modern take on running heritage. It features a design language established in past decades coupled with the same FuelCell foam found in the company's top-level performance runners. Ohtani's NB 990v6 keeps the classic build intact, but consists of a color palette that could easily be mistaken for an inline pair by Aimé Leon Dore's Teddy Santis.

Shades of off-white and cream cover everything from the forward-half of the midsole to the panels along the tongue. Mesh bases and the fabric material wedged between it and the suede mudguards opt for a rich green and navy duo. Refined and not out-of-place amongst the springtime Made in USA collection, the color scheme is reminiscent of Shohei Ohtani's time with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team with which he made his professional debut in March 2013.

Neither Ohtani nor New Balance have disclosed the inspiration behind their first 990v6. In any case, the 30-year-old's running logo is stamped on the sneaker's footbed, further cementing him in N-branded history.

Enjoy official photos of the commemorative New Balance 990v6 below. Pairs are landing exclusively via New Balance Japan on March 15th.

Japanese retailer atmos has taken to Instagram to announce a special pop-up for the Ohtani Signature Collection at its Sendagaya location (Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 3-16-9).

Folks can visit atmos Sendagaya beginning on Saturday, March 15, to check out the full New Balance and MLB Tokyo Series product lineups. The former also features sweatsuits and other sports-inspired gear that can be worn casually. The pop-up will be available until Sunday, March 23.

Select customers who purchase items from the Ohtani Signature Collection will be invited to a special event held at atmos Sendagaya to coincide with the Los Angeles Dodgers' first game against the Chicago Cubs in the MLB's Tokyo Series. According to the Japanese retailer, a "special guest" could be in attendance.

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