Japanese artist Murakami teams up with MLB for exclusive collection ahead of Tokyo Series

Takashi Murakami’s art has been featured on luxury items from top fashion brands and album covers for famous musicians.

Now, the well-known contemporary Japanese artist has partnered with Major League Baseball for an exclusive merchandise collection to celebrate the Tokyo Series next month.

The Takashi Murakami x MLB Tokyo Series collection, presented by Complex, was announced on Thursday and will be released on March 7, ahead of the series between the Dodgers and Cubs, which kicks off the MLB season at the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19.

“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.”

Murakami, initially known for his paintings and sculptures, gained massive popularity when he teamed up with Louis Vuitton in 2002 for a line of bags featuring his artwork. The bags, which displayed his famous flower designs and quirky characters in bright colors, quickly became some of the brand’s most popular items.

Often called the Andy Warhol of Japan, he created the cover art for several hip-hop and rap albums, especially Kanye West’s famous 2007 album “Graduation.”

“This collaboration with a world-renowned artist in Takashi Murakami is one of the special projects that continue our commitment to growing Major League Baseball’s presence in Japan through key marketing initiatives,” MLB chief marketing officer Uzma Rawn Dowler told.

“It allows us to engage existing baseball fans while also extending our reach to new, casual fans and making an impact outside the ballpark. Working with a Japanese artist of Takashi Murakami’s caliber also allows us to celebrate Japan’s deep connection to baseball while showcasing baseball fashion as a powerful form of cultural storytelling.”

The apparel collection, featuring products from the Dodgers and Cubs, will include Nike T-shirts, hoodies, and jerseys with Murakami’s flower designs. These jerseys will be made for a limited number of stars from both teams.

For the Dodgers, they will be available for two-way player Shohei Ohtani, fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, shortstop Mookie Betts, and first baseman Freddie Freeman. The Cubs’ jerseys will be available for Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, outfielder Seiya Suzuki, also from Japan, and shortstop Dansby Swanson.

The collection will also feature Murakami flower designs on New Era knit hats, adjustable caps, Rawlings baseballs and gloves, and Victus bats, all decorated with the artist’s distinctive creations.

Two limited-edition slides from Murakami’s Ohana Hatake footwear brand will also be available, featuring the logos of each team along with his flower design.

The collaboration also includes a Topps X Murakami MLB Tokyo Series Matchup Set of 25 cards that showcase his artwork and star players from both teams. Some card sets will include autographs, including a unique 1-of-1 dual autograph card from Murakami and Ohtani.

“Complex is proud to bring together Takashi Murakami and two of the biggest teams in MLB to celebrate this historic sports moment in Tokyo,” Complex CEO Aaron Levant said. “This once-in-a-lifetime collaboration merges Murakami’s unmistakable artistry with the global energy of baseball, capturing the essence of the city and the deep cultural connection between art and sport.”

The series marks the 25th anniversary of the Mets and Cubs playing MLB’s first regular-season games in Japan and will be the sixth time the season opener has taken place in the country.

The entire collection will be available on Complex.com, Fanatics.com, and MLBShop.com on March 7. Some products will be sold at the Tokyo Series and at Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field, and the MLB Flagship Store in New York City.

Fans interested in the collection can attend immersive pop-up events with Murakami-inspired installations in Los Angeles and Tokyo before the Tokyo Series.