Japanese professional baseball player, Shohei Ohtani, recently caused a stir among fans and commentators when he made a 'golf gesture' after hitting a homerun. The gesture, unexpected in the context of a baseball game, has sparked curiosity and a flurry of interpretations as to its intended message or significance. His act, alongside a stellar performance, has once again thrust him into the limelight.

The news has created a buzz in Japan as Ohtani is considered a national pride and any action or comment from him is closely monitored. In Japan, symbolism is often weighted with deeper meanings and therefore, Ohtani’s gesture is being analyzed and discussed widely in the media.

In the US or EU, athletes' body language and gestures during games are also closely watched, but usually receive less intense scrutiny unless they are deemed controversial or disrespectful. Ohtani's playful 'golf gesture', while intriguing, would likely be seen as an eccentric show of personality or a playful nod to the sport of golf.