Following his fresh acquisition of the MVP title, Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani celebrated in a unique manner: sharing a sweet kiss with a dog. This event took place shortly after Ohtani was awarded the title. The affectionate moment immediately took the Internet by storm, inspiring varied reactions from around the globe.

Events involving renowned athletes like Ohtani are avidly followed in Japan, with fans appreciating their personal lives as much as their sports performance. The general love for animals and the existing pop culture phenomenon of "kawaii" ("cute" in Japanese) means that moments like these win over the hearts of the Japanese public easily, while reinforcing the well-regarded value of modesty and achievement.

In the US and EU, the sports arena sees similar instances where athletes' interactions with their pets garner media and fan attention. Athletes are expected to display more than just talent in their respective sports, with their regular, off-field antics also playing a significant role in their global perception. The intimacy between an athlete and their pet humanizes these individuals, associating them with warm, relatable feelings.