In a surprising turn of events, former professional Japanese baseball player, the famed Kuwata, has joined Oisix, Japan's leading organic food delivery service. While the exact details of his role remain unclear, the move has caused a sensation in both sports and corporate circles. The announcement came as a shock to many fans, however, the general consensus is one of support for Kuwata's ventures beyond baseball.
In Japan, retired athletes often take on ambassadorial or similar roles, promoting various brands and causes. Given Kuwata's massive popularity and the respect he commands in Japanese society, his association with Oisix will likely boost the company's image and customer reach. There is also a significant trend of healthy eating in Japan, making the collaboration appear as a strategic move, aligning the values of fitness and organic food.
In the US or EU, it's fairly common for retired athletes to branch out into other ventures, commonly in relation to fitness or health. Athletes leveraging their fame to promote or get involved in businesses that align with their brand is a common trend. This move of Kuwata's can be compared to NBA star LeBron James investing in Blaze Pizza in the US.