Shohei Ohtani, a renowned Japanese baseball player, is celebrating a unique win: his pet dog has been awarded the 'Dog of the Year' title by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). Beyond the baseball diamond, Ohtani's faithful canine companion drew public affection over the course of the year, gaining this notable recognition from the BBWAA.

In Japan, pet ownership, particularly dogs, is highly celebrated and integrated into social life. Celebrities' pets often become celebrities themselves. Also, pets are frequently acknowledged as family members, with awards like the BBWAA's reflecting this societal value. Japan's love of pets extends to many areas, including sports culture.

In the US or EU, athletes' pets may also gain public attention, yet rarely receive formal recognition from professional sports organizations. This award given by the BBWAA to Shohei Ohtani's dog illustrates a unique blend of sport and social culture that is more pronounced in Japan.