Shohei Ohtani is no stranger to pressure. Whether it’s dominating on the mound or launching towering home runs, the three-time AL MVP has consistently delivered in the biggest moments throughout his career.

But as he returned to his home country for Major League Baseball’s Tokyo Series, Ohtani made a surprising admission—playing in Japan still makes him nervous.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar spoke with MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds after his team’s 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday. Despite being one of the most accomplished and composed athletes in the sport, Ohtani revealed that the atmosphere in Japan gave him an unusual case of nerves.

“I was actually pretty nervous,” Ohtani admitted through his translator, Will Ireton. “It’s been a while since I was nervous, but today, I definitely felt it. It’s a very unique environment, a unique situation where I do feel that the fans are expecting me to get some hits, so that was a bit different.”

The Tokyo Dome was packed with 42,365 fans, and from the moment Ohtani stepped onto the field, it was clear who they had come to see. The crowd’s reaction—or rather, lack thereof—added to the intensity. Unlike the constant buzz heard during most MLB games, the stadium fell completely silent whenever Ohtani stepped up to bat, an extreme show of respect that is deeply ingrained in Japanese baseball culture.

This level of expectation and reverence created a surreal atmosphere—one that even Ohtani, who has handled pressure on the biggest stages, found overwhelming.

Ohtani is accustomed to being the center of attention, both in Japan and in the U.S. Since his MLB debut in 2018, he has become a global icon, drawing comparisons to Babe Ruth and redefining what is possible for a modern-day baseball player. However, returning to Japan as an even bigger superstar than when he left brought an entirely new level of scrutiny.

Unlike his first MLB playoff appearance, where he showed no signs of nerves, playing in front of his home country’s passionate fans proved to be a different kind of emotional challenge.

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If Ohtani was feeling nervous, he certainly didn’t let it affect his performance. The 29-year-old collected two hits and scored two runs, helping the Dodgers secure their victory over the Cubs.

His standout moments in Tokyo didn’t start on Tuesday, either. Just days before, in an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants, Ohtani gave fans exactly what they wanted, launching a towering two-run home run that electrified the crowd.

Even with the heightened emotions of playing in Japan, Ohtani has continued to rise to the occasion—just as he always has.

Every time Shohei Ohtani stepped up to the plate today, the fans at the Tokyo Dome went silent.The @Dodgers superstar discussed his nerves to be back in Japan and more with Harold after getting the Game 1 victory.#MLBTonight | #TokyoSeries pic.twitter.com/QSQ1vBGrlK

Ohtani’s return to Japan is more than just a baseball homecoming—it’s a cultural event. He is the face of Japanese baseball, and his global stardom has only magnified the pressure whenever he steps onto the field in his home country.

While most players might be fazed by the moment, Ohtani embraces it, even when it makes him uneasy. The combination of nerves, excitement, and expectations only adds to the legend of one of baseball’s most transcendent figures.

As the Tokyo Series continues, one thing is clear—Shohei Ohtani may feel the pressure, but he always finds a way to deliver.

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