U.S. Embassy in Japan Issues (Fake) Visa to Shohei Ohtani’s Dog
An amusing diplomatic mix-up as the U.S. Embassy in Japan playfully issues a tongue-in-cheek ‘canine’ visa to Decoy, the superstar dog of baseball phenom Shohei Ohtani, sparking smiles and social media buzz.
Whether to laugh or cry about it remains unclear—and what symbolism can be drawn when visas for certain nationalities are so hard to come by—one thing is certain: the U.S. Embassy in Japan had some fun with baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani in January by issuing a playful ‘canine’ visa… not to him, but to Decoy, his celebrity dog.
During a photo opportunity with the ambassador, Ohtani received the tongue-in-cheek visa created specifically for his furry companion. The moment coincided with the announcement of Ohtani’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) title for 2023. He later shared the amusing document online, where it was swiftly amplified by Major League Baseball (MLB).
https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1745463050747121751
The faux document lists Decoy’s age as unknown, assigns the dog a passport number “000GOODBOY000,” and lists the visa type as “canin” in French—a small nod to the playful nature of the gesture.
Decoy had already captured social media attention during the MLB offseason due to the close bond he shares with Ohtani. It was that lighthearted buzz that inspired embassy officials to create the lighthearted visa as a way to share a laugh with the baseball star and celebrate their mutual love of the game.
Unveiling the Superstar Dog’s True Name
Shohei Ohtani recently lifted the lid on a few details about Decoy, including revealing the fan-given nickname he uses for his loyal companion. For months, the baseball star had kept his pet’s name a closely guarded secret, even teasing reporters who inquired about the animal.
During a press conference announcing his contract signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani finally shared that fans can officially call his dog Decoy.
Decoy’s fame has grown so much that he’s now regarded as an iconic figure within MLB circles—so much so that some humorous commentators now refer to Ohtani and his dog together as “the MVP and Decoy.”
