Major League Baseball (MLB) has appointed Shimon Hoizumi as managing director of its operations in Japan, reinforcing its commitment to one of the league’s most valuable international markets.
Based in MLB’s Tokyo office, Hoizumi will oversee the league’s business activities in Japan, including fan engagement initiatives, media partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, consumer products, events and grassroots baseball development.
Hoizumi brings more than 20 years of experience across sports media, sponsorship and commercial development. Before joining MLB, he held senior leadership positions including vice president of rights at DAZN Japan, head of GOLFTV Japan at Warner Bros. Discovery and commercial director of WWE Japan.
In his new role, he will work closely with MLB’s international leadership team and local partners to further strengthen the league’s footprint in Japan, where interest in MLB has surged in recent years thanks to the growing number of Japanese stars competing in the league.
“Japan is one of our most important international markets, and Shimon brings an exceptional combination of media expertise, commercial leadership and deep knowledge of the Japanese sports landscape,” said Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB senior vice president of global operations and events.
“His experience growing global sports properties and connecting with Japanese fans will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen MLB’s presence and create new opportunities for fans, partners and the baseball community throughout Japan.”
Throughout his career, Hoizumi has developed extensive expertise in Japan’s media rights ecosystem and has played a significant role in expanding the reach of major international sports properties. MLB noted that he has successfully negotiated complex media partnerships, developed innovative commercial strategies and worked alongside professional sports organisations to drive audience growth and fan engagement.
Hoizumi also has experience collaborating with Nippon Professional Baseball clubs and connecting with Japanese baseball audiences through various business and marketing initiatives.
“I am honored to join Major League Baseball at a time when the connection between Japan and MLB has never been stronger,” Hoizumi said.
“Having spent my career working across media, content and sports partnerships, I have seen firsthand the passion Japanese fans have for baseball. I look forward to working alongside our partners and the broader baseball community to deepen engagement with fans and contribute to the continued growth of the game in Japan.”
MLB has continued to expand its presence in Japan through strategic media agreements, fan engagement campaigns, marquee events and participation initiatives.
The league currently features 14 Japanese-born players on active rosters during the 2026 season. The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the way with three Japanese players, including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.
The Dodgers have also leveraged the popularity of their Japanese stars to attract a growing portfolio of commercial partners from Japan. Most recently, apparel giant Uniqlo signed on as a presenting partner at Dodger Stadium.
Other Japanese brands that partnered with the Dodgers during the 2025 season included Daiso, Nippon Airways, Toyo Tires, Kose Corporation, Toei Animation and Kowa Company.