Yoshinobu Yamamoto has quickly become one of the brightest stars on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff. With a 2.39 ERA and a 1.005 WHIP so far in the 2025 season, he’s proving that the hype surrounding his transition from NPB to MLB was well deserved.
But dominance on the mound doesn’t mean life is easy behind the scenes.
During a visit with local school children on Tuesday, Yamamoto revealed a personal struggle: loneliness. Speaking through a translator, the Japanese ace shared that he often feels isolated while playing in the United States, far away from most of his close friends who remain in Japan.
A Bond With Sasaki and Ohtani, But Homesickness Remains
Yamamoto isn’t completely alone in Los Angeles. He’s developed a bond with fellow Japanese players Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, both of whom played a major role in Sasaki’s decision to sign with the Dodgers.
“Shohei and Yoshi were very helpful, very influential, very involved with him on a personal level,” a team source told the Los Angeles Times regarding Sasaki’s recruitment.
Still, Yamamoto’s honest admission shows that even with familiar faces on the roster, the emotional toll of being away from home remains a real challenge.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Stylish Picks and Storytime Moments
The day wasn’t all heavy. When asked who his most stylish teammate is, Yamamoto quickly named Kiké Hernández. Praising his fashion sense and saying, “So much of what he wears looks really cool.”
Yamamoto also participated in LA Reads’ Dual Immersion Storytime, where he read a biography of legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki to the kids. The event aimed to encourage literacy in a city with historically low reading levels.
“I’m very thankful to have been given this opportunity,” Yamamoto said. “I think it was great to see a Japanese player like Ohtani come here to inspire them to become successful.”
Before wrapping up the day, the World Series champion shared heartfelt advice with the young audience:
“Don’t forget the enjoyment and fun of baseball.”
While his numbers on the mound speak for themselves, Yamamoto’s honesty about his loneliness shows fans a different side of the international star. As the Dodgers continue their 2025 campaign, it’s clear that Yamamoto’s journey is about more than baseball. It’s about connection, inspiration, and perseverance.
