The era of J-pop and baseball crossovers is officially here.

Number_i, Japan’s chart-topping music trio, has returned stateside ahead of their upcoming EP release on September 23. The group’s latest commitment in Los Angeles? Throwing a ceremonial pitch at the Major League Baseball (MLB) game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Number_i bridges J-pop and baseball

Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi, collectively known as J-pop phenom Number_i, made a highly anticipated appearance at Dodger Stadium on September 1. The three-member band, recognized for singles such as “GOAT,” “GOD_i” and “3XL,” partook in a symbolic first pitch, kicking off the Dodgers’ first home game after six matches away. 

Hirano, Jinguji and Kishi showed a united front since their arrival at the venue, sporting the team’s official jerseys and distinctive hair colors—red for fashionista Sho Hirano, black for the rock star-resembling Yuta Jinguji and blonde for all-rounder Yuta Kishi.

Kishi, a baseball enthusiast who’s familiar with the sport, was in charge of enacting the first pitch. The star stepped onto the mound accompanied by his bandmates. Co-national Roki Sasaki (who has earned the nickname of “the Monster of the Reiwa Era” for his formidable pitching technique) caught Kishi’s right-handed strike.  

Number_i’s presence lit up the crowd and sparked a social media frenzy in the process.

In recent years, the practice of inviting celebrities and notable figures for ceremonial openings has become commonplace in MLB, eliciting excitement and drawing fans to stadiums across the United States. This summer alone, astronauts, Hollywood icons, athletes, and international pop stars have graced (and entertained) stadiums with memorable pitches. 

Now, Number_i joins the list, cementing their place in the global entertainment landscape. Hours ahead of the game, the group’s press stunt became a trending topic on social media, with fans anticipating the sporting moment and highlighting their popularity and increasing international influence.

Individually and collectively, the members of Number_i have steadily made a name for themselves in fields like music, television and fashion. Although the group’s home base is Japan, Hirano, Jinguji and Kishi have also gained a strong international following.

Last May, Number_i signed with U.S label Atlantic Records, a move expected to amplify the band’s presence in the U.S. This September, the trio is gearing up for the release of their upcoming EP and an Asian and North American tour to come on the heels of the REBON / BUGS LIFE / DIGITAL GIRL record.