#Japan #Tokyo #Shohei Ohtani #Hitachi #LANDCROS

LANDCROS Welcomes Shohei Ohtani as Global Brand Ambassador

On August 4, 2026, Hitachi Construction Machinery will undergo a name change to LANDCROS Corporation. In a significant move, the company proudly announced that world-renowned athlete Shohei Ohtani has been appointed as the Global Brand Ambassador for LANDCROS. This announcement was made at an event held in the Aomi area of Odaiba, where company president Masafumi Sakasaki shared insights about the vision and values underpinning the new brand.

The event featured a special guest appearance by comedian Haruka Minowa from the duo Harisenbon, known for her passion for construction machinery. With a vibrant entrance, Minowa skillfully operated a mini excavator, greeting attendees with enthusiasm, "Hello everyone! I’m Haruka from HARISENBON, driving this 3-ton mini excavator!" Her excitement was infectious, as she reflected on the dream-like experience of operating her beloved machinery.

A Dynamic Unveiling

The highlight of the event was the exhilarating unveil of the key visual featuring Shohei Ohtani. Minowa, tasked with the unveiling, expressed her nervousness yet eagerness as she climbed back into the mini excavator to initiate the reveal. The powerful 20-ton hydraulic excavator lifted a massive veil to reveal Ohtani's promotional graphic, much to the delight of the audience. Ohtani himself acknowledged the support he has received throughout his career, stating, "I deeply resonate with the vision LANDCROS aims to achieve, propelled by my ongoing challenges."

Minowa echoed this sentiment, expressing her admiration for Ohtani's relentless spirit and the alignment between his aspirations and those of LANDCROS.

The Future of LANDCROS

During the event, President Sakasaki elaborated on the significance of teaming up with Ohtani. He expressed his hope that the collaboration will expedite LANDCROS's evolution and growth into the future. A notable moment occurred when Minowa raised questions about the increasing interest in heavy machinery from young fans and women, prompting discussion about nurturing the next generation of professionals in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

"I’ve noticed a growing number of females expressing interest in entering the field of construction machinery manufacturing, which is encouraging. We aim to nurture that passion and support them as a company," Sakasaki noted.

Moreover, questions regarding Ohtani's impact on the company's expansion into the North American market highlighted his international appeal and the potential to accelerate brand recognition quickly.

A Successful Public Engagement

Following the formal announcement, a public event was held where attendees could see the brand's large key visual up close and even take pictures next to a life-size cutout of Ohtani. The excitement continued as visitors were offered the unique opportunity to experience operating a 20-ton hydraulic excavator, capturing the fascination of many. Minowa participated enthusiastically, further enlivening the atmosphere at the venue.

As Hitachi Construction Machinery transitions to LANDCROS, the company aims to build strong connections with fans and supporters through innovative marketing strategies and by tapping into the popularity of figures like Ohtani. With plans for upcoming initiatives, the journey towards establishing LANDCROS promises to be an exciting one, embracing growth, challenges, and community engagement in the construction machinery industry.

For more information, visit Hitachi Construction Machinery's website to learn about their cutting-edge developments and the future under the LANDCROS brand.