When it comes to signing top talent, every little detail matters. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, accommodating one of Rōki Sasaki’s unique requests, installing Japanese-style toilets in the clubhouse, turned out to be more than just a fun fact; it was a deal maker.
The Meeting That Made All the Difference
During an early meeting between Rōki Sasaki and Dodgers officials, including team president and CEO Stan Kasten, the conversation took an interesting turn. As Kasten was enthusiastically explaining the $100 million renovation project to upgrade the clubhouse and facilities, he ran down the list of new amenities: new locker rooms, state of the art training equipment, luxurious lounges and more.
“And then,” Kasten told the OC Register , “Roki asked, ‘Are you going to have Japanese-style toilets?’”
For those who don’t know, Japanese toilets are famous for their heated seats, bidet functions, automatic lids and even remote controls. They’re a far cry from your standard bathroom setup but they’re also deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and daily life.
Kasten didn’t hesitate. “Done. You got it,” he said.
Sasaki later admitted the request was a little tongue in cheek but the gesture meant a lot to him. It wasn’t so much about the toilets themselves as it was about the Dodgers being open to listening and adapting.
“It was definitely a factor in my decision,” Sasaki said. “I liked that they were willing to hear me out.”
A Small Change, A Big Impact
The Dodgers did indeed put in Japanese toilets in the newly renovated clubhouse. A small but big deal. This is a philosophy they’ve been doing for years to make players feel at home, and it’s part of the reason they attract international talent.
Sasaki signed with the Dodgers in January and chose them over the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays. He got a $6.5 million signing bonus to start his Major League journey.
Sasaki’s First Season So Far
In his rookie season, Rōki Sasaki has shown flashes of brilliance on the mound for the Dodgers. Through six starts, he has a 3.55 ERA, 20 K’s in 25⅓ IP and a 1.421 WHIP. His recent start against the Pirates was promising.
April 26, 2025: Sasaki went 3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 4 K in an 8-4 win. These are the moments we’ve been waiting for from the Dodgers’ rotation.
Why the Dodgers Went Above and Beyond?
The Japanese toilets might seem like a small thing to some but it’s a bigger point about player recruitment. In today’s MLB, teams are always looking for ways to stand out when courting free agents or international stars. For Sasaki, the Dodgers going above and beyond showed they valued him as a person not just a player.
Stan Kasten summed it up: “It was a good idea that we got from a player. And if it helps us get Roki, why not?”