It has been revealed that Shohei Ohtani (29) is currently building a villa in Hawaii worth over 2.5 billion yen. The program interviewed the owner of the sales company that guided Ohtani when he visited the site two years ago. ■Ohtani "found paradise" in Hawaii Crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. It seems that the world-famous Ohtani has been fascinated by Hawaii, a "paradise on earth." Ohtani: "I love Hawaii. For me, Hawaii is a special place where the cultures of the Pacific Ocean beautifully intersect. I love the tranquil calm and beauty of the Big Island. I found paradise in Hapuna Estates at Mauna Kea Resort. I am building my winter home here." The place that Ohtani described as "paradise" is a newly developed area within Mauna Kea Resort on the Big Island. The land is rich in nature and has two golf courses. There is Hapuna Beach, which has been ranked as the number one beach in the United States. It has been revealed that Ohtani will build a villa in one of Hawaii's most luxurious resort areas. Otani (to the Wall Street Journal): "We plan to build a house there in the near future so we can enjoy it for many years to come." Otani stands with his arms folded on the rough, unpaved ground. A bulldozer is in the background, showing that construction is underway. This photo was taken when Otani visited the area two years ago. The program was able to talk to the owner of the company that made the real estate deal with Otani. Hapuna Realty Owner Tomoko Matsumoto: "I came here about two years ago (2022) when the project was being planned." "(Q. Was Matsumoto also at the site at that time?) Yes." "(Q. Did you go around with Otani?) I introduced him to him." ■The deciding factor was... a shooting star? Training facilities Otani chose one of the 14 plots called "Vista," which is the highest rank in the development area. Looking at the price, it is 2.55 billion to 3.3 billion yen in Japanese yen. Here is what Otani said about the situation when he visited the area. Matsumoto: "I think he liked it because the scenery was so beautiful. The Big Island is laid back and he was able to experience its charm. It's quiet, so I think he liked it." During his stay on the Big Island, there was a coincidence that may have been the deciding factor in his decision. Matsumoto: "He stayed for one night. It just so happened that the day he came, there was a meteor shower. When he opened the door to his accommodation, he saw a shooting star." "(Q. Was that also something that you liked?) I think so. I hope so." "(Q. Was it an instant decision?) Yes." Otani spent a few hours looking around the area. During that time, the following exchange took place. Matsumoto: "He has a great sense of humor. He said he'd need to practice a little, so he threw the ball, but if he was alone, he'd need a catcher, so I asked him who would catch the ball, and he pointed to my business partner." The site Otani will build his house on is about 4,000 square meters, more than the size of eight basketball courts. In addition to the residence, a training facility is also planned to be built there, and it is said that it will be completed as early as the second half of 2026. ■ Otani: "A special place to call home" Hawaii Island is served by direct flights from Los Angeles, where Otani is based, and from Japan. How is this news being received locally? Brandon Hickman, who works at a real estate company on Hawaii Island, answered the program's interview from a friend's house in Mauna Kea Resort, where Otani is building his villa. Brandon said, "This is the golf course (the same one in front of Otani's villa)." "(Otani's house) is at the top of that hill." The news about Otani is already a hot topic among residents. Brandon: "It was exciting. We were all talking about it on the phone, and the whole island was talking about it. But a lot of times people come here for privacy, so we're going to be a little quieter out of respect." "Mauna Kea Resort is dry, sunny, and sometimes windy. It's surrounded by very large mountains. There are many nice white beaches in the area, and many restaurants. There's a great local farmer's market about 10 minutes away." It rarely rains, and the climate is very comfortable all year round. In the winter, the off-season where Ohtani will likely be, you can see this kind of scene. Brandon: "You can see a lot of whales. Just walking on the white beach, you can see whales jumping. It's a particularly beautiful time of the year." Surprisingly, snow sometimes falls near the summit of Mauna Kea, which is over 4,000 meters above sea level, and local residents sometimes enjoy the snow. Because it's inside a luxury resort, privacy is also properly ensured. Brandon: "It's a very private place. There is a gate entering the resort from the main highway. Then, once inside the resort, each facility has its own gate. So there are two gates separating you, but if you add a gate to the entrance to your own property, you'll have three gates separating you. You'll love it. I love it here. I've been living here for 30 years now. I can't leave paradise." Ohtani also expressed his current feelings as follows: "This is a special place. And it will soon be my home." (From "Good! Morning" broadcast on April 20, 2024) [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp