Pop Culture Shift: Anime’s Expanding Impact On The Western Sports Scene

In a further example of anime’s expanding impact on popular culture in the West, the Los Angeles Dodgers have teamed up with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba for a fully themed game night on August 15, when they take on the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.

The event will include a co-branded hat giveaway, pre-game and in-game Demon Slayer promotions, centerfield Plaza activations, and a themed drone show inspired by Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.

“As one of the most popular titles in its genre of all time, Demon Slayer enjoys a following with the same kind of passion that Dodger fans bring to the ballpark,” said Lon Rosen, EVP and chief marketing officer for the Dodgers. “There is an intersection between the two fan bases, and we look forward to celebrating that mutual fandom.”

A Short Film That Hit It Out of the Park

This event follows MLB’s earlier collaboration with acclaimed animation studio Ufotable, creators of the Demon Slayer franchise, to produce an anime short film promoting the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series.

The video featured MLB stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, stylized animated “Breathing Techniques” as a nod to the show’s signature swordplay, and narration by Demon Slayer character Urokodaki, blending baseball history with anime aesthetics.

With over 1 million views, the short has been a hit online, showcasing how anime can enhance engagement with international sports events.

Shared Values, Shared Fandoms

This crossover is more than a one-time marketing event; it reflects a cultural shift. Anime and sports increasingly share fan bases, values, and underdog/comeback narratives. From NBA players referencing anime storylines to Olympic athletes cosplaying their favorite characters, the relationship between the two worlds is growing stronger.

By partnering with the Dodgers, Demon Slayer extends its reach beyond screens and streaming platforms, becoming a shared language between fans of anime and baseball alike.

Beyond Baseball

In the NBA, Stars like Zion Williamson, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown have openly shared their love for series such as Naruto and Dragon Ball Z, drawing inspiration from the characters and narratives. This influence extends beyond personal fandom; anime has become an integral part of their identity, from tattoos and fashion to sneaker collaborations, such as Zion’s Naruto-themed Jordans. The NBA and its franchises have tapped into anime’s global appeal through team integrations and visual storytelling. The Los Angeles Lakers hosted a One Piece–themed night in 2025, while platforms like Bleacher Report have reimagined players in anime-style highlight reels.

The relationship between anime and professional wrestling goes way back. Many wrestlers have spent time performing in Japan and have openly drawn from anime for their ring identities and move sets. Kenny Omega, one of the most prominent examples, has modeled his in-ring persona, costumes, entrances, and finishers after video games and anime, such as Street Fighter, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Ball Z. The New Day wrestlers Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston regularly wear Dragon Ball ring gear and even have Majin Bu tattoos. And Mercedes Moné, perhaps the best woman’s wrestling in the game today, just launched an anime-inspired merch line with Crunchyroll.

The Road to Infinity Castle

The Dodgers’ event also builds excitement for the release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, the first film in the final trilogy of the anime series. Set for release in U.S. and Canadian theaters on September 12 through Sony Pictures Entertainment, the film features the Demon Slayer Corps in a climactic battle within the Infinity Castle.

Last weekend, the film launched in Japan with a historic opening, pulling in 1.7 billion yen ($11 to $13.4 million) on its opening day alone, outperforming the day-one take of 2020’s Mugen Train (1.2 billion yen), which previously held Japan’s top record. The film’s four-day total reached 5.9 billion yen ($39.7 million), positioning it as one of the biggest opening frames in Japanese box office history.

Known for its groundbreaking visuals, high emotional stakes, and meticulous animation by Ufotable, the film is expected to be one of the biggest global anime releases of all time.

Anime’s place in sports is no longer a niche; it’s part of the culture. Whether through an immersive stadium experience or a cinematic crossover short, Demon Slayer is helping redefine what modern fandom looks like.