Toronto Blue Jays players have a new heartwarming Japanese ritual

The Toronto Blue Jays have turned their season around, winning the last two series, and a new pre-game ritual inside the dugout might deserve some credit.

Japanese third-baseman Kazuma Okamoto has started hosting gratitude circles in the dugout before every game, and players and team staff have started joining him, according to Sportsnet's Hazel Mae. Players have been spotted huddling in a circle and bowing, presumably after each gratitude has been shared. 

Kazuma Okamoto has started the trend of hosting a gratitude circle in the dugout before every game 🙏 pic.twitter.com/DMt8lTyRLm

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 26, 2026

Apparently it has helped Okamoto get more comfortable in his new surroundings. 

"The more we can do things like this with him is really good," Schneider said. "It has brought the players together."

Okamoto, his translator Yusuke Oshima, Eloy Jiménez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have been among those involved in the circle, each taking turns sharing something they are grateful for in the moment.

Apparently, there are no rules about what can be shared, with some moments described as humorous and others more serious.

"Okamoto shares the same thing in every circle, he is grateful for the ability to play the game he loves," Mae added. 

Team personnel, including dietitian Yuka Sanui and mental performance coach John Lannan, have also joined the circle, helping Okamoto feel more connected to the team as he adjusts to the language and clubhouse environment.

The impact of the circle has also shown up on the stat sheet.

Okamoto been on a tear this past week, launching three home runs and recording seven runs. The 29-year-old currently leads the team in home runs with five.

Okamoto's offensive surge has helped the Blue Jays win back-to-back series against the Angels and Cleveland Guardians.

When Kazuma Okamoto really commits to a swing, it's just so damn pretty. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/KAkcvPLs9r

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) April 25, 2026

The Blue Jays signed Okamoto to a four-year, $60-million deal this past offseason as a potential infield replacement for Bo Bichette, and so far the fit has looked very promising.

Both of the Blue Jays' newest additions (Okamoto and Jesús Sánchez) currently rank first and second on the team in home runs, which is a bright spot considering this 2026 season has been plagued by injuries early on.