Skincare & Beauty
Shohei Ohtani's Japanese Skincare: The Kosé Brands He Represents
If you follow baseball, you already know Shohei Ohtani. What many fans outside Japan are just discovering is that the two-way superstar is also the global ambassador for Kosé, one of Japan's largest and most respected beauty companies. Kosé announced the partnership in 2023, and Ohtani has since appeared in international campaigns for the company's flagship lines, including Sekkisei and Decorté.
If Ohtani's involvement is what brought you here, this guide is a friendly, no-hype introduction to those Japanese skincare brands: what they are, what kinds of products they make, and how a beginner might start. (To be clear: this is an independent guide. Ohtani represents Kosé; he has nothing to do with this website.)
The Ohtani × Kosé connection
In March 2023, Kosé Corporation named Shohei Ohtani its global ambassador. In the company's words, it was his "sincere attitude and sense of integrity" that made him a fit for the brand. Since then he has fronted U.S.-facing advertising for Kosé's hero brands, helping introduce Japanese beauty to a wider international audience.
For shoppers, the interesting part is simple: it's a great excuse to explore some genuinely well-made Japanese skincare. Let's look at the two brands most associated with the campaigns.
Sekkisei (雪肌精): the iconic herbal lotion line
Sekkisei is one of Kosé's most recognizable lines, known for its signature blue "lotion" (in J-beauty, a lotion is a watery hydrating step, not an astringent toner). The range blends herbal-derived ingredients and has a light, refreshing feel that fits the layered Japanese approach to hydration.
Typical products in the family include:
- The herbal lotion — the watery hydrating step you press into skin after cleansing.
- Sun care / UV products — lightweight daytime protection, a category Japanese brands are especially loved for.
- Creams, masks, and cleansers that round out a routine.
A good starting point for most people is the Sekkisei herbal lotion for the hydration step, and a Sekkisei UV / sun care product for daytime. As always, textures and finishes are personal, so think about what feels pleasant to you rather than chasing any single "best" item.
Decorté (コスメデコルテ): Kosé's luxury side
Decorté (Cosme Decorté) is Kosé's premium, prestige brand. It leans more luxurious in formulation, packaging, and price, and is a favorite for people who want a more indulgent routine or a special-occasion treat. Its moisture-focused products are among its best known.
If you're curious about the higher end, a Decorté moisturizer is a representative place to look. It's a step up in price from everyday options, so it suits shoppers who want to splurge a little.
How a beginner might start
You don't need the whole shelf. A simple, J-beauty-style routine looks like this:
| Step | Product type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Gentle cleanser | Don't strip the skin |
| 2. Lotion | Hydrating lotion (e.g., Sekkisei) | Press in 1–2 light layers |
| 3. Moisturize | Moisturizer or cream | Match richness to your skin |
| 4. Protect | Sunscreen (daytime) | The key daytime step |
The Japanese approach favors gentle, consistent layering over a pile of strong actives. Start with a couple of products you enjoy using, and build slowly.
A few honest notes
- This is general information, not medical advice. Skincare results vary from person to person, and no product is guaranteed to produce a specific outcome.
- Patch-test new products. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait about 24 hours before using on your face.
- Prices and availability change, and prestige lines like Decorté sit at a higher price point. Confirm details on the product page before buying.
- Ingredient lists on imported items may be partly in Japanese, so check listings carefully if you have sensitivities.
Final thoughts
Shohei Ohtani's partnership with Kosé is a fun gateway into Japanese beauty, but the real reason to try Sekkisei or Decorté is that they're thoughtfully made products from a brand with a long history. Start simple with a hydrating lotion and sunscreen, add a moisturizer that suits you, and enjoy the ritual.
New to all of this? Our Japanese skincare starter guide walks through a full beginner routine, and if you're exploring Japan more broadly, the Japanese matcha guide is a tasty next stop.
Sources: WWD — Kosé names Shohei Ohtani global ambassador, Kosé Corporation press release (PR Newswire).