Anime-Inspired Kanji Cards Set to Make Waves in 2025 Bowman Baseball

Topps is adding a cultural twist to the chase in 2025 Bowman Baseball with the introduction of a brand-new, ultra-rare Kanji card subset—an eye-catching blend of anime art, national pride, and rookie heat.

Slated to drop on May 7, the Kanji parallels will feature four iconic Japanese players: Shohei Ohtani, Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui, and Roki Sasaki. These cards aren’t just standard inserts—they come decked out in anime-style illustrations with player names written in Kanji, Japan’s traditional character-based writing system.

Each card celebrates the player's heritage in a way never seen before in a Bowman release. Ohtani’s card will likely steal the spotlight, but collectors are already buzzing about Roki Sasaki’s inclusion. His card features the official rookie card (RC) logo, which could make it one of the most valuable in the entire 2025 set.

This new subset is part of Topps’ ongoing push to expand globally, and the Kanji cards reflect that effort with purpose. American collectors will be chasing them for their rarity and design, while Japanese and Chinese collectors are expected to show strong demand due to the cultural significance.

There’s also speculation that more players could be added in future runs. Rising stars like Shota Imanaga, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Masataka Yoshida would be natural fits. Established veterans such as Yu Darvish and Kenta Maeda could also bring in waves of international collectors looking to celebrate national icons.

The Kanji series arrives alongside Bowman staples like Mega Futures, Rookie of the Year Favorites, and Very Important Prospects. But with its limited print run and artistic flair, this anime-influenced set may be the one that defines this year’s release. It’s more than just cardboard—it’s a global crossover that puts cultural storytelling front and center.