TOTO debuted as a presenting sponsor of the Chicago White Sox Munetaka Murakami “First Major League Home Run” Bobblehead Day on July 26, marking a major milestone in the brand’s entry into Major League Baseball sponsorships.
The story behind the White Sox sponsorship began long before Murakami’s first home run, which was the inspiration behind the giveaway to the first 15,000 fans on July 26 when the White Sox hosted the Houston Astros at Rate Field. TOTO, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bathroom fixtures and fittings, with approximately $4.8 billion in annual net sales, was introduced to this opportunity through an inquiry by the White Sox.
As Murakami prepared for his first Major League Baseball season with the Chicago White Sox, he requested that a bidet be installed in the team’s clubhouse, with the hope of continuing a familiar daily routine from his home country of Japan.
The White Sox, in turn, reached out to TOTO. That request inspired a partnership that will introduce baseball fans to TOTO’s Washlet through multiple touchpoints before and during one of the White Sox’s most anticipated promotional events of the season. The White Sox clubhouse has been outfitted with TOTO Washlets throughout, bringing the innovative bidet technology to players as part of their everyday experience.
“At TOTO, innovation begins with understanding how people live, work and care for themselves every day,” said Taro Muroi, CEO, TOTO USA. “We were honored to install TOTO Washlet bidet seats in the Chicago White Sox clubhouse, be a part of the team’s daily preparation and showcase TOTO’s commitment to excellence. That commitment is earned through decades of innovation, craftsmanship and performance. This authentic story gives baseball fans the opportunity to experience firsthand the innovation, craftsmanship and everyday performance that have made Washlet the global leader in luxury personal cleansing.”
Bringing TOTO Washlet to Baseball Fans
On July 26, the Washlet bidet seat story left the clubhouse and arrived at Rate Field, where thousands of Chicago White Sox fans discovered the innovation that has been incorporated into the White Sox clubhouse.
Before the gates opened, fans could step inside the TOTO Washlet Mobile Showroom at Gate 5 for live showcase opportunities, interactive experiences, and a firsthand look at the technology behind the bidet seats.
The Munetaka Murakami White Sox First Home Run Bobblehead, presented by TOTO, and in-game LED signage extended that story throughout Rate Field, creating multiple opportunities for fans to connect the trusted daily routine of the White Sox clubhouse with the innovation behind Washlet.
“TOTO has long been recognized as a leader and innovator in its industry,” said Brooks Boyer, chief revenue and marketing officer, Chicago White Sox. “This first-of-its-kind partnership with TOTO reflects our collective commitment to creating memorable and engaging gameday experiences for our fans while celebrating the real-world connection to the White Sox clubhouse.”
The TOTO Washlet Mobile Showroom also featured the Aurora Washlet+ Bidet Toilet with the Integravity Flushing System, demonstrating how Washlet technology integrates seamlessly into today’s luxury bathroom. Each demonstration begins with the innovation that inspired the partnership itself: TOTO Washlet bidet seats.
For more than four decades, TOTO Washlet bidet seats have combined advanced warm-water cleansing technology, precision Japanese engineering and thoughtful design. With more than 70 million units sold globally, Washlet has introduced millions of people around the world to a new approach to personal cleanliness.
“This partnership represents far more than a single day at the ballpark,” said Taro Muroi, CEO, TOTO USA. “It reflects the confidence people around the world place in TOTO Washlet bidet seats every day. We’re proud to introduce Washlet to Chicago White Sox fans through a story about a simple request that grew into TOTO’s first Major League Baseball sponsorship.”
