Niihama-shi—For the past three winters, a mysterious figure resembling Hotei, the Japanese god of happiness and good fortune, has delighted the children of Niihama-shi. Clad in flowing robes and carrying a sack of gifts, the man has visited neighborhoods across the city, handing out toys, books, and winter essentials to children from low-income families. This week, the beloved figure’s true identity was revealed, sparking even greater admiration and joy among residents.

The man behind the mask? None other than Santiago Aranda, the charismatic third baseman of the Niihama-shi Ghosts. Aranda, a native of Costa Rica known for his infectious smile and larger-than-life personality, has been quietly playing the role of Hotei since the team tradition began. A local Niihama boy, Botan, age 10, recognized the Ghosts star and his favorite ballplayer. The resulting commotion among the children, doubly excited by the gifts they were receiving and the presence of their baseball idols, saw the once-anonymous players staying for several hours longer than intended to ensure each child received autographs if they wanted. Having enlisted the help of several teammates, including star American pitchers Dave Lopez and Curt Merrill as well as Japan-native Shojiro Samurakami, who originally suggested the idea, Aranda and company gifted the children not just gifts and memorabilia, but memories that will last a lifetime.

“We wanted to give back to this community that has given us so much,” Aranda said during a press conference at the team’s headquarters. “Shojiro told us about Hotei and his role in bringing happiness, and it felt like the perfect way to spread some love during the colder months.”

Samurakami, a longtime Niihama fan and the Ghosts catcher, explained the inspiration behind the effort. “Hotei is a symbol of joy and generosity in Japanese culture. When I told Santiago about it, his eyes lit up, and he said, ‘Let’s make it happen.’”

Aranda’s portrayal of Hotei goes beyond material gifts. According to residents, his energy and authenticity have made him a beloved figure. “He’s always laughing, playing with the kids, and telling them stories,” said Yukari Tanaka, a mother of three who lives in central Niihama. “Even when he’s not dressed as Hotei, you can feel his warmth. The children adore him.”

Lopez and Merrill, both towering figures in the Ghosts’ pitching arsenal, have also embraced their roles in the initiative. Lopez serves as the quiet “helper,” carrying additional sacks of gifts, while Merrill, known for his on-field intensity, has surprised fans with his gentle demeanor during the events. “Curt has a soft side,” Aranda joked. “Don’t let the Metallica nickname fool you.”

The logistics of the operation are no small feat. The group collaborates with local businesses and organizations to source the gifts, and many of the players donate a portion of their salaries to fund the project. “We’re grateful to everyone who’s supported us,” said Aranda. “It’s a team effort, both on and off the field.”

The revelation of the Ghosts players’ involvement has only deepened the city’s admiration for the team. “They’re not just great athletes; they’re great people,” said Hiroshi Nakamura, a lifelong Ghosts fan. “What they’ve done for our children shows their true character.”

As for the future, Aranda says the Hotei tradition will continue. “This is just the beginning,” he said with a grin. “We’ll be back next winter, bigger and better. After all, Hotei always has room in his sack for more happiness.”

With their dedication both on the field and in the community, the Niihama-shi Ghosts have proven that heroes can wear more than just uniforms. For the children of Niihama-shi, the holiday season now holds a special kind of magic, thanks to the selfless efforts of their hometown stars.