Shohei Ohtani's debut in the World Series has garnered significant attention, particularly in Japan. Fans from Ohtani's home country have shown immense support by purchasing more World Series tickets for the initial two games than any other region outside North America. The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was electric as the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the New York Yankees.
Throughout the season, Ohtani's presence with the Dodgers has attracted substantial international interest, with Japanese buyers accounting for 22% of all tickets sold for Dodgers games. This trend has continued into the World Series, where Japan leads in ticket sales for games in Los Angeles.
Ohtani's status as a national icon in Japan has only been amplified since joining the Dodgers as a free agent. His remarkable performance, including a 50-50 season, has positioned him as a strong contender for the MVP award. The Dodgers' prominence in Japan has further increased with the addition of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a rookie who signed a significant contract with the team.
The World Series has captivated Japanese audiences to such an extent that the popular anime series 'One Piece' announced a delay in its latest episode to avoid clashing with Game 2, where Yamamoto is set to pitch. This decision reflects the immense interest in baseball in Japan, with Ohtani and even Yankees' player Jazz Chisholm Jr. expressing their fondness for the show.
The playoffs have already seen significant viewership in Japan, with Game 5 of the Dodgers-Padres NL Division Series drawing approximately 13 million viewers. This matchup featured Yamamoto against Yu Darvish, marking the first postseason encounter between Japan-born pitchers in MLB history. The game's broadcast resonated with a substantial portion of Japan's population, highlighting the global appeal of the World Series.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts anticipates a truly global World Series, emphasizing the widespread interest in the event. The convergence of talent, cultural significance, and international viewership underscores the unique appeal of this year's championship series.
