World Series Brings Japan Together as Ohtani Shines

The excitement of the World Series captivated millions in Japan, with Shohei Ohtani's performance drawing viewers and fans alike.

In an unprecedented display of enthusiasm, baseball fans across Japan have turned their attention to the World Series, thanks to the stellar performance of Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player. Jun Mizuno, owner of Otoko Bar Mizuno Sake Store in Toyama, adjusted his bar's hours to accommodate the surge in viewership, opening at 8 a.m. for the games. Customers flocked to the bar to cheer on Ohtani as he helped lead the Dodgers to a thrilling 7-6 victory against the New York Yankees in Game 5.

Mizuno remarked, “The entire country is thrilled,” noting the decoration outside his establishment, featuring a giant banner of Ohtani. The interest in this year's World Series is largely attributed to Ohtani's appearances, as he shares the stage with his fellow Japanese teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto, significantly increasing the allure of the event back home.

The statistics speak volumes. Over 15 million viewers in Japan tuned in to watch each of the first two World Series games, surpassing the 14.5 million average viewership figure recorded in the United States, as reported by Major League Baseball. With start times of 9 a.m. for the games, many fans enjoyed viewing over breakfast or during their workday, with bars like Mizuno’s even offering breakfast specials to enhance the viewing experience.

This surge in baseball enthusiasm highlights the remarkable connection between Japan and its athletes competing on the world stage. As Shohei Ohtani continues to shine, it’s clear that the World Series has become more than just a sporting event; it has transformed into a nationwide celebration of baseball culture in Japan.