By love-89.com As Japan’s political landscape evolves following a closely contested general election, something else is captivating the nation’s attention: Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable performance in the World Series. The juxtaposition of political speculation with excitement over Ohtani’s play for the Los Angeles Dodgers is a testament to the megastar’s impact.
Millions of fans in Japan are gearing up to watch every pitch as the Dodgers face off against the New York Yankees in this pivotal seven-game series. Anticipation is comparable to the excitement typically seen during the Japan Series, where domestic teams compete for national glory.
Despite an injury scare on Saturday—which had the 30-year-old Ohtani leaving the field in visible pain after attempting to steal second base—Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts reassured fans by declaring he was “encouraged” by the updates from the team staff. By Sunday, it was confirmed that Ohtani would be ready for Game 3 of the series.
The significance of Ohtani in Japan cannot be overstated. Since joining Major League Baseball in 2018, first with the Los Angeles Angels and then with the Dodgers last December, he has garnered national hero status. Many consider him not only one of the most talented players in the game’s history but also the best active player globally, drawing comparisons to the likes of Babe Ruth.
Ohtani’s star power has ignited interest even among those who typically don’t follow baseball. His two AL MVP awards and record-breaking achievements, like becoming the first Japanese player to win the AL home run title in 2023, have only fueled the “Shohei effect,” a phenomenon observed closely by a legion of Japanese reporters documenting his life, both on and off the field.
While early television ratings for the World Series in Japan are still pending, expectations are high that they will surpass the 13 million viewers who watched the Dodgers in the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres earlier this month. Robert Whiting, a respected authority on Japanese baseball, credits Ohtani’s immense popularity to both his affable nature and his ability to excel against American players.
“Ohtani not only has the finesse typical of Japanese players but also the size and power that’s often attributed to American athletes,” said Whiting. “He’s breaking stereotypes and making his country proud.”
This season, Ohtani has remained out of the pitcher’s mound as he recovers from elbow surgery, yet he made history when he signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers. His achievements further magnify the excitement surrounding him, with fans not missing a beat, even amidst a scandal involving his interpreter who was arrested for theft.
In a remarkable auction this season, Ohtani’s 50th home run ball fetched $4.39 million, setting a record for any sports ball sold. Reports indicate that Japanese fans purchased more World Series tickets for the initial games than fans from anywhere else outside North America. Furthermore, even popular anime like One Piece has rescheduled its release to avoid clashing with Ohtani’s games.
Expectations for Ohtani are sky-high as he prepares for his first World Series, especially after a groundbreaking season where he became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. In a Tokyo sports store, Ohtani merchandise dominates the shelves, reflecting the heightened national enthusiasm.
As he stood at the cusp of his World Series debut, Ohtani expressed gratitude for the opportunity. If he can maintain his stellar performance and sidestep injuries, he’s set to solidify his status as an icon, not just in baseball, but for an entire nation.