Last year’s World Series featuring the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers led by Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani had the highest ratings in seven years, marking a turnaround for a sport that had seen a decline in popularity in the U.S. The success of Japanese players like Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto has helped rejuvenate interest in baseball and attract a new international audience.
Five Japanese players are set to headline the MLB season opener in Tokyo, showcasing the league’s efforts to expand its global reach. The Tokyo Series is part of the MLB World Tour, aimed at increasing the sport’s popularity abroad. Interest from Japanese fans has contributed to a growth in attendance and viewership, with global viewership up significantly.
The introduction of elite Japanese players into MLB has created new fandoms and brought attention to the league overall. The “Ohtani effect” has drawn in fans from around the world, including those who had little previous interest in baseball. This international appeal has been beneficial for the sport, which has struggled to maintain relevance compared to other sports in the U.S.
Baseball’s deep history in Japan and other parts of Asia, dating back 150 years, has contributed to the sport’s popularity in the region. The league is now focused on transnationalizing itself to attract a broader player base and audience. By investing in events in Japan and engaging with youth in the country, MLB aims to grow the game and create the next generation of stars while embracing its internationalization.
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