Baseball's Global Star: The Japan Phenomenon

Baseball is experiencing a surge in popularity, and Japan is at the heart of this revival. The 2025 Major League Baseball season is in full swing, and the sport is far from fading away. Instead, it's gaining momentum, especially in Japan. In Japan, baseball is more than just a sport. It's a cultural phenomenon. The Tokyo Series, which featured the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, drew massive viewership. Over 25 million people in Japan tuned in for the first game, and more than 23 million watched the second. To put this into perspective, these numbers are comparable to some of the most-watched events in the United States. The Tokyo Series wasn't a one-off event. Last year's World Series also saw high viewership in Japan, with over 12 million viewers per game. This is significant because the games were broadcast in the morning in Japan, making it even more impressive that so many people watched. If the games had been played in the evening, the viewership could have been even higher. Japan's love for baseball is deeply rooted. A poll showed that professional and high school baseball are the top favorite sports among Japanese respondents. The MLB itself is gaining popularity, with 30% of respondents naming it as their favorite, up from 19% the previous year. This is a stark contrast to the United States, where only 10% of people say baseball is their favorite sport to watch. One of the key figures driving this popularity is Shohei Ohtani. He is a superstar in Japan, leading the league with over 9 million followers on Instagram. Ohtani's influence extends beyond the field, making him a cultural icon in his home country. His popularity is a significant factor in baseball's growing appeal in Japan. The MLB has an opportunity to capitalize on this momentum. By leveraging Ohtani's star power and the deep-rooted love for baseball in Japan, the MLB can expand its global reach. The challenge will be sustaining this support even after Ohtani's career ends. However, with the right strategies, such as memorabilia and media deals, the MLB can continue to grow its fan base in Japan. Baseball's future looks bright, especially with the support from Japan. The sport has the potential to become a global phenomenon, thanks in large part to the enthusiasm and dedication of Japanese fans. The MLB's efforts to engage with this audience could pay off in a big way, making the World Series truly international.