Shohei Ohtani, a standout player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was seen at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels on Feb. 28 in Glendale, Arizona. The previous year’s World Series, which featured the New York Yankees and the eventual champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers led by Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, garnered the highest ratings in seven years. In contrast, the Fall Classic before that had the lowest viewership in television history.
The increase in viewership has been attributed to various factors, including the historic rivalry between the two large-market teams. However, experts point to the undeniable impact of Japanese superstars like Ohtani and Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto in reinvigorating interest in baseball, a sport that has seen declining popularity in the U.S.
Five Japanese players are set to headline Major League Baseball’s season opener in Tokyo, where the Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs in a match aimed at generating interest in MLB internationally. This milestone has prompted reflection among historians, executives, and advocates on how these athletes have attracted a new audience and transformed baseball into a sport with global appeal.
Rob Fitts, a curatorial consultant for the Baseball Hall of Fame, noted that the league is redefining itself as the world’s premier league, not limited to American or North American baseball. This shift is seen as a positive step in expanding the market to Asia.
The Tokyo Series, which marks the start of the regular season, is part of MLB’s efforts to expand its global reach through the MLB World Tour. The series features top players like Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs, as well as Ohtani, Yamamoto, and rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki from the Dodgers. The matchup between Imanaga and Yamamoto in Game 1 has generated excitement, with promotions on social media and collaborations with popular shows like “Demon Slayer” to showcase the evolution of Japanese baseball.
For baseball enthusiasts, the Tokyo Series symbolizes not only a return home for star players but also the growing popularity of MLB in the region. Increased attendance and television ratings, particularly from Japanese fans, demonstrate the league’s expanding presence in Asia and beyond. Global viewership has surged, with Asia recording a significant increase, highlighting the game’s growing international appeal.
Marinak shared, “They find it to be a fascinating experience.” According to Adam Burke, the president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, 80% to 90% of Japanese visitors currently make sure to include at least one Dodgers game in their travel plans. In 2024, the year when Ohtani and Yamamoto joined the Dodgers, Japanese tourism to Los Angeles increased by 26% compared to the previous year. To accommodate this rise, Dodger Stadium had to employ several Japanese-speaking tour guides.
Burke noted, “People are eager to visit the places where Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki play, even if there is no game on that day.” The sport of American baseball has been struggling to maintain its relevance, with football being the favorite among Americans since 1972, according to a Gallup poll from December 2023. Baseball and basketball were nearly tied for a distant second place in the poll, with only 10% and 9% of respondents favoring them, respectively.
One of the challenges facing baseball has been the game’s pace, which is slower compared to sports like basketball and football, explained Fitts. This slower tempo has become less appealing to younger audiences who prefer faster-paced games. Efforts have been made to address this issue, such as the introduction of the pitch clock in 2023, which led to a decrease in the average game length to 2 hours and 36 minutes.
However, there has been a growing interest in baseball in recent years, with a 2023 survey estimating that 16.7 million people participated in the sport nationwide, the highest number since 2008. The addition of elite Japanese players to MLB has attracted new fans, as these players had already garnered a significant following in Japan before making the move to the U.S.
The interest in Japanese players has extended beyond their respective teams, influencing the overall league, especially since MLB games are televised in Japan. Marinak highlighted, “Fans are more engaged with the sport overall, potentially fueled by the presence of standout players that capture attention and draw fans into the narrative of the season and playoff race.”
Fitts praised the impact of the “Ohtani effect.” This two-way star, who has clinched three MVP awards and made history last year by being the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, has been a standout in the league since joining the Angels in 2018. Now with the Dodgers, a perennial World Series contender, fans both casual and devoted are eager to witness Ohtani’s remarkable feats.
Fitts noted that Ohtani’s presence is drawing in potentially millions of people who previously had little interest in Major League Baseball, showcasing the sport’s global appeal. Baseball has a rich history in Japan, dating back about 150 years. Japan embraced the game during its period of military expansion and rising nationalism, using it to project an image of strength and masculinity. Other Asian countries, like Korea and Taiwan, also developed strong baseball cultures due to Japanese colonial influences.
While pitcher Masanori Murakami had a brief stint with the San Francisco Giants in 1964, it was Hideo Nomo, known as “The Tornado,” who paved the way for Japanese players to find success in the U.S. Nomo, with the assistance of agent Don Nomura, navigated a loophole to leave Japan’s NPB’s Kintetsu Buffaloes and play in the U.S. Despite facing backlash, Nomo’s journey opened doors for future Japanese players like Ohtani.
Today, Japanese fans closely follow MLB alongside their local league, NPB. As baseball’s popularity in the U.S. faces challenges, Japan’s support becomes increasingly vital. Baseball must expand globally to thrive, reaching new audiences and developing players for the future, according to expert Shimizu.
MLB intends to deepen its ties with Japan, holding events such as the World Baseball Classic and engaging more young players with the U.S. league. This strategy aims to grow the game, nurture talent, and foster the next wave of baseball stars. Nomura hopes MLB’s interest in Japan goes beyond financial gains, emphasizing the importance of giving back to youth in the region. As baseball transforms into an international sport, Nomura sees parallels with the game’s history of breaking boundaries and fostering diversity.
