**The World Series became a cultural phenomenon in Japan this year, largely driven by the stellar performance of Shohei Ohtani, bringing together fans in bars across the country to celebrate the games.**
**World Series Captivates Japan: Shohei Ohtani's Impact Soars Ratings**
**World Series Captivates Japan: Shohei Ohtani's Impact Soars Ratings**
**Over 15 million viewers in Japan tuned in for the World Series as interest skyrockets thanks to baseball star Shohei Ohtani**
In Toyama, Japan, Jun Mizuno adjusted his bar's hours from 5 PM to 8 AM, welcoming patrons eager to support Shohei Ohtani, the new star of the Los Angeles Dodgers, during his first World Series season. As the nation reveled in excitement, Ohtani clinched his first championship with the Dodgers in a nail-biting Game 5 against the New York Yankees, which ended with a score of 7-6.
Japanese baseball fans have long shown commitment to the sport, but Ohtani's presence alongside compatriot Yoshinobu Yamamoto has significantly heightened interest. Notably, the average viewership for the initial two games of the World Series in Japan reached an impressive 15.2 million, outpacing even the 14.5 million viewers noted in the United States, as recorded by Major League Baseball.
The game's scheduling aligned conveniently for viewers in Japan, commencing at 9 AM local time, allowing fans to root for their favorites while enjoying breakfast or during work hours. Bar owner Mizuno took advantage of this with a special morning menu featuring breakfast items nestled in the sporting atmosphere, showcasing dishes like eggs, bacon, cheese toast, and black coffee.
As fans from Tokyo to Toyama celebrated the excitement surrounding Ohtani and the Dodgers, the bond between baseball and Japanese culture deepened even further this World Series season.
Japanese baseball fans have long shown commitment to the sport, but Ohtani's presence alongside compatriot Yoshinobu Yamamoto has significantly heightened interest. Notably, the average viewership for the initial two games of the World Series in Japan reached an impressive 15.2 million, outpacing even the 14.5 million viewers noted in the United States, as recorded by Major League Baseball.
The game's scheduling aligned conveniently for viewers in Japan, commencing at 9 AM local time, allowing fans to root for their favorites while enjoying breakfast or during work hours. Bar owner Mizuno took advantage of this with a special morning menu featuring breakfast items nestled in the sporting atmosphere, showcasing dishes like eggs, bacon, cheese toast, and black coffee.
As fans from Tokyo to Toyama celebrated the excitement surrounding Ohtani and the Dodgers, the bond between baseball and Japanese culture deepened even further this World Series season.
