Shohei Ohtani's MLB playoff debut has captivated audiences, especially in Japan, where fans are tuning in early in the morning to watch the Dodgers compete for the World Series. The superstar’s games have become must-see events, spurring a new tradition of enjoying breakfast while watching him play. As the Dodgers advance, Ohtani's presence has elevated MLB's popularity in Japan, especially among older viewers. Significant interest has resulted in record viewership numbers, underscoring Ohtani’s unmatched star power.

By the Numbers
  • Game 5 of the NLDS between the Dodgers and Padres drew 12.9 million viewers in Japan, a record for MLB games.
  • This viewership figure is more than double the audience in the U.S. for the same game.
Yes, But

While Ohtani garners immense attention, other Japanese players like Yu Darvish and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have also significantly influenced postseason viewership, though they do not match Ohtani's overall popularity.

State of Play
  • Major League Baseball is seeing increased interest and viewership in Japan during Ohtani's postseason run.
  • Older demographics in Japan are particularly engaged, with games broadcast on NHK, a public network.
What's Next

As the Dodgers push towards the World Series, viewership in Japan is expected to grow, potentially setting new records with each game. This could solidify Ohtani as a sport's ambassador in Japan and further increase MLB's presence in the region.

Bottom Line

Ohtani’s remarkable impact extends beyond the diamond, fostering a new cultural phenomenon in Japan that combines sports and daily life, while significantly elevating MLB's footprint in an international market.