Shohei Ohtani, a superstar in Japan, has sparked increased interest in baseball among various demographics across the country, including elderly people who may not have previously followed the sport. Ohtani’s games with the Los Angeles Dodgers are aired live in the morning in Japan, which has contributed to his popularity at home, making him a daily fixture on popular morning variety shows. His performance has not only fuelled the Japanese collectibles industry but has also greatly increased Japanese television ratings for Major League Baseball.
Ohtani has played for seven seasons in the majors, including six for the Los Angeles Angels. He has dominated the sport with his prowess both as a hitter and a pitcher, capturing two Most Valuable Player awards. He is expected to win his third award in November, which would make him the first full-time designated hitter to receive the accolade, a role he was compelled to play after a previous elbow injury.
Ohtani’s impressive performance has turned him into an international sensation, comparable to the likes of icons such as Michael Jordan or David Beckham. His popularity in Japan is astronomical, where every move he makes is reported on in the news. Notably, when Ohtani was on the edge of achieving 50-50 in September, his progress was often featured in national nightly news and daytime shows, an uncommon phenomenon for sports coverage.
While Japan has celebrated various baseball heroes like Hideo Nomo, Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui, Ohtani has a unique place in the country’s heart due to his incredible talent. To Japanese fans, he is more than just a baseball marvel; he is a representation of their cultural pride on an international stage. Tomoki Negishi, a baseball marketing executive, goes so far as to say that Ohtani is seen as “a symbol of Japan in the global market”.
Ohtani’s modesty, politeness and respect for others, as presented in the media, has been instrumental in his positive reception in Japan. It is not just his remarkable prowess that impresses his fans but also his humility and gratitude. Masanori Ninomiya, a lifelong follower of Japanese baseball, attributes the nation’s love for Ohtani to his gracious conduct in the Major League Baseball stage rather than his talent alone.
Ohtani’s popularity among the older generation in Japan is particularly noticeable, with baseball now seen as a cultural unifier. The sport has transcended demographics, appealing to fans in all age groups, from young children to senior citizens. The widespread appeal and high TV ratings of Ohtani’s games have prompted MLB to target the Japanese market more, opening the 2025 season with a Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs game in Tokyo. It is clear that Ohtani’s impact on the sport has been revolutionary, captivating audiences across Japan and helping baseball gain cultural significance.
