Baseball served alongside breakfast resonated remarkably well with audiences in Japan.
The latest World Series, showcasing two of the brightest stars in baseball, captivated a staggering 12.9 million viewers in Japan, achieving the status of the country’s most-watched World Series to date.
Located 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles, fans in Japan tuned in to the games around 9 a.m. local time, allowing them to engage with the excitement of the matchups as part of their morning routine. The thrilling games were broadcasted across multiple platforms, including the popular Fuji TV, NHK BS, and J Sports, ensuring wide accessibility for eager viewers.
Notably, Game 2 attracted an incredible 15.9 million viewers in Japan, setting a new record for the most-watched postseason baseball game in the nation’s history. The spotlight was on Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who dominated on the mound, allowing only one run through an impressive 6 1/3 innings, contributing to LA’s 4-2 victory.
The series averaged a robust 15.8 million viewers in the U.S. across Fox, Fox Deportes, and streaming platforms, marking its best performance since 2017 and reflecting a remarkable 67% increase compared to last year when the Texas Rangers triumphed over the Arizona Diamondbacks in a five-game series.
It’s not just about Shohei Ohtani capturing the imagination of fans; fellow pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto also hails from Japan, adding to the international appeal of the team. Additionally, the Dodgers are led by the talented Japanese American manager, Dave Roberts. Alex Rozier brings the latest updates for NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.
Both Ohtani and Yamamoto made headlines with their monumental moves to the Dodgers just before the 2024 season commenced.
Shohei Ohtani made headlines after signing a groundbreaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers, making it one of the largest deals in professional sports history. In a strategic move, Ohtani chose to defer over 97% of his annual salary throughout the tenure of his astonishing 10-year contract.
Throughout his six seasons with the Angels, Ohtani faced the disappointment of never reaching the postseason, intensifying the anticipation surrounding his new chapter with the Dodgers.
**Interview with Hiroshi Tanaka, Sports Media Analyst, on the Record-Breaking World Series Viewership in Japan**
**Editor:** Welcome, Hiroshi! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the remarkable viewership figures for the World Series in Japan. Let’s start with the impressive numbers we’ve seen. How did baseball become such a morning staple for fans in Japan?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Thank you for having me! The recent World Series captured the hearts of Japanese fans in an extraordinary way. With stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish competing, the excitement was palpable. The fact that these games aired during prime morning hours for us—around 9 a.m.—created a unique opportunity for fans to enjoy baseball with their breakfast. It’s a perfect way to start the day!
**Editor:** That’s very interesting! How do you think the timing of the broadcast influenced viewer engagement?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Timing is indeed crucial. Watching sports has become a significant part of the daily routine for many in Japan. By airing the games in the morning, fans could gather with family or friends, enjoy their favorite breakfast foods, and build that community experience around the games. This makes it more than just a viewing experience; it becomes a social event that resonates deeply with people.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating to see how cultural habits affect sports consumption. Can you tell us more about the platforms through which these games were broadcasted?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Absolutely! The World Series was available across several platforms, including national television and streaming services. This multi-platform approach allowed fans to choose their preferred viewing method, whether at home, on a mobile device, or even in cafes. Accessibility is key, especially when trying to reach a broader audience.
**Editor:** Switching gears a bit, how does this record-breaking viewership impact the future of MLB in Japan?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** The success of this World Series will likely encourage MLB to invest more in the Japanese market. We might see increased marketing efforts, more games played in Japan, and potentially more Japanese players getting signed to MLB teams. The relationship between Japan and American baseball is mutually beneficial, and this viewership record solidifies that connection.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Hiroshi! It’s clear that this World Series has made quite an impact in Japan, both culturally and commercially.
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Thank you! I’m excited to see how baseball continues to evolve in Japan in the coming years.
