Baseball with Breakfast a Hit in Japan
Record-Breaking Viewership for World Series in Japan
A World Series that featured two of Japan’s brightest stars drew a record 12.9 million viewers in the country, making it the most-watched World Series ever. The series was broadcast through Fuji TV, NHK BS, and J Sports, with fans in Japan closely following the performances of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Game 2 Breaks Records
Game 2 of the series drew 15.9 million viewers, making it the most-watched postseason baseball game ever in Japan. Yamamoto started the game and allowed just one run through 6 1/3 innings in LA’s 4-2 win.
US Viewership Also Sees Increase
The series averaged 15.8 million viewers in the US on Fox, Fox Deportes, and streaming, marking its best performance since 2017 and a 67% increase over last year.
Japanese Connection
The Dodgers’ connection to Japan is not just limited to Ohtani and Yamamoto. The team’s manager, Dave Roberts, is of Japanese American descent. The two players, Ohtani and Yamamoto, joined the Dodgers in blockbuster moves before the 2024 season.
Ohtani’s Record-Breaking Contract
Ohtani signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers, one of the biggest deals in professional sports. He opted to defer over 97% of his annual salary throughout his 10-year deal. In his six years with the Angels, Ohtani never made it to the postseason.
Conclusion
The 2024 World Series, featuring two of Japan’s brightest stars, has broken records in both Japan and the US. The series’ success can be attributed to the growing popularity of baseball in Japan and the popularity of Ohtani and Yamamoto among fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many viewers watched the World Series in Japan?
A: 12.9 million viewers
Q: What was the viewership for Game 2 of the World Series in Japan?
A: 15.9 million viewers
Q: What was the viewership for the World Series in the US?
A: 15.8 million viewers
Q: What is the significance of Shohei Ohtani’s contract?
A: It is a record-breaking $700 million deal, one of the biggest deals in professional sports.
