The World Series trophy is headed to Los Angeles, but the celebration is reaching as far as Japan. On Thursday morning, local train stations in Tokyo buzzed with excitement as newspaper extras rolled off the presses, announcing Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto as world champions alongside their Dodgers teammates, following a thrilling Game 5 victory over the New York Yankees.
“I want to thank my Japanese fans for coming all the way to cheer me this season,” Ohtani expressed on Japanese television. “That cheering gave me some energy, so I’m glad I could return the gratitude with my winning.”
In Tokyo, handing out special edition newspapers is a cherished tradition when Japan celebrates significant events, and this victory is monumental for a nation whose players were once overlooked as too small or only fit for pitching. Now, there is immense pride in the fact that Japanese players rank among the best in the game.
Japan’s triumph in the World Baseball Classic final against the United States last year in Miami further underscored the country’s growing dominance in America’s favorite pastime. This recent success adds to that impressive track record.
The victory also resonated deeply in Ohtani’s hometown in northern Japan, Oshu City, where fans had been gathering all week, hopeful that their superstar hero would help clinch the title. Their optimism and unwavering support were rewarded with a championship to celebrate.
