Dodgers vs Cubs Tokyo Series Watched By Over 25 Million People in Japan
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ trip to Japan was historic for several reasons, including record-breaking viewership of the Tokyo Series.
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Game 1 of the Tokyo Series, featuring the first Opening Day matchup between two Japanese starting pitchers, averaged more than 25 million viewers, per Major League Baseball. The matchup between the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs was the most-watched MLB game in the country’s history.
Roki Sasaki headlined Game 2 and made his MLB debut in front of a sold-out crowd. The game averaged over 23 million viewers.
During last season’s Seoul Series in South Korea, a total of 18.7 million viewers tuned in for the first game of the Dodgers’ rivalry matchup with the San Diego Padres. The Tokyo Series evidently surpassed those numbers.
The international event set records for viewership, merchandise sales, and attendances. Additionally, the Dodgers had the chance to experience firsthand the electricity from Japanese fans at the Tokyo Dome.
Utility man Kiké Hernández believes Latin and Japanese baseball fans share the same passion for the game.
“When it comes to just culture as it is, I believe that the Latin culture and the Japanese culture can’t be more far apart from each other,” Hernández said. “But when it comes to the passion and the way that fans enjoy the game … it’s the closest thing to it.”
The Tokyo Series was evidence of the Dodgers’ popularity overseas. Manager Dave Roberts reiterated the franchise’s goal of “painting Japan blue.”
“We want complete market share of that country,” Roberts said. “We want every young player over there to be a Dodger fan. So when they have an opportunity to come over, it’s a no-brainer.”
Read more: Dave Roberts Says Dodgers Want ‘Complete Market Share’ of Japan
Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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