Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani is arguably the game's best player anywhere. But in Japan, he's more than just a baseball player. He's an antidote for many in his native country.
1 of 10
Fans of Japan's Shohei Ohtani cheer prior to the Pool B game between Japan and China at the World Baseball Classic at the Tokyo Dome Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Tokyo. The paper fans read in Japanese "Ohtani, " right, and "Shohei." Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani is arguably the game's best player. But he's more than just a baseball player. He's an antidote for many in his native country.
TOKYO — He’d paid about $80 for his ticket. He wore a Japan cap above a blue Los Angeles Angels jersey. And as he enthused about the sensation that is Shohei Ohtani, baseball fan Hotaru Shiromizo was talking about far more than sports. Shiromizu, 23, was part of the quilt of thousands of colorfully dressed fans outside the Tokyo Dome on Thursday afternoon. They paced, they camped out, and they discussed their hopes of seeing Ohtani pitch — and hit — against China in Japan’s opening game in the World Baseball Classic.
“He’s a legendary player, but he’s more than just a good player,” Shiromizu said, using his translator app to help clarify a few thoughts in English. “His aspirations — his achievements — have had a positive influence on all Japanese people.”These days, Japanese culture and politics feel more tenuous than a few decades ago. The economy is stagnant. The birthrate is among the world’s lowest. A former prime minister was assassinated a few months ago on the street.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Japan buzzing for Shohei Ohtani’s return in WBCTOKYO (AP) — Everyone in Japan seems to be a fan of Shohei Ohtani, and the buzz even extends to his teammates. That includes St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar — the first to play for Japan's national team because of ancestry.
Read more »
Shohei Ohtani’s return has Japan buzzing for WBCThe Angels superstar is expected to be the starting pitcher in Japan’s opening game against China in the World Baseball Classic on Thursday in Tokyo
Read more »
Pitcher Roki Sasaki next 'big thing' from Japanese baseballTOKYO (AP) — In Japan they call pitcher Roki Sasaki the “Monster of the Reiwa Era,' which translates roughly into a “once-in-a-generation superstar.' In simple English, Sasaki is likely to be the next big thing out of Japan following Shohei Ohtani, who debuted five years ago with the Los Angeles Angels.
Read more »
2023 MLB Fun & Good Team: Meet baseball's most watchable stars, from Shohei Ohtani to Nestor Cortes Jr.Baseball players are playing baseball. With some different rules this time. And with a World Baseball Classic tossed into the mix this month. But mostly, baseball players are playing baseball, as they will from now until late October. MLB's 162-game slate creates an overwhelming array of options, and so this is my second annual attempt to help you establish some priorities.
Read more »
Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2023: Top 40 third basemenTaking a look at our top 10 third basemen for the 2023 fantasy baseball draft season, you'll find a ton of star power. The Cleveland Guardians' superstar, Jose Ramirez, stands at the top. Lest we forget, Ramirez was one of Aaron Judge's early, worthy challengers for the 2022 AL MVP award (before it became a two-man race between Judge and Shohei Ohtani).
Read more »
Results and Highlights from the Tokyo MarathonCanadian Cam Levins broke the North American record, finishing fifth overall in the men’s race.
Read more »