The recently concluded World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees garnered significant attention in Japan, with the inclusion of Japanese players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto making their first appearance in the Fall Classic. The series averaged 12.9 million viewers in Japan, marking it as the most-watched World Series in the nation's history.
The games, which started in the early morning in Japan due to the time difference, were broadcasted through various channels including Fuji TV, NHK BS, and J Sports. The Dodgers' victory in Game 2, where Yamamoto was the starting pitcher, attracted a record 15.9 million viewers in Japan, further highlighting the popularity of the event in the country.
In addition to Japan, the World Series also saw record viewership in other countries such as Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Taiwan, according to Major League Baseball. In the United States, the series averaged 15.8 million viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes, and streaming platforms, marking the best performance since 2017.
The ratings in the U.S. were particularly strong, with Los Angeles being the top market with an 18.9 rating and 53 share, followed by San Diego and New York. Overall, Fox and FS1 reported a 42% jump in average viewership for the postseason, its best average in seven years.
The success of the World Series in terms of viewership both domestically and internationally underscores the continued popularity of baseball as a global sport. As the games continue to attract a diverse audience, it serves as a testament to the universal appeal of the sport and the excitement it brings to fans worldwide.