Tokyo erupted in jubilation as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their second consecutive World Series championship with a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in 11 innings. The game, a nail-biting showdown, saw Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto play pivotal roles, igniting national pride across Japan. Ohtani, a two-way sensation, contributed with both his bat and arm, while Yamamoto’s stellar pitching earned him the World Series MVP honors. The Dodgers overcame a 3-0 deficit, rallying with a game-tying homer by Miguel Rojas in the ninth and a walk-off homer by Will Smith in the 11th. In Tokyo, fans gathered at Hub, a popular fish-and-chips restaurant, to watch the game live on large screens. The atmosphere was electric, with fans donning Ohtani jerseys and breaking into dance after the victory. The game’s viewership in Japan was massive, with millions tuning in despite late-night hours. Ohtani, a national icon, has been celebrated not only for his on-field prowess but also for his humility and connection to his Japanese roots. Yamamoto, meanwhile, cemented his legacy with back-to-back heroic performances in Games 6 and 7. The Dodgers’ triumph resonated deeply in Japan, even reaching Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who watched the game with U.S. President Donald Trump. The victory underscored the global impact of baseball and the pride Japan takes in its homegrown talents.
Ohtani, Yamamoto make Japan proud helping Dodgers repeat as World Series champions
