‘Ohtani’s Wrath’ 42 million viewers… Reasons for targeting Japanese reporters

Otani looks like he’s giving a straight face. photo x capture

After the American Professional Baseball (MLB) Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series (WS), the sight of ‘Dodgers superstar’ Shohei Ohtani refusing to be interviewed by the media became a hot topic on social media. The broadcaster that Otani rejected was Fuji TV of Japan.

Otani turns his back after refusing an interview. photo x capture

On the 31st of last month, a Japanese netizen wrote on According to the video he released, a man spoke to Otani, and after Otani responded, he turned his back. As Otani left, this man looked at the camera and made a puzzled expression. As of the afternoon of the 2nd, the video was played over 42 million times on X alone.

photo x capture

On the 31st of last month, another Japanese netizen also claimed in According to the photo he posted, Otani looks as if he is glaring at the man who is trying to interview him. This post was viewed 34 million times (as of the 2nd) on X.

Why did Otani, who is known as the ‘perfect man’ for his excellent skills and great personality, react this way? Japanese netizens point to the bad relationship between Otani and Fuji TV as the cause.

Fuji TV covered Otani’s LA mansion in detail last May. ‘Dodge Nation’, which mainly reports Dodgers news, pointed out in June that “Fuji TV’s report included aerial views of homes and interviews with residents.” Fuji TV’s report on Otani’s home raised concerns that there may be danger to Otani or Otani’s wife.

In the aftermath of this, the Dodgers banned Fuji TV from reporting. They also issued a statement saying, “Aerial photos of real estate, interviews with nearby residents, etc. are an invasion of privacy and exposure that could put players in danger.” It is said that Otani’s agency has banned the broadcasting company from transmitting Otani’s past data or videos related to Ohtani in the future.

For this reason, Japanese netizens are expressing the opinion that “Ohtani’s reaction to refusing the interview is understandable.” In addition, there are a series of criticisms on social media from this man who approached Ohtani after the Dodgers won the championship. Here, comments were posted in Japanese such as “How does it feel to be rejected by Otani?” and “Look back at the reasons for being rejected.”

Ohtani attended the LA Dodgers championship celebration event with his wife and dog on the 1st (local time). AP = Yonhap News

The Dodgers faced the traditional powerhouse New York Yankees in the World Series that ended on the 30th of last month (local time) and won 4 wins and 1 loss, winning their 8th World Series championship.

Otani, who attended the Dodgers’ championship celebration held on the 1st with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, and his dog, Dekopin, said, “I was overwhelmed by the number of fans who gathered here. It’s been an amazing year, and I’m really happy that I was able to contribute.” said. It was estimated that about 220,000 people attended the event that day.

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Reporter Chae Hye-seon [email protected]