Survey Reveals Popularity of Major League Baseball Teams in Japan and the U.S.

Survey Highlights: Favorite Baseball Teams in Japan and the U.S.

LINE Yahoo Corporation, a leading research platform with over 7 million active participants, conducted a study examining baseball viewership and preferences among Japanese fans. The research targeted individuals aged 10 to 60 from across Japan, focusing on their habits and preferences related to professional baseball. Here’s what they found:

1. Viewership Trends

Approximately 50% of respondents indicated that they regularly watch professional baseball. This finding highlights a significant interest in baseball as a pastime among a broad demographic. When analyzed by gender, a higher percentage of males, around 55%, reported they watch regularly compared to about 40% of females.

Viewing habits revealed that traditional TV broadcasts (both terrestrial and BS channels) were the most popular method, accounting for nearly 40% of the total viewership. Notably, younger viewers in their 20s and 30s watched at a rate of around 30%, while engagement increased significantly among those aged 40 and above. Among the older demographic, particularly those in their 60s, 65% of men and nearly 50% of women reported watching baseball on TV.

Other viewing methods included attending games in person at stadiums (just under 20%), online streaming, YouTube, and radio broadcasts.

2. Favorite Teams: The Dodgers Dominate

In terms of favorite baseball teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged at the top, preferred by nearly 38% of respondents who follow baseball. This team topped the preferences across gender and age demographics, with striking support (over 50%) among those in their 60s.

Other popular choices included Japan's Yomiuri Giants and the Hanshin Tigers, both of which also received substantial support, particularly among older viewers. Interestingly, fans in different regions showed unique preferences for local teams, indicating a strong regional allegiance.

In Hokkaido, for instance, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters dominated with over 80% support, while the Tohoku region favored the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, who garnered around 40%. In Kanto, the Dodgers again were popular among about 37%, closely followed by the Yomiuri Giants at roughly 30%.

In the Chubu region, the Giants and the Dodgers were neck and neck for the top position, while in Kinki, the Hanshin Tigers triumphed. The Chugoku region saw the Hiroshima Toyo Carp leading with more than 60%, and in Kyushu, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks secured about 60% of the vote.

Conclusion

The LINE Research survey provides insightful data that emphasizes the popularity of professional baseball in Japan, particularly showcasing the Los Angeles Dodgers' appeal. As the sporting culture continues to evolve, these findings help brands and marketers better understand consumer preferences and viewing behaviors.

For further details, including detailed graphs, you can check LINE Research’s official report.