TOKYO – The World Series trophy is headed to Los Angeles, but the party extends to Japan.

On Thursday morning, people milled around local train stations in Tokyo as newspaper extras touting Japanese stars prepared to exit the printing press. Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are world champions With his Dodgers teammates after the thrilling Game 5 victory over the New York Yankees.

“I want to thank my Japanese fans who came all the way to cheer me on this season,” Ohtani said on Japanese television. “This cheer gave me some energy, so I’m happy to be able to repay the gratitude I’ve earned.”

Newspaper proclamations are a Tokyo tradition when celebrating a major event in Japan. And that’s a huge number for a country whose players were once thought to be too small or just good shooters. There is great pride in the fact that his players are now among the best in the game.

Japan defeated the United States in the World Baseball Classic final in Miami last year; it was another sign of the country’s strength in American entertainment.

It was also a victory Ohtani’s hometown It’s in northern Japan – Oshu City – where fans gather all week and predict their superstar heroes will help win the championship.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB