Reader’s Question:
Who are some global stars from Japan?
Considering Japanese Stars
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend about global stars from Japan. We mentioned the late Toshiro Mifune, athlete Kyoji Horiguchi, and, of course, Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s success in Major League Baseball as a Japanese player has been a hot topic. While his performance is certainly impressive, there
are opinions questioning the overall popularity of baseball itself.
The Impact of Movies and Anime
We also touched on the recent anime boom, particularly the massive success of “Demon Slayer.” The beloved characters like Tanjiro and Shinobu highlight the power of Japanese anime. It was genuinely surprising to see it surpass the box office performance of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Witnessing anime penetrate global markets truly underscores the strength of culture.
Baseball and the Asian Market
As my friend pointed out, the increasing acceptance of Japanese players in Major League Baseball is tied to a focus on the Asian market. It’s true that baseball’s popularity in America seems to be declining. The playful comments from Europe, like “Baseball? Oh, that’s like cricket,” are amusing. The popularity of sports can vary significantly depending on the era and region.
Emotional Connections
Personally, I often find myself connecting emotionally to Japanese culture through anime and films. Sharing these feelings during conversations with friends is truly enjoyable. Sometimes, I even find myself snacking a bit too much while waiting if I arrive early, but that’s just part of daily life. I would love for readers to share their experiences with their favorite Japanese stars or cultural moments. What memories stand out to you, and what works have moved you? Please feel free to share in the comments!
