On November 21, the Sasakawa Sports Foundation announced the results of a nationwide survey in Japan, revealing that Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was voted as the most favorite athlete among those aged 18 and over. Ohtani garnered an impressive 41.5% of the votes, following his pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to victory in the World Series.
In second place was Yuuki Ishikawa, a prominent volleyball player from Perugia, who received 3.6% of the votes. Boxing champion Naoya Inoue secured third place with 2.1%. The survey was conducted between June and July, polling approximately 3,000 individuals across the nation.
Ohtani's recognition reflects not only his exceptional talent on the field but also his significant impact on the sport of baseball in Japan. His achievements have inspired many young athletes and contributed to the growing popularity of baseball as a sport.
The results of this survey highlight the admiration and support for athletes who excel in their respective sports, particularly those who achieve remarkable feats on the international stage.