This report highlights the University of Tokyo's standout, Watanabe, turning in his application to go pro in baseball. This move comes as no surprise to fans as Watanabe is the son of Toshiaki, a legendary figure in the sport. The application marks an exciting step towards Watanabe Jr's journey to succeed and potentially outshine his father in the realm of professional baseball.
Sporting legacy carries untold weight in Japan, and the University of Tokyo is a coveted incubator for athletic prowess. Furthermore, baseball is treated with similar reverence to that of the American devotion for the sport. Therefore, this decision by Watanabe draws significant attention and speculation. The fans will follow Watanabe's journey with love and high expectations, all the while comparing his performance with that of his father's.
Much like in Japan, sports dynasties carry significant weight in the US and EU. A familiar last name can bring both attention and pressure. The journey of an athlete emerging from their parent's shadow to carve their own legacy is a well-loved narrative across cultures, whether it's baseball in Japan, football in the US, or soccer in Europe.