Japanese baseball phenom, Shohei Otani, is confirmed to be the starting pitcher in the fourth game of the World Series, as revealed by his team manager. This announcement elevates anticipation among baseball fans, as Otani is known for his remarkable dual-threat skills both as a hitter and pitcher. His performance could significantly affect the team's standing in this crucial stage of the series.

Sports, particularly baseball, has a significant cultural importance in Japan. The rise of a Japanese athlete on an international platform such as the World Series greatly influences national pride. Given Shohei Otani's groundbreaking achievements in the Major League Baseball (MLB), Japanese fans and media closely monitor his every move and performance.

Sports stars frequently attain celebrity status in the US and EU, similar to Japan. The hype around an individual player's performance in crucial games, such as the World Series, is also a common phenomenon. However, the unique factor in Otani's case is his dual-role talent, which is relatively rare in the MLB, thus drawing on global curiosity and admiration.