Suddenly emerging debates in the US over what has come to be known as "The Ohtani Rule" have caught attention in Japan. This change, which affects Major League Baseball players not born in the US like Shohei Ohtani, is suddenly being criticized, leaving many to question why now. In spite of Ohtani's outstanding performance and contributions to the League, the rule has the potential to negatively influence his and other foreign-born players' careers.

Shohei Ohtani, being one of the most successful Japanese athletes in MLB, is closely watched and supported by fans in Japan. Therefore, a rule that could potentially affect his position is a major concern there. News about Ohtani and Japanese players in international leagues often trends in Japan.

In contrast to Japan where foreign-born athletes are welcomed without any such limitations, it seems a rule causing potential disadvantages to foreign players is highly controversial in the US. Discussions around fairness and diversity in sports are common in the EU and US, which might explain the sudden criticism of this rule.