Japan celebrates as Dodgers' Ohtani and Yamamoto win the World Series

TOKYO – The World Series trophy goes to Los Angeles, but there are also big celebrations on the other side of the Pacific Ocean in Japan.

People crowded the outskirts of the Ginza shopping district in central Tokyo on Thursday afternoon as special single-sheet editions rolled off the printers declaring Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, along with their Dodgers teammates, world champions after a rousing Game 5 were victory over the New York Yankees.

The Yomiuri newspaper's Japanese headline read: World No. 1 in yellow and blue font with red accents. Ohtani beats the Yankees.

“I would like to thank my Japanese fans for coming all the way to cheer me on this season,” Ohtani said on Japanese television. “That celebration gave me some energy, so I'm glad I was able to return the thanks with a win.”

Distributing newspapers is a tradition in Tokyo when Japan celebrates a major event. And it was, as usual, a scramble, with men and women – young and old – sprinting up and down the sidewalk to grab their free collectibles.

Yasuko Shibata, an 80-year-old woman who said she follows Ohtani's games faithfully, said she admired “Ohtani's personality.” Not to mention his great game.

“His presence is huge,” she said. “He is a source of my energy. When he’s not feeling well, I feel depressed too.”

Another fan echoed her thoughts, standing near the Ginza subway entrance.

“He is the pride of Japan,” said Hideki Shinohara, who described himself as a hardcore fan. “You can't just describe him as 'amazing.'” You have to invent a new word.

Shinohara added: “He's been through a lot of things this year, and I didn't expect him to come this far. I am very happy with what he has achieved.”

Japanese pride in Ohtani is huge for a country whose players were once considered too small or just good throwers. They are now very proud that their players are among the best in the game.

Japan beat the United States in the final of the World Baseball Classic in Miami last year, another sign of the country's prowess in the American pastime.

It was also a victory for Ohtani's hometown in northern Japan – Oshu City – where fans gathered all week hoping their superstar would help take the title.

Around 38,000 special edition newspapers were also published in Iwate Prefecture, the northern area where the city of Oshu is located.