ABEMA Welcomes Sugiura And Iwaizaki As MLB Ambassadors

In an exciting announcement for baseball fans in Japan, ABEMA has appointed former professional baseball player Yoshio Sugiura and boxer Kenji Iwaizaki as the official ambassadors for its MLB 2025 broadcasts. This partnership aims to enhance the viewing experience for fans as the platform gears up to deliver extensive coverage of Major League Baseball this season.

On March 28, 2025, ABEMA revealed that Sugiura and Iwaizaki will not only provide expert commentary during the games but will also engage in creating entertaining short videos to promote MLB broadcasts on the platform. This initiative is part of ABEMA's commitment to making baseball accessible and enjoyable for viewers across Japan.

Starting March 31, 2025, fans can look forward to a series of short videos titled "New Life of 'President' Iwaizaki," launched under the theme "MLB on ABEMA Every Weekday ~Spring New Life Campaign~." These videos will showcase Iwaizaki in relatable workplace scenarios, demonstrating how easy it is to enjoy MLB games on the go, even during a busy workday. With a smartphone in hand, Iwaizaki will illustrate how fans can stay connected to the game while navigating their professional lives.

ABEMA's MLB broadcasts will feature a staggering 485 official games throughout the 2025 season, including all Los Angeles Dodgers' games on weekdays. The first live broadcast will kick off with the Dodgers facing off against the Detroit Tigers on March 28, 2025, at 8:10 AM Japan time. This match will be available for free, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the excitement of MLB from the comfort of their homes or on the go.

As part of their ambassadorial roles, Sugiura and Iwaizaki will also collaborate with Sports Navi, a comprehensive sports website, to produce engaging YouTube videos that further promote the MLB experience on ABEMA. Their involvement is expected to attract a wider audience and enhance the overall appeal of the MLB broadcasts.

ABEMA is set to revolutionize how fans experience baseball by offering a variety of features that cater to modern viewing habits. Fans can enjoy highlights of key moments from the games shortly after they conclude, ensuring they never miss a beat. Whether using a smartphone, tablet, or PC, viewers can access high-quality broadcasts anytime and anywhere.

For those who want an even more immersive experience, ABEMA Premium subscribers will have the opportunity to watch full match replays of games they may have missed, available for one week after the game ends. This feature allows fans to relive the action at their convenience, ensuring they can catch every exciting play.

Additionally, ABEMA's unique comment feature allows fans to interact with each other while watching games, fostering a sense of community among viewers. The platform also offers a "chase playback" option, enabling fans to start watching from the beginning of a game even if they join late, and a "missed comment feature" that lets them enjoy comments made during the live broadcast after the game concludes.

As the MLB season approaches, all eyes will be on Sugiura and Iwaizaki as they embark on this new ambassadorial journey. Their enthusiasm and expertise are expected to resonate with fans, making the ABEMA broadcasts a must-watch this season. With the combination of expert commentary, engaging video content, and innovative viewing features, ABEMA is poised to deliver an unparalleled MLB viewing experience.

In conclusion, baseball fans in Japan can rejoice as ABEMA prepares to bring Major League Baseball directly to their screens, led by the dynamic duo of Yoshio Sugiura and Kenji Iwaizaki. Their roles as ambassadors will not only enhance the broadcasts but also create a vibrant community of fans eager to follow the action throughout the season.