Netflix has embarked on an exclusive broadcasting journey for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), encountering mixed reactions from Japanese viewers accustomed to traditional television formats. Despite initial bewilderment regarding the lack of access on conventional TV, the service has managed to smoothly continue its broadcasts without major issues. In an interview with Kazutaka Sakamoto, the Vice President of Netflix's Japanese content division, the company expresses a clear strategy: to attract baseball fans and casual viewers alike to experience not only the WBC but other Netflix features, aiming at making the platform an integral part of their daily lives.

The strategy is not solely about expanding viewership but also about engaging different demographics, particularly younger audiences who may not be as familiar with baseball. Sakamoto acknowledges the presence of older, core baseball fans but emphasizes the importance of introducing the sport to new, younger viewers. With high-profile ambassadors like Ken Watanabe and Kazunari Ninomiya supporting the campaign along with promotional efforts such as a cover of the theme song "Touch" by Hiroshi Inaba, Netflix appears to target a broader age range while remaining passionate about baseball's cultural impact.

In discussing the scale of promotional campaigns surrounding this event, Sakamoto notes that Netflix is implementing one of its largest marketing efforts yet within their content division. He refrains from making direct comparisons to past campaigns for films or series due to the unique nature of this two-week event. He stresses that the ongoing nature of the tournament means adapting strategies dynamically as the event progresses, thereby reinforcing Netflix’s commitment to operational flexibility.