Nike announced that a new 30-second broadcast commercial featuring Japanese star and Boston Red Sox rookie pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka will begin airing on television exclusively in Japan to mark the athlete's professional debut this week in the U.S. The commercial, "JUST DO IT: Enjoy the Pressure", captures the excitement of fans and the intensity of media attention worldwide leading up to Matsuzaka's first start.
Matsuzaka, who signed a free-agent contract with the Major League Baseball Boston Red Sox this year, has been a star in Japan since he burst onto the scene by pitching a no-hitter in the final game of Japan's national high school baseball tournament. Matsuzaka's career has been defined by his ability to succeed under enormous media scrutiny and fan expectations.
In 2006, Matsuzaka led Japan to the title of the inaugural World Baseball Classic capturing MVP honors along the way. The 26-year old right hander is scheduled to make his U.S. professional debut on Thursday against the Kansas City Royals in a game that is expected to garner immense media attention in both Japan and the U.S.
The new commercial, which characterizes the many pressures that face the young Matsuzaka, features imagery of fans around the world preparing for Matsuzaka's first U.S. start. The commercial opens with a pair of Japanese kids waking up in the middle of the night to watch Matsuzaka take the mound. It will be 3:10 a.m. Friday morning in Japan when Matsuzaka takes the mound Thursday night in Boston.
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