GyaO redesigns MLB official Japanese language site
- Improvements include advanced UI, better live game streaming, and more -

On April 1, 2013, GyaO Corporation (head office: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Naoto Miyamoto, Representative Director) will debut a redesigned MLB.jp, the official Major League Baseball (MLB) Japanese site. GyaO operates the site with the support of Hakuhodo DY Media Partners (3-1-5 Akasaka Biz Tower, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Hisao Omori, Representative Director) and MLB Advanced Media, L.P. (MLBAM).

MLB.jp went live on March 27, 2012 as the official MLB Japanese site. The site has worked hard to popularize free live streaming of one MLB game every day and other innovative services and features. It has also captured the attention of MLB as the place for news about pitcher Yu Darvish’s performance in the majors, Ichiro Suzuki’s move to the Yankees, [and other happenings involving Japanese players in MLB]. Throughout the year the site has been lavishly praised by fans of Major League Baseball and baseball in general. 

And now, the UI (user interface*1) has undergone a major redesign in time for the opening of the 2013 MLB season. Every page features an advanced UI with a timeline format that enhances the presentation of not only the latest video but news, columns, and all other content.   

What’s more, the new site has improved its most popular feature, live streaming of games, and will regularly feature not one but two MLB games every day. And even after a live stream has concluded, fans can enjoy a game using the site’s newly added replay feature. (*2)

What’s more, MLB.tv (*3) – where fans can purchase live pay-per-view of complete games and shop at the site’s complete video archive – is now even better. A reorganized payment system enables visitors to purchase with Yahoo! Wallet (*4) and a wider choice of viewing styles should play a role in further bolstering the popularity of MLB. 

In 2013 interest in MLB will be even higher with the entry of pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa and infielder Hiroki Nakajima into the major leagues. Through their operating partnership of MLB.jp as well as through the Internet, GyaO and Hakuhodo DY media partners aim to create even more MLB fans by bringing the latest news and video even faster to MLB fans in Japan.

*1 Refers to the screen and other features that Website visitors use to navigate site.

*2 Streaming ends when the free streaming period ends.

*3 Video content including live streaming and VOD video content are operated by MLB Advanced Media, L.P. (USA), a pay-per-view site.

*4 An online payment system provided by Yahoo! JAPAN Corporation.