Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched a complete game victory in the World Series, but the MLB's official congratulatory image sparked a curse-like vibe that frightened fans.

In Game 2 of the 2025 MLB World Series, Los Angeles Dodgers' starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a 105-pitch complete game over 9 innings, recording 8 strikeouts and giving up just 4 hits and 1 run, dominating the Toronto Blue Jays. He guided his team to a 5-1 victory, leveling the series. Additionally, he became the second pitcher of this century to record consecutive complete game wins in the playoffs and the first Japanese pitcher ever to throw a complete game victory in the World Series.

The MLB official social media posted a congratulatory message, but the image used showed Yoshinobu Yamamoto with blackened eyes and an eerie atmosphere, causing many Japanese fans to comment, "This tribute is a bit too scary," and "Isn't this from 'Ju-On'?"

After Game 2 of the World Series, MLB’s official social media account posted: "Yoshinobu Yamamoto: causing nightmares for hitters all October," accompanied by an image. In the picture, Yamamoto’s eyes were blacked out, his face pale, creating a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of the Japanese horror film 'Ju-On.' This image stirred controversy among fans; some felt it was disrespectful, while others understood it given the Halloween season, though they admitted it was indeed frightening.