The historic Kamada Myojin shrine, established back in 729 by Tagata no Mahito Omi of the Izumo clan, set the scene for an extraordinary event on March 13, 2025. Located in present-day Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, this shrine is venerated for its blessings related to business prosperity, good fortune, and matchmaking. During the festive season, as many as 300,000 visitors flock to the shrine for their first visit of the year. This year, the atmosphere was particularly charged as foreign athletes gathered before the evening hour.
The Chicago Cubs were gearing up for their opening games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, scheduled for March 18 and 19, at the Tokyo Dome. Notable Japanese major leaguers like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Kouta Imamura, and Shinya Suzuki have ignited enthusiasm within the nation, creating palpable excitement surrounding the upcoming games. Cubs' insiders expressed concerns about the attention skewed heavily toward Ohtani, lamenting, “Despite it being the Cubs’ home game, the media is all abuzz about Ohtani. Many Japanese fans arriving sport LA caps, leaving us feeling almost outnumbered.”
Leading up to the double-header at the Tokyo Dome, the Cubs hosted what they dubbed the 'victory prayer party' at Kamada Myojin. This unique gathering on March 13 was spearheaded by Imamura, who coordinated with fellow player Suzuki to fund the event entirely. Over 200 attendees, including players, staff, and their families, marked their presence to fortify team spirit.
Guests were clad in matching half-uniforms boldly declaring “Chicago Cubs,” adorned with the team’s bear emblem. The evening commenced exquisitely, steeped in traditional Japanese style. Guests were treated to various Japanese cultural experiences, including lion dance performances and traditional lantern lighting, as they gathered to pray for victory.
Imamura, having stepped up as the event’s unofficial MC, humorously addressed attendees with words aimed to bridge cultural gaps: “This is Japan. If you have questions about our culture, feel free to ask me or Suzuki—but please do it respectfully, with a proper bow.” The feast days also saw local delicacies featured prominently, such as udon from Kitakyushu City, with Imamura inviting attendees to experience his local favorites. A truck carrying 'Kashisan Udon' stood outside the venue, having traveled from Fukuoka Prefecture.
Inside the shrine's hall, the setup entailed spaces for traditional food and sake tasting along with DJ entertainment. Following the meal, Suzuki took the stage to deliver the closing remarks after what turned out to be quite the culinary experience. Guests enjoyed witnessing the unique sight of maguro (tuna) disassembly, with prominent players like Justin Turner and Pete Crow-Armstrong getting hands-on as they carved the large fish. Subsequently, the fresh tuna was enjoyed by all attendees.
To make the evening memorable, Tadashi Kawatani, the illustrator famous for his bear-themed designs, participated by conducting live painting. The night was amplified with traditional Noh performances, which deeply engaged players and attendees alike.
Souvenirs from the event were thoughtfully curated to commemorate the gathering. Participants received SHOLAYERED perfume and gummy treats from UHA Mikakuto, both tying back to Imamura's sponsorship affiliations.
Meanwhile, the overarching excitement surrounding the upcoming MLB season opener at the Tokyo Dome has reached fever pitch across Japan, showcasing the global interest mobilized by international stars like Ohtani. The Dodgers extended Ohtani an unprecedented contract worth $700 million, reflecting the sweep of novelty surrounding these matches.
The beautiful Tokyo Dome is the backdrop for this spectacle. It caters to both teams, as major league baseball fans have lined up, waiting to experience the thrill of live operations. On March 18, game tickets were operating on secondary markets at staggering rates of approximately $1,500. Yet avid fans still braved the long lines to access the souvenirs.
Inside the merchandise area, often nicknamed the 'largest special event store' by MLB, supporters of both teams could find everything from jerseys to hats emblazoned with their favorite player’s name. During this period, Ohtani’s goods flew off the shelves—mostly featuring his name, number 17, and face. Enthusiasts like Lillian Iizawa shared their unique experience, recounting her hour-long wait to venture inside the 30,000 square foot store. She said, “Isn’t it amazing?” as she reveled among the rows of merchandise.
Tickets for upcoming games sold out quickly, particularly with the Dodgers' standing as the champion team. The buzz isn't just about catching the game; it's also about the enriching cultural exchange accessible through this series. Dodgers fans like Rosie Rosas and others shared their mixed emotions being unable to acquire game tickets but still found joy exploring fan merchandise.
Beyond the commerce, visitors relished the opportunity to catch the star players, making this season's opener feel more significant than ever. Craig Counsell, the manager of the Cubs, weighed in: “This is important. It epitomizes baseball’s growth on the world stage.”
Reflecting on the transformative nature of this event, Ohtani commented, “Seeing the fans supporting us, I aim to convert this positive energy as we step onto the mound.” Fans emphasized their desire to witness their idol up close, soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere of live baseball.
This electrifying MLB season opener is set to leave its mark on fans from both sides of the Pacific, ushering them through experiences filled with shared joy, cultural appreciation, and common love for baseball.
