The excitement is palpable as the MLB Tokyo Series by Guggenheim kicks off, bringing the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers to the historic Tokyo Dome for two games starting on March 18, 2025. Both teams arrived with high hopes and unique stories, showcasing not just their athletic prowess but also their personal experiences during this special occasion.
On the first day of the series, fans are eager to witness the matchup between Dodgers' star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Cubs' Shota Imanaga. The energy is electric, especially with the return of Shohei Ohtani—who achieved outstanding success last year with multiple accolades—including being celebrated as the league MVP. His performances, alongside other notable players like Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs, are highly anticipated.
Among the captivating stories coming out of this event is one from Kourtney Turner, the wife of Cubs infielder Justin Turner. She took to her Instagram account to share her amazement at the facilities inside the Tokyo Dome, particularly the toilets. Kourtney exclaimed, "Tokyo Dome caters to every toilet need!" Her surprise reflects not only her joy but also the traditional Japanese approach to modern conveniences, where functionalities such as flushing sound options are common and serve to provide privacy for users. Her video, showcasing her playful experimentation with the toilet’s 'sound' function, quickly gained popularity, highlighting the intriguing cultural differences.
Aside from the games, players took the opportunity to enjoy the local culture. Justin Turner and outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong were spotted at the iconic Tokyo Skytree, where they shared smiles and laughter as they took selfies together. The official Cubs account on previously known Twitter (now X) included the image, and fans responded enthusiastically to the duo’s charming camaraderie. "Father and son!" one fan jokingly remarked, emphasizing the 18-year age gap between the seasoned Turner and the young, energetic Crow-Armstrong. Their adventures around the city are not just fun stories; they serve to humanize the athletes, allowing fans to connect with them beyond the baseball diamond.
Meanwhile, Kourtney’s Instagram post has evoked excitement among other players’ families as well. Comments flooded the section with reactions ranging from admiration of Japan’s toilet technology, to questions about the presence of such amenities back home. Daniella Regalado, partner of catcher Miguel Amaya, and Kat Plassmeyer, wife of pitcher Ryan Pressly, both chimed in enthusiastically, emphasizing the uniqueness of their experiences. Such exchanges underline the enriching experiences these families are having during their visit.
Through these interactions, the MLB is not just showcasing talent on the field but fostering connections between players and fans across cultural divides. The Tokyo Series acts as more than just games; it’s about embracing cultural appreciation and incorporating it seamlessly within the highly competitive world of sports.
With the world watching, both teams are poised to deliver what promises to be thrilling baseball action, complemented by heartwarming moments of personal growth and cultural exchange. Players like Ohtani, alongside others such as Yamamoto, add to the allure of this series, where talent meets tradition and every play is infused with the spirit of togetherness.
Fans can look forward to two unforgettable games as the Cubs and Dodgers battle it out, bringing the best of American baseball to Japan’s vibrant culture. Each swing of the bat and pitch thrown will echo the stories of connection shared off the field, reminding everyone of the beautiful intersections between sports and humanity.
