The Chicago Cubs team, featuring Japanese stars Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, landed at Haneda Airport late on March 12, 2025, just days before their highly anticipated opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome.
Imanaga, 31, and Suzuki, 30, are gearing up for the opening game scheduled for March 18, after arriving from Arizona on what was described as approximately a 12-hour flight. Prior to their departure, the Cubs showcased their enthusiasm on social media, presenting their special travel attire crafted just for this trip to Japan. The unique gear included hoodies adorned with playful illustrations of bears inside traditional Japanese torii gates, reflecting both cultural significance and team spirit.
Among the players was outfielder P. Crew Armstrong, who sported a knit cap featured in collaboration with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, demonstrating their high spirits and readiness for the upcoming matches.
Carrying 31 players on their traveling roster, the Cubs are set to engage in preseason matchups against Japanese teams, the Hanshin Tigers on March 15 and the Yomiuri Giants on March 16. Following these games, the roster will be trimmed to 26 players for the opening battle on the 18th.
The excitement surrounding the Cubs’ visit is palpable, especially as they prepare to face the Dodgers, with Imanaga set to pitch against Yoshinobu Yamamoto from the Dodgers. This matchup has garnered significant attention, as both teams are known for their competitive spirit and star players.
"The Cubs have been working hard this offseason to prepare for the season, and our trip to Japan is part of our strategy to kick off the year on the right note," said Imanaga when discussing his outlook for the upcoming games. After his last outing before heading to Japan, where he pitched 4 1/3 innings against the Cleveland Guardians on March 10, Imanaga allowed four runs, including two home runs, but struck out four batters, showcasing his potential ability to handle pressure as he heads to the mound against the Dodgers.
"Every opportunity is exciting, especially when you get to play back home. The opening game holds special meaning for me and the team," he added, expressing his eagerness to contribute to the team's success.
During their time before the opening day, the Cubs will have their official practice on March 14. With the anticipation growing among fans and players alike, the team’s pre-game activities, followed by the two exhibition matches, will serve to fine-tune their strategies against highly competitive opponents.
The historical aspect of this opening series cannot be understated. The Dodgers and Cubs, each with rich MLB histories, come together at the Tokyo Dome, marking the significance of the global connection baseball creates.
The Cubs' preparation reflects their commitment to the season. With the eyes of both American and Japanese baseball fans on them, the Cubs aim to start their season strong, building on the momentum from their time spent together abroad.
Imanaga’s performance during the opening series will be closely monitored, especially following his offseason acquisition, where he signed a four-year deal worth $53 million with the Cubs. This investment has raised expectations about his ability to deliver at the MLB level, as many analysts highlight him as one of the team’s pivotal players.
"Last season, just like Imanaga, we’ve brought on talents with the aim to solidify our starting rotation. He’s the hope we’ve long needed as we move forward through this season," stated one analyst evaluating the Cubs pitching staff.
Japanese fans are particularly thrilled about Imanaga’s return to Japan with the Cubs, eager to witness his progress against world-class international competitors. His ability to adapt to MLB play and showcase his skills on home soil will be closely watched.
On another noteworthy note, the Cubs will finalize their 26-man roster shortly after their exhibition matches. This final decision will set the tone for the year, as the selected players will aim for both personal and team achievements throughout the season.
By participating formally in practices and gaining on-field experience, the Cubs aim to create strategies and cohesiveness as they venture through their schedule.
Looking past the opening games and preseason, the overall plans for the Cubs this season are grander as they aspire to carve out paths toward postseason contention and perhaps bring home titles.
With their arrival and forthcoming plays, the Chicago Cubs signal not just participation, but represent hope and the spirit of cross-cultural sportsmanship, uniting love for baseball on both sides of the Pacific.