The excitement around Major League Baseball's Tokyo Series is palpable as the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to face the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19, 2025. Tickets have sold out, with merchandise shops across Tokyo also drawing large crowds eager to purchase limited edition products from both teams.
This year's opening series features some of the biggest stars, including Shohei Ohtani, the last season's National League MVP, who will be batting as the designated hitter for the Dodgers. He will be joined on the mound by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with Roki Sasaki slated to start the second game. On the Cubs' side, Shota Imanaga will be their opening pitcher, and Seiya Suzuki will also be taking to the field.
The MLB Tokyo Series is significant, being the sixth opening game held in Japan—the first since Ichiro Suzuki's retirement game with the Seattle Mariners back in 2019. This series not only reflects the popularity of MLB, especially with players from Japan lighting up the big leagues but also highlights the strategic importance MLB places on the Japanese market. The allure of Japanese superstars like Ohtani provides immense business opportunities as MLB eyes global expansion.
"Honestly, it's a revenue-generative event," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated on the importance of the opening series. He extolled Ohtani's exceptional talent, noting its historical significance, and how it drives interest not just within Japan but throughout Asia. Ohtani's past achievements, including his home run against the Yomiuri Giants on March 15, have only underscored his remarkable popularity.
Upon speaking to the media on March 14, Ohtani expressed his delight at the talented roster set to take the field, commenting, "I hope fans enjoy the power and speed, the essence of Major League Baseball, as these incredible players showcase their abilities."
The Tokyo Dome is set to showcase this excitement, with numerous fan engaging activities around the venue. Notably, exclusive merchandise from the teams is available, with products like tote bags and themed apparel on offer. E-COMEGROUP has produced special edition items for this series, highlighting the collaboration with high-profile brands.
And as fans prepare for the games, anticipation is building for what promises to be spectacular encounters, underscored by the star-studded lineups. Dodgers fans will eagerly watch Yamamoto, who recorded impressive stats last season with 7 wins and only 2 losses, taking the mound for their team. Although he faced some injuries, he contributed significantly to his team’s success.
The Cubs have similarly high hopes pinned on Imanaga as he hits the field for his second year. Having racked up 15 wins and 3 losses during his rookie season, the expectation is high for him to set the tone against Yamamoto.
Fans can catch both games on Nippon Television Network and stream them exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, providing convenience for viewers at home. Each game is scheduled to begin at 19:10 Japan time, making it easy for baseball enthusiasts to tune in. Amazon Prime has not only secured the rights for these games but also plans to stream multiple MLB regular-season matches throughout the year, catering to fans eager for continued coverage of their favorite players.
MLB's Tokyo Series showcases not just the vibrant atmosphere of baseball but also the powerful connection between the U.S. and Japanese sports culture. With Ohtani's global appeal as a linchpin, the stakes couldn't be higher. Fans on both sides of the Pacific eagerly await this thrilling display of America's pastime.
With everything set for Japan's baseball fans, the season opener marks the beginning of what promises to be another memorable chapter in Major League Baseball's relentless pursuit of global engagement and entertainment.
