The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially touched down in Japan, ready to kick off their much-anticipated series against the Chicago Cubs. The high-profile players, including star slugger Shohei Ohtani, arrived at Haneda Airport on March 13, 2025, at around 3 PM local time after making the trip from Arizona. The flight took just 11 hours and 28 minutes, slightly shorter than the usual 12 hours planned, bringing both players and fans excitement as they prepare for the season's opening.
Upon arrival, Ohtani greeted the excited crowd with the Japanese phrase "Tadaima," which translates to "I'm back!" This phrase resonates deeply with fans who have followed his impressive career both internationally and within the MLB. His presence not only symbolizes the rise of Japanese players on the world stage but also highlights the cultural exchanges between Japan and the United States.
Travel videos shared on the Dodgers' official social media also showcased the jovial atmosphere among the players. When asked about their plans during the approximately 12-hour flight to Japan, Ohtani simply stated, "Just sleep." This casual remark gave fans insight not only to his flying habits but also to his focus on resting before the action starts. His teammate, Freddie Freeman, jokingly shared his plans to keep Ohtani up for three hours before succumbing to his own sleep, ensuring fans got a glimpse of their friendly camaraderie.
Support from Japanese fans has been overwhelming. Many expressed their excitement on social media, urging the team to enjoy their time and promising to fill stadiums for the upcoming games. Messages such as "Welcome to Japan! Everyone is waiting for you!" and "Be safe traveling to Japan" filled social media channels. This level of enthusiasm is expected, as Japan has historically celebrated its players achieving success overseas.
Ohtani and his teammates are set to participate not just for pride, but for the thrill of competition. The Dodgers will engage with local fans during the series, which includes practice sessions at Tokyo Dome before their games on March 18 and 19 against the Cubs. These games are significant not just for the teams, but for the MLB’s expansion and fan engagement efforts overseas.
Prior to departing for Japan, Ohtani expressed heartfelt gratitude on Instagram to his followers and particularly thanked Takehiko Inoue, the celebrated author of the renowned manga series SLAM DUNK. This connection to Japanese culture reflects Ohtani's commitment to his heritage and endears him more to his Japanese fanbase.
Beyond the field, Ohtani's wife, Mamiko, also made headlines by gifting traditional Japanese sweets to the players onboard, showcasing her support and thoughtfulness as the team embarked on this long-awaited trip. This gesture was well received and served as another symbol of the strong bond the players share with their background as they represent the Dodgers on this international stage.
With Ohtani leading the charge, spirits are high. Ohtani has been keeping his batting averages up, showcasing impressive stats through seven games of openers where he maintained a hitting average of .333, completing the matches with 6 hits, including 1 home run and 2 RBIs. Such performance only heightens expectations as the Dodgers prepare for their match against the Cubs. The upcoming series will not only mark the opening of the baseball season but also stand as one of America's most watched imports, solidifying the cultural bridge between the two nations.
While Ohtani gears up for the challenge at hand, practice sessions will be held at the Tokyo Dome leading up to the games against the Giants and Hanshin on March 15 and 16, respectively. The Cubs will officially challenge the Dodgers starting March 18, making this series one of the highlights of the MLB season.
Fans all over Japan and baseball enthusiasts around the world eagerly await this exciting intersection of sports, culture, and sheer talent, culminating in what promises to be both thrilling games and meaningful moments as the Dodgers return to Japan.