The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season is set to kick off with great fanfare as the Chicago Cubs face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the iconic Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19. This year’s MLB Tokyo Series is particularly significant not only because it marks the return of the league to Japan but also because of the high stakes involved, with both teams showcasing some of the most talented international players.
The opening game is scheduled to start at 19:00 Japan time on March 18, immediately following the television broadcast at 18:15 on the Nippon Television Network. Fans can also enjoy web streaming via Amazon Prime Video, which will begin at 18:30. The series continues the following day, with the second game at the same time. Such comprehensive airing options make it easier for fans to engage with this thrilling matchup.
Last year, the MLB opening series was held in South Korea, but this time, the spotlight returns to Japan, which has always been known for its passionate baseball fans. Executive producers and league officials express their excitement about this international series, saying, "We are excited to bring MLB games back to Japan and showcase our players on this international stage." The series is being introduced as the "MLB Tokyo Series presented by Guggenheim," highlighting its global significance.
Notably, Shohei Ohtani is expected to shine as he steps onto the field as the designated hitter (DH) number 1 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His participation is especially anticipated following his impressive performance during MLB preseason games held prior to the season opener. On March 15, Ohtani wowed fans by hitting a two-run home run with his first pitch of the game against the Yomiuri Giants, signaling the prowess he will bring to the upcoming matchups.
But Ohtani isn’t the only star to watch. For the Cubs, Shota Imanaga, who achieved 15 wins last season after transferring from the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, will take the mound as the starting pitcher. His matchup against the Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who started last year’s opening series, is one fans are eagerly anticipating. With two exceptional Japanese pitchers competing against each other, the series is poised to deliver dramatic moments.
A total of six games will be part of the MLB Tokyo Series, which includes four preseason games earlier this month. These matchups generated significant excitement, setting the stage for intense competition between these prominent franchises. The Dodgers and Cubs represent two historic teams within MLB, and their battle brings with it legacies, rivalries, and the joy of the sport to life.
Fans eager to catch the action can access the complete lineup of MLB Tokyo Series games through Amazon Prime Video, which plans to live stream all matches alongside terrestrial broadcasts by the Nippon Television Network. This season, Prime Video offers 54 MLB regular-season games throughout 2025, primarily focusing on games featuring Japanese players, promising two weekends of games every week.
To cater to new users, Amazon Prime Video is providing a 30-day free trial for all those interested, allowing baseball enthusiasts to enjoy access to live games without financial commitment initially. This offer proves enticing for fans who are curious to explore the extensive MLB coverage available through the platform.
Alongside these media options, fans can also listen to the live commentary on Nippon Broadcasting via the smartphone app 'Radiko,' which broadens the accessibility of the experience, allowing listeners to engage with the games even when on the go.
Reflecting on the larger impact of such international games, officials note how important it is for MLB to showcase its stars to global audiences and celebrate the heritage of baseball, particularly how it has thrived and evolved within Japan. This not only fosters interest among the local fanbase but also strengthens global ties within the sport and invites fresh eyes to the captivating drama of baseball.
With anticipation building up for the season's kickoff, baseball lovers worldwide will be watching closely to see how the Cubs and Dodgers rise to the challenge—an electrifying prelude to the regular season marked by passion, tradition, and pride.
