The MLB Tokyo Series featuring the Chicago Cubs against the Los Angeles Dodgers is set to open the 2025 Major League Baseball season on March 18 and 19 at the Tokyo Dome, marking the return of official MLB games to Japan after six years. This year’s games highlight significant talents, including Shohei Ohtani, who captured last season's National League MVP award with his record-breaking 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, achieving what many believed was impossible: the first '50-50' season.
For Ohtani, this series is monumental—not just due to its international prestige but because he has yet to hit a home run during any of his previous opening games. Nevertheless, Ohtani remains optimistic about the upcoming matches, having stated, "For a batter, a home run is the best result," during a press meeting on March 14.
This series will feature five Japanese MLB players: Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki from the Dodgers, and Seiya Suzuki alongside Shota Imanaga from the Cubs. Their participation is anticipated to draw considerable crowds and media attention.
The last time MLB games were held in Japan was back in 2019. The opening matches are the sixth time this international tradition has taken place, enriching the local culture and giving fans access to the league's high-caliber talent. Historically, MLB has arranged these exhibition games to give Japanese fans exposure to major league baseball and to celebrate their beloved players.
The historical impact of these games is rooted even deeply. For example, the first-ever MLB Japan Opening Series occurred in 2000, where the Mets faced the Cubs, featuring stars like Sammy Sosa and Hideo Nomo. Past matches have sparked significant interest and showcased historical moments, like Hideki Matsui's memorable home run or Ichiro Suzuki's performance, displaying the legacy and popularity of the sport within Japan.
This year’s series embraces both historical excellence and present-day anticipation. The competitive nature is reflected not only on the field but also through ticket sales for these matches, with the most expensive tickets reportedly costing up to 1.76 million yen for group seating, indicating the high demand for this event.
On social media, Ohtani has illustrated his enthusiasm, recently posting images with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and sharing moments with his dog. His engagement with fans off the field emphasizes his status as more than just an athlete but as a cultural icon.
Before the series kicks off, both teams will engage in four preseason games, allowing players to shake off any off-season rust. The Dodgers will face the Hanshin Tigers and the Yomiuri Giants, showcasing Ohtani's talents as he prepares to lead his team through the competitive season.
The games will be available to fans through Nippon Television starting at 6:15 PM JST and streaming via Amazon Prime Video from 6:30 PM JST, allowing broader access to viewership and increasing excitement around the gimmick of having multiple star players taking the field together.
Reflecting on their prior meeting, the Cubs’ pitcher Shota Imanaga famously held Ohtani to five at-bats with no hits last season. With this knowledge, anticipation will peak as Dodgers prepare to face their opponents, motivated to turn around previous results and achieve new victories.
Expectations are soaring for Ohtani as he aims to help the Dodgers on their path to winning back-to-back World Series, marking the first time such success has been noted since the 21st century began. Conversations around the rivalry and the narratives of individual excellence, such as the performance from Suzuki and the anticipated duel against Yamamoto, showcase the layers of motivation for players entering this season.
Supporters are eagerly anticipating this matchup and the many storylines it brings. Given Ohtani’s celebrity status and the collective talent lined up for both teams, this Opening Series is bound to create unforgettable baseball moments.
Whether it’s Ohtani’s first home run during opening day, the strategic plays of both teams, or the camaraderie between the players on either side, fans can be assured this event will resonate well beyond the diamond, echoing the excitement of MLB across borders.
