Tokyo Series Debuts MLB Season With Star-Studded Lineup

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese baseball fans are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for the highly anticipated MLB season-opening series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, set to kick off on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the iconic Tokyo Dome. This marks the first time Major League Baseball has staged regular-season games in Japan since 2019, and the demand for tickets has been unprecedented, with fans quickly scooping them up.

The event will showcase not only the Dodgers, but also five Japanese players, including the electrifying Shohei Ohtani, who many fans are eager to see shine on his home turf. Ohtani's presence has significantly boosted interest, with organizers reporting tickets selling out instantly for the two-game series. An additional 10,000 tickets were made available last Friday, March 14, for fans to attend the team’s workout day. Prices for these coveted tickets reached as high as 60,000 yen ($402) for seats behind home plate, with premium group packages soaring to 1.76 million yen ($11,800).

According to ticket company Pia Corp, the demand was so immense it sparked instances of ticket reselling at exorbitant prices, leading organizers to declare they would invalidate any such tickets sold at inflated rates as early as March 7, 2025. Still, fans are willing to go to great lengths to secure their spots, with reports of tickets being listed for up to 2.5 million yen ($16,873) on secondary market platforms like StubHub.

The Dodgers will put forward notable pitching talents including Yoshinobu Yamamoto and rookie standout Roki Sasaki, whereas the Cubs will feature Shota Imanaga and slugger Seiya Suzuki. Notably, this series presents the first Opening Day matchup between two Japanese pitchers, highlighting the growing prominence of Japanese athletes in Major League Baseball.

Masanori Murakami, who became the first Japanese player to take the field for MLB back in the 1960s, will also be part of the festivities as he attends the matches. Murakami expressed his excitement, stating, "Everyone in Japan is going to be watching for Ohtani on TV." The hype is palpable, with streets around Tokyo adorned with banners and advertisements showcasing the stars from both teams.

This baseball extravaganza is not solely about the games themselves; MLB has engaged with various cultural brands to heighten the experience for fans. Collaborations with popular anime series like Demon Slayer include the release of anime-style films featuring key players, and artists such as Takashi Murakami have developed exclusive merchandise for the Tokyo Series. The Tokyo Skytree will be illuminated to reflect the team colors throughout the week, enhancing the festive atmosphere around the city.

The Dodgers and Cubs have warmed up to Japanese fans through exhibition matches against local teams, the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, where the Dodgers managed to claim victory with Ohtani hitting a decisive home run. Such performances have only added to the anticipation for the upcoming games.

For those unable to secure tickets, MLB has set up public viewings at nearly 150 movie theaters across Japan. With all eyes on the Tokyo Dome, fans are gearing up for what promises to be not just matches, but cultural showcases as well, bringing the excitement of MLB to locales where the appetite for baseball runs deep.

The series will be broadcasted nationally with all games available online as well, allowing fans from around the world to share the experience. MLB is not only taking root deeply in Japan but is also broadcasting across 200 countries and territories, ensuring the excitement reaches fans far and wide.

With all this buzz leading up to the start of the season, it’s no wonder enthusiasts, casual observers, and media are tuning their attention to Tokyo. Major League Baseball and its partners are capitalizing on the moment, ensuring this two-game series will be remembered for years to come.