Toru Watanabe, renowned actor and baseball fan, made waves at the 'Polo Ralph Lauren x MLB Launch Event' held on March 17, 2025, in Omotesando, Tokyo. The event buzzed with excitement as it coincided with the Dodgers vs. Cubs opening game set for March 18, 2025—a major highlight for baseball enthusiasts across Japan. The gathering featured prominent former major league players Sasaki Kazuhiro and Uehara Koji, who also added to the festive atmosphere.
During the event, Watanabe took to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch, where the charismatic actor entertained the audience with his typical humor. Uehara Koji, attending as the catcher, and Sasaki Kazuhiro, serving as the umpire, added their playful banter to the scene. Watanabe couldn't resist asking, "Why am I the one pitching?" which drew laughter from the audience and his fellow players.
Beneath the light-hearted interactions, Watanabe expressed his enthusiasm for participating. With a warm smile, he noted, "I had them let me participate if I could see the match, and I was glad to be involved. It’s an official game, and I think the customers who can see it are lucky." His words reflected the excitement shared by many fans eager to witness the return of live baseball.
The launch event was not only significant for the players but also for baseball merchandising, as special collaboration items featuring both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs were made available for fans. This collection is expected to attract countless supporters, aligning perfectly with the enthusiasm surrounding the match. The unique blend of fashion and sports captivated attendees, setting the stage for an unforgettable baseball experience.
On social media, Uehara Koji shared his own news just two days prior to the event. He updated his X account on March 15, announcing he would also partake in the ceremonial first pitch before the highly anticipated game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs on March 19, 2025. He mentioned, "Of course, I know it would be best if Kuroda-san or Nomo-san did it. But this time, the Cubs will be at home for both games, so Takagai and I will be doing it." This acknowledgment of other legendary players spoke to the historic reverence for baseball culture among fans.
Uehara’s announcement didn’t come without its own mix of reactions. His candidness about the criticism he received was refreshing for followers, as he stated, "I’m getting a lot of grief and messages, but please understand." Notably, his feelings about being called to perform the honor were genuine yet humorous, drawing the line between humility and celebrity expectations.
The chargé d'affaires concerning Uehara's role during this launch has sparked varied opinions. While some fans questioned, "Why Uehara?" and suggested legendary pitchers like Nomo or Ichiro would be more suitable, many stood by Uehara. Supporters rallied for Uehara, insisting there should be no contention from baseball fans about having him represent at such events, emphasizing his incredible background and contributions to the sport.
Local sports analysts have pointed out the uniqueness of this occasion. With stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto making headlines, the Japanese home series could easily be misinterpreted as the Dodgers holding home court due to their star-studded lineup. Yet, sports observers clarified the geographical and logistical reality: These matches were designated as home games for the Cubs. Uehara’s connection with the Cubs during his career is pivotal, as he played for the team back in 2017.
Returning to the playful banter at the launch event, both Uehara and Sasaki sported apparel featuring team logos, with Sasaki even humorously poking fun at himself by saying, "Why am I in Yankees gear?" Uehara, adorned fittingly to embody the spirit of the Cubs, acknowledged his prior year with the team, adding his sense of nostalgia to the occasion. The camaraderie shared among the players brought smiles and laughter, embodying the spirit of baseball.
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming matches between the Dodgers and Cubs not only marks the return of baseball but also unites fans and players alike under shared love for the sport. Sasaki, appearing enthusiastic, noted potential highlights of the games, including matchups between renowned pitchers. He expressed his readiness to witness the action, stating, "There are incredible matchups to look forward to, like Kenta Maeda against Shohei Ohtani, and Seiya Suzuki against Yoshinobu Yamamoto. I’ll be providing commentary on the radio, so I'll be watching for free!" His excitement is palpable, indicative of the burgeoning atmosphere as fans are ready for the season to kick off.
Uehara also provided insight on player performance, emphasizing they have been ramping up their efforts, saying, "The players will gradually hit their peak performance; I don’t think any player is at their peak right now." Yet, he remains optimistic about the talent on display, eager to witness the diverse roster of pitchers during the two games.
With both Watanabe’s joyful participation and Uehara’s initial setting as the first pitch pitcher, the scene is heading toward what could be an unforgettable kickoff for MLB’s return to Japan. The energy is contagious, uniting fans old and new, and thriving upon the grace of sportsmanship and moments of humble beginnings brought to the mighty game of baseball.
