The defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are about to dive headfirst into the regular season in what can only be described as a baseball fan’s dream: a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Tokyo Dome. While most of us on the East Coast are likely dreaming of a few more hours of sleep when the first pitch is thrown Tuesday morning, fans in Japan are gearing up for an electrifying showcase. Getting a ticket to this series is no easy feat either; with prices soaring, it’s clear the excitement surrounding these games is palpable.
This opening series is particularly special as it features several notable Japanese players, including the legendary Shohei Ohtani alongside teammates Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki of the Dodgers. The Cubs will represent their side with Shōta Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, adding to the international flair. These matchups promise to be thrilling—Imanaga is slated to pitch against Yamamoto in the first game, while Sasaki is set to make his much-anticipated big-league debut against Justin Steele the following day.
Ohtani, who has quickly become a name synonymous with excitement in baseball, reflected on the significance of this moment for Japanese players in the major leagues. “It’s hard to say if this is the golden age of Japanese players in the U.S.,” he noted through his interpreter, “but having five of us in this series is a big deal.” His humility does him justice, considering the impressive roster of Japanese talent that has graced the MLB before, yet it’s hard to argue that this moment isn’t something special.
The magnitude of this series resonates deeply with both fans and players alike. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts aptly described the emotions involved: “There’s a lot of emotions. To come back and start the regular season in front of their hometown fans. I can’t imagine how many eyes are going to be on that series.” You can almost feel the electric energy of anticipation as players from Japan return home, ready to compete in the sport they love in front of their adoring fans.
As for the demand for tickets, it’s through the roof. With only about 20 tickets available for resale on platforms like StubHub by Monday, fans are shelling out exorbitant amounts—prices range from $3,235 for deep third baseline views to an astonishing $7,548 for prime upper-level seating. And the interest remains elevated for the second game, with prices starting at $1,949 for seats behind home plate. The Tokyo Dome, with a capacity of 45,460, is gearing up to be a lively venue that melds tradition and excitement.
How big are these games? They will be streamed live in 150 theaters across Japan and on Amazon Prime Video. The last World Series match-up between the Dodgers and Yankees garnered record-breaking viewership in Japan, even starting at the unreasonably early hour of 9 a.m. local time. With these games scheduled for 7 p.m. Japan standard time, the potential audience could be monumental.
Amid this excitement, players are feeling the pressure of their home fans. Yamamoto expressed this sentiment best, stating, “I really feel the excitement of the country with the games being played here.” He’s not alone in this feeling; Imanaga noted how many family and friends were asking for tickets, showcasing how personal this series is for them. Even though he’s in the second season of a hefty four-year, $53 million contract, he finds himself sifting through requests thinking, “The plan is to invite my family. It might cost a lot, but that’s why I’ve been saving up since playing in Japan. So it should be fine.”
This series isn’t just a moment of pride for these players—it’s a connection forged in a shared love for the game. Those five players had competed together on the national team that won the 2023 World Baseball Classic, defeating the U.S. on a nailbiter during the final pitch. Ohtani struck out Mike Trout, solidifying Japan’s position atop the international baseball arena. Imanaga joked about the friendships they share: “I feel like I know them well and that we’re friends. But I don’t know if they think the same way about me.” It’s these lighthearted interactions and shared experiences that make this sport so incredibly human.
While the pitching matchups are impressive, let’s be honest—the real headline is Ohtani’s return to Japan after leaving the Hokkaido Nippon Ham-Fighters for the American League in 2018. He hasn’t played on his home turf since that transition, aside from the WBC competition earlier this year, making this moment even more nostalgic for fans back home. With his unique talent drawing massive sponsorship deals worth $65 million annually, it’s no wonder he commands the spotlight.
The Dodgers are managing Ohtani’s pitch comeback cautiously as they navigate this remarkable opening series. While some have suggested he should focus solely on batting, Ohtani is prioritizing hitting as he returns from his second elbow surgery. “To give a little breather mentally and physically to the pitching side of things—this is according to plan, and I’m actually pleased with what’s going on,” he shared, showcasing his commitment to balancing his dual-role talent in a demanding sport.
With the Dodgers benefiting financially from Japanese sponsorships—thanks in part to the signing of Ohtani and fellow players like Yamamoto—it’s clear that the Japanese fan base is deeply intertwined with the team’s success in the MLB. These lucrative partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with Hakkaisan Brewery, are indicative of the cultural exchange taking place, enriching baseball’s fabric on both sides of the Pacific.
There’s also excitement surrounding Roki Sasaki, who joined the Dodgers this offseason after a successful pitching career in Japan. Now looking to make an impact in the MLB, he shared his eagerness: “To be able to pitch in Japan is a very special and unique opportunity. Pitching in the major leagues is obviously something I’ve worked a long time to do. So, I’m really excited.”
That sentiment resonates with fans—a shared thrill of watching their beloved sport evolve and expand in new territories, while bringing together cultures through America’s pastime. With the stakes set high and anticipation in the air, this upcoming series promises to not only entertain but also to be a celebration of camaraderie, dedication, and the universal love of baseball. It’s not just a game; it’s a moment that we’re all lucky to witness.
Image Source: Conor P. Fitzgerald / Shutterstock
