The defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are kicking off the regular season in an unforgettable way. Picture this: they’re taking on the Chicago Cubs right in the iconic Tokyo Dome in Japan. It’s a baseball lovers’ dream, with limited tickets and fans clamoring for a chance to see two major teams clash in a series that starts at an ungodly hour for East Coast viewers—Tuesday morning in the U.S. won’t be a typical start to anyone’s day!
What makes this even more special? The presence of five remarkable Japanese players in this series. Shohei Ohtani, a household name not just in Japan but globally, will reunite with his teammates from the Dodgers—Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. Meanwhile, the Cubs have Shōta Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki on their roster. The excitement is palpable, with a highly anticipated pitching matchup: Imanaga will face off against Yamamoto in the series opener, followed by Sasaki making his Major League Baseball debut against the Cubs’ Justin Steele the next day.
“It’s a huge deal having so many Japanese players in one series,” Ohtani mentioned during a press conference in Tokyo, illustrating the pride he feels in this moment. “Yes, many Japanese players have paved the way before us, but this feels like we’re really making history.”
Undoubtedly, it feels like a golden age for Japanese baseball talent in the U.S.
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts echoed that sentiment. Before his team headed to Japan, he commented, “You can just sense the emotions in our players knowing they’re starting the season in front of their hometown fans. The eyes of the world—well, at least Japan—will be on this series, and it’s a rare moment for these athletes.”
The excitement is also reflected in the ticket prices, which are skyrocketing. Tickets for the two-game series are nearly as precious as gold. StubHub had only 20 tickets available for the first game, with prices ranging from a staggering $3,235 for a spot on the third baseline to $7,548 a seat in the upper tier near home plate. Although there are more options for the second game, the prices remain daunting, with the cheapest seats still listed at around $1,949. The Tokyo Dome, with a capacity of 45,460, is a hotbed of excitement right now.
Let’s take a moment to underscore just how massive this series is in Japan. Live streams will reach 150 theaters across the country and will also be available on Amazon Prime Video. The recent World Series between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees broke records in viewership in Japan, even airing at a more inconvenient 9 a.m. local time. The games starting at 7 p.m. local time for this series means fans will likely tune in en masse. The enthusiasm is tangible.
The players are feeling the buzz just as much. “I feel the excitement throughout the whole country,” Yamamoto shared, reflecting on the high anticipation surrounding the games.
Meanwhile, Imanaga, in the thick of fulfilling ticket requests from friends and family, said he was scrambling for seats as Opening Day approached. Despite being on a hefty four-year, $53 million contract and quickly establishing himself as the Cubs’ ace, he’s more than willing to spend on those he loves. “The plan is to invite my family,” he stated with a chuckle. “I might break the bank on tickets, but luckily, I’ve been saving up from my time in Japan. It should all work out.”
These five Japanese players share a bond from their time together during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where they contributed to Japan’s thrilling victory over the U.S. It comes full circle now as they prepare to step back onto the playing field in Japan, with Ohtani striking the final blow against Mike Trout to secure Japan’s third title.
“I feel like I know the Dodgers trio pretty well. We’re practically friends,” Imanaga joked, poking fun at the notion of their friendship. “Although I’m not so sure they think the same about me.”
In a moment of laughter, he added, “Maybe I’m friendlier with them than they are with me!”
Of course, everyone’s eyes are on Ohtani as he returns to Japan. After multiple surgeries and recovering from a torn labrum that put him out during the offseason, he’s focused on ramping up his game but will primarily serve as designated hitter for the series. His presence isn’t just about the game; it’s a return home, a celebration of his journey. Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers is a staggering 10 years worth $700 million, not to mention the additional income he earns from Japanese sponsorships that rake in around $65 million a year.
With all the excitement and pressure, Dodgers management is cautious about Ohtani’s pitching comeback. He hasn’t tossed a bullpen session in weeks and won’t face live hitters until they return to Los Angeles after the Tokyo games. Yet, just last season, he put on a phenomenal show, securing his second consecutive league MVP title as he achieved the incredible feat of hitting 50 home runs while also stealing 50 bases—a record for modern baseball.
Witnessing such talent has led to conversations about whether Ohtani should solely focus on hitting, especially given his recent injury history. But he holds his ground, stating, “I want to prioritize my hitting as we enter the season. It’s part of my plan, and I’m happy with the direction things are going.”
With the signing of Ohtani, Yamamoto, and the newly acquired Sasaki, the Dodgers have also capitalized on lucrative sponsorship opportunities. They’ve partnered with Hakkaisan Brewery, a well-respected sake company, to sell its products at Dodger Stadium. Last season, the financial windfall from Japanese sponsorship deals exceeded $100 million, showcasing the crossover appeal of these players in both countries.
Sasaki, who had a solid performance record in Japan with an astonishing 2.02 ERA, has now joined the ranks of the MLB. His eagerness to pitch in Japan’s revered stadium is palpable. “This is an extraordinary and unique opportunity for me,” he expressed, enthusiasm evident in his voice. “Pitching in the major leagues is something I have aspired to for a long time, and I can hardly contain my excitement to get started.”
There’s no question that this series isn’t just about baseball; it’s a deep, heartfelt connection between cultures, players, and fans. It’s a celebration wrapped in nostalgia and honor, and everyone involved knows they’re part of something special. As these players take the field, they’ll not only carry their franchises’ hopes but also the pride of a nation. This is a moment to cherish, a reminder of the journey, and a step into the future for baseball on both sides of the Pacific.
Image Source: Conor P. Fitzgerald / Shutterstock
