Shohei Ohtani gets to enjoy a homecoming next March.
The 2025 MLB schedule was announced on Thursday, and so was the unveiling of the league’s next instalment of the its World Tour series. Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo for two games to start the season March 18-19.
It will mark the sixth time in MLB history the league goes to the Tokyo Dome. These matchups will fall on the 25th anniversary of the league’s first visit to Japan, which saw regular-season games held in March 2000 between the Cubs and the New York Mets.
This return for the Cubs will be their third time playing internationally, after the original 2000 Tokyo Series as well as the 2023 London Series.
This will be the Dodgers’ first time playing in Japan, though the franchise has previously participated in three international series (2014 in Sydney, Australia, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico, and 2024 in Seoul).
The Tokyo Series could feature at least four natives of Japan: Ohtani alongside right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Dodgers, as well as the 30-year-old star rookie pitcher Shota Imanaga and outfielder Seiya Suzuki for the Cubs.
While these games kick things off earlier for the MLB season, the traditional Opening Day will feature all 30 teams in action on March 27.
Major League Baseball fans in Japan have something to look forward to as the 2022 season kicks off with a historic matchup between Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two teams will face off in a two-game series at the Tokyo Dome, marking the first time in over a decade that MLB games will be played in Japan.
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese phenom who has taken the baseball world by storm, will undoubtedly be the main attraction for fans in his home country. The two-way star, who plays both as a pitcher and a hitter, has captured the hearts of fans around the world with his incredible talent and versatility on the field. Ohtani’s presence in the series is sure to draw a huge crowd and create an electric atmosphere at the Tokyo Dome.
On the other side, the Los Angeles Dodgers bring a star-studded lineup and a rich history of success to the series. Led by manager Dave Roberts, the Dodgers are perennial contenders in the National League and boast a roster filled with All-Stars and former MVPs. The team’s deep pitching staff and potent offense make them a formidable opponent for any team, including Ohtani and the Angels.
The series between the Angels and Dodgers is not only a showcase of talent but also a celebration of the strong ties between Japan and Major League Baseball. The games in Tokyo will provide an opportunity for fans in Japan to see some of the best players in the world up close and for players from both teams to experience the unique baseball culture in Japan.
Overall, the opening series between Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers promises to be an exciting and memorable event for baseball fans in Japan and around the world. With two powerhouse teams facing off in one of baseball’s most iconic venues, this series is sure to be a must-watch for any baseball fan.