The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season kicks off with an exciting event: the MLB Tokyo Series, presented by Guggenheim. This special two-game series will take place at the Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. For baseball enthusiasts worldwide, this event is a monumental occasion, spotlighting star players such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga, and Seiya Suzuki. The series not only highlights the global appeal of baseball but also celebrates the longstanding connection between MLB and Japanese baseball culture.
A Star-Studded Showdown: Dodgers vs. Cubs
The Los Angeles Dodgers, led by Shohei Ohtani, born in Oshu, Japan, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from Bizen, Japan, will face the Chicago Cubs, who bring their own stars from Japan: Shota Imanaga from Kitakyushu and Seiya Suzuki from Arakawa. This series is much more than just an opening for the season; it’s a celebration of the rising talent from Japan in MLB. With global attention focused on this match, the MLB Tokyo Series is sure to be a spectacle for fans both in Japan and around the world, showcasing the best talent from both teams.
Exhibition Games Leading Up to the Series: MLB Teams Challenge NPB Giants
Before the official MLB Tokyo Series, fans will have the chance to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs compete in exhibition games against some of Japan’s top Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams. On March 15, the Cubs will play the Hanshin Tigers at noon, followed by the Dodgers facing the Yomiuri Giants at 7 p.m. On March 16, the Dodgers will take on the Hanshin Tigers at noon, while the Cubs will play the Yomiuri Giants at 7 p.m. These exhibition games present a unique chance for fans to see MLB teams go up against Japan’s premier baseball clubs.
Shohei Ohtani’s Triumphant Return to Japan
One of the most exciting aspects of the MLB Tokyo Series is Shohei Ohtani’s return to Japan. Ohtani, who has become a global icon for his exceptional two-way talent, will be welcomed back by his home country with open arms. Japanese fans have followed his journey since his days with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, and his rise to MLB stardom has made him a national hero. His appearance at the Tokyo Dome will be a proud moment for Japan, and the energy from the fans is sure to be electric.
Ohtani’s impact on baseball is felt worldwide, and his return to Japan for the MLB Tokyo Series demonstrates his influence in expanding the sport globally. Alongside Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers after an impressive career in NPB, will also be a key figure in this historic event. Yamamoto represents the future of Japanese talent making waves in MLB, and the series will showcase his skills on the world stage.

The Cubs’ Japanese Stars: Imanaga and Suzuki
The Cubs will also bring their own Japanese talent to the series, with Shota Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher known for his accuracy and calm under pressure, and Seiya Suzuki, a strong outfielder with impressive hitting skills, drawing attention. For Imanaga and Suzuki, playing in front of a home crowd is a chance to demonstrate how much they’ve grown in MLB. Their participation in the Tokyo Series reflects MLB’s commitment to celebrating the diverse talent contributing to the sport’s global reach.
The Tokyo Dome: A Perfect Venue for the MLB Tokyo Series
The Tokyo Dome, a historic venue known as the “Big Egg,” is the ideal setting for the MLB Tokyo Series. With its cutting-edge facilities and central location in Tokyo, the Dome has hosted numerous memorable baseball events, including previous MLB games in Japan. Fans will be able to easily access the stadium, ensuring a packed atmosphere for every game. The energy at the Tokyo Dome during the MLB Tokyo Series will be unforgettable, as fans come together to cheer on their favorite players and celebrate baseball’s global unity.
MLB’s Global Strategy: Growing the Game Worldwide
For MLB, the 2025 Tokyo Series is a key initiative to grow the sport internationally. Bringing regular-season games to Japan is not just about expanding the league’s global presence but also about honoring the contributions of Japanese players and fans. This event highlights baseball’s ability to unite people across cultures and languages, underscoring the universal appeal of the sport and the deep connection between MLB and Japan.
Anticipation Builds for the MLB Tokyo Series
As the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series approaches, excitement continues to build. Fans are eager to see how the Dodgers and Cubs will perform in this unique setting, and the participation of Japanese stars like Ohtani, Yamamoto, Imanaga, and Suzuki adds an extra layer of anticipation. This series is a must-watch for baseball fans, providing a rare chance to witness MLB action in Japan.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Baseball’s Global Community
In conclusion, the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series is set to be a landmark event in the history of baseball. Featuring a star-studded lineup, cultural significance, and international appeal, this series promises to deliver unforgettable moments for fans in Japan and around the world. As Shohei Ohtani and other Japanese stars take the field at the Tokyo Dome, they will not only represent their teams but also embody the enduring connection between MLB and Japanese baseball. The MLB Tokyo Series is a celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future, and an event no baseball fan will want to miss.