Dodgers Shine in Tokyo Series Opener, Defeat Chicago Cubs 4-1
The 2025 MLB season commenced with the Tokyo Series, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. This event not only marked the beginning of the season but also celebrated baseball's international appeal, especially highlighting the contributions of Japanese players to Major League Baseball.
The series is especially meaningful for Japanese fans, as it features some of Japan’s most celebrated baseball icons now thriving in the MLB. Dodgers phenoms Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, alongside Cubs stars Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, will take center stage, drawing massive local support. For many fans, seeing their hometown heroes play on Japanese soil in MLB uniforms will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
(Not So) Far From Home
Prior to their official face-off, both teams engaged in exhibition games against prominent Japanese baseball teams. While the Cubs struggled against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, The Los Angeles Dodgers had a more successful run in their exhibition games. On March 15, they faced the Yomiuri Giants, where they showcased their power with Michael Conforto (who most recently played for the San Francisco Giants), Shohei Ohtani, and Teoscar Hernández hitting home runs to secure a solid win. However, the following day, March 16, the Dodgers were shut out by the Hanshin Tigers, losing 3-0. Despite the shutout loss, the Dodgers' strong showing in the first game helped them fine-tune their game ahead of the official Tokyo Series.
Notably, the Dodgers' matchup against the Yomiuri Giants carried extra significance. The Yomiuri Giants are often referred to as the "Yankees of Japan" and are considered the sister team of the San Francisco Giants — Los Angeles’ biggest rival back home. This connection added an extra layer of intrigue to the exhibition, symbolizing a cross-Pacific extension of their storied rivalry.
Tokyo Series Game 1: Dodgers Take the Lead
The first game of the Tokyo Series took place on March 18, 2025, at the Tokyo Dome. It was a historic matchup, as both teams started Japanese-born pitchers — Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Dodgers and Shota Imanaga for the Cubs. This was the first time ever that two Japanese-born pitchers faced off on Opening Day in MLB history.
The game ended with the Dodgers taking the win, defeating the Cubs 4-1. Yamamoto pitched well for the Dodgers, helping to secure their victory, while Imanaga showed flashes of talent but struggled with control, allowing the Dodgers to capitalize. It was a great moment for Japanese baseball fans to see two of their own making history on the big stage.
Takashi Murakami x Fanatics
Beyond the action on the diamond, the Tokyo Series also made waves in the fashion and art world. Celebrating the event, Takashi Murakami collaborated with Fanatics and Complex to launch an exclusive collection blending his iconic floral motifs with Dodgers and Cubs apparel. From Nike MLB t-shirts and hoodies to limited-edition jerseys featuring Murakami’s signature art, the collection brought a vibrant touch to the series. A standout item was the Topps x Murakami MLB Tokyo Series Matchup Set, which sold out almost immediately, with fans especially clamoring for the one-of-one dual-autograph card signed by Murakami and Shohei Ohtani.
Tokyo Series Game 2: Roki Sasaki’s MLB Debut
The Tokyo Series continues with Game 2 scheduled for March 20, 2025. The Dodgers are set to start right-hander Roki Sasaki, a highly anticipated debutant known for his exceptional velocity and pitching prowess. The Cubs will counter with left-hander Justin Steele, aiming to even the series after the initial setback.
“It’s a big start for him, obviously,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said of Sasaki. “Imanaga and Yamamoto did a really good job handling the nerves of the start of the game [on Tuesday]. I think we’ve got to put pressure on Sasaki early in the game. I think that’s the way to not let him settle into the game. That will be the goal.”
Fans can catch Game 2 of the Tokyo Series on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 3:10 a.m. PDT/6:10 a.m. EDT. The game will be broadcast live on FS1, Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet L.A., and MLB.TV. For Angelenos tuning in on the radio, you can listen in on Dodgers Radio AM 570 and KTNQ 1020 AM.
The MLB Tokyo Series proves to be more than just a baseball event — it is a cultural celebration that brought two baseball-loving nations together. As fans in Tokyo waved team flags and cheered for both sides, it was clear that the spirit of the game transcends borders, making this exhibition series a landmark moment in international baseball history.
Photos — Kazuhiro Nogi / Getty Images, Takashi Murakami / MLB
