Ohtani Leads MLB Season Opener in Tokyo with Record Japanese Representation

The 2025 MLB season kicks off in Tokyo with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Chicago Cubs, featuring five Japanese players, including star Shohei Ohtani. Dodgers' Andrew Friedman highlighted Japan's deep baseball talent and the country’s passion for the sport, which the franchise aims to tap into further. The series marks the first all-Japanese pitching matchup on opening day in MLB history, showcasing Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto against Cubs' Shota Imanaga. The event is expected to draw a raucous crowd, reminiscent of previous exhibition games that filled the Tokyo Dome. Additionally, the matchup signifies a pivotal moment in Japanese baseball history, with Ohtani's influence growing both culturally and financially. The excitement surrounding this series reflects the increasing connection between MLB and the Japanese market.