Shohei Ohtani returns home to Japan for MLB season opener
- The Major League Baseball season is commencing in Japan with two games between the Dodgers and Cubs at the Tokyo Dome.
- Shohei Ohtani, returning to Japan, is anticipated to draw enormous fan engagement given his stellar performance in the league.
- This series highlights the depth of Japanese talent in baseball, as five players will be showcasing their skills at home.
Japan is set to host the opening games of the Major League Baseball season this week at the Tokyo Dome, featuring prominent players including Shohei Ohtani, who is renowned for his extraordinary achievements. The Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, will face the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series on March 18 and 19, 2025. This marks a significant event as it includes five Japanese players competing at home, showcasing the country's rich baseball talent. Ohtani, having been a critical player in the Dodgers' recent successes, will likely attract significant attention and fanfare. His performance in recent exhibitions has demonstrated he is in great form, hitting a massive home run in an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants prior to the official games. Additionally, Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had an impressive previous season, is expected to start the first game against Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. The atmosphere surrounding the Tokyo Dome is expected to be electric, as crowds of approximately 42,000 fans attended the prior exhibition games, reflecting the high level of interest in both the teams and Japanese players. Furthermore, this series not only emphasizes Ohtani's popularity but stands as a testament to the increasing representation of Japanese talent in Major League Baseball, particularly considering other players like Roki Sasaki and Seiya Suzuki also shaking off the excitement of showcasing their abilities in front of hometown fans. This year's opening series coincides with the 25th anniversary of MLB games in Japan, making it a historic occasion for baseball fans in the region.