Cubs and Dodgers showcase baseball tradition without modern rules in Japan

In March 2025, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers took part in a series of exhibition baseball games in Japan, highlighting the cultural exchange between American Major League Baseball (MLB) and its Japanese counterpart, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). The games took place at the Tokyo Dome and represented a blend of contemporary and retro baseball elements, as modern MLB rules like the pitch clock were suspended for these events. The players noted the nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of earlier decades when communication and scouting were more personal and intuitive, contrasting sharply with today’s analytics-heavy approach. Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd expressed the camaraderie and competitive spirit of this setup, indicating players had to rely on old-school tricks rather than modern technology to gauge opponents. In addition to the on-field action, the events underscored the growing influence of Japanese stars on the MLB, notably through players like Shohei Ohtani and Shota Imanaga. Their participation has expanded both leagues’ reach and popularity, with attendance and viewership for MLB games rising significantly in recent years, particularly among Japanese fans. This increase in interest is also reflected in the surge of Japanese visitor numbers to the U.S., as they come to witness their homegrown stars perform at the Major League level. This revitalization of interest is crucial for MLB as it seeks to broaden its audience and solidify its global stature in baseball. Overall, the unique circumstances of playing without strict modern regulations offered a refreshing change and allowed players to focus on the game itself, fostering an atmosphere of joy and nostalgia. As MLB continues to integrate more international talent, these events highlight the importance of cultural exchange and the shared love for baseball that transcends borders, promising to unite fans from both the U.S. and Japan in celebration of the sport. The success and media attention garnered from these exhibition games may encourage further collaboration and events in the future, potentially laying the groundwork for longstanding partnerships between the two leagues. Thus, these exhibition games served not only as an opportunity for teams to showcase their talent but also as a means of connecting with diverse fanbases. The legacy of baseball remains strong among both American and Japanese audiences, with these encounters reinforcing the relationship between the two nations through their common passion for the sport.