Tokyo Series 2025: The Biggest International Event in MLB History

The Tokyo Series 2025 will be a landmark event in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, becoming the league’s biggest standalone international event. The series will feature the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs in two regular-season games at Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19, 2025. Beyond the on-field action, the event will include fan experiences, community initiatives, and unprecedented global media coverage in over 200 countries.

A Showcase of Japanese Baseball Superstars

One of the major attractions of this series is the participation of five Japanese stars, an unprecedented occurrence in MLB history:

• Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): The most decorated player of the modern era, coming off a historic 50-50 season (50 home runs, 50 stolen bases in 2024). He was also instrumental in Japan’s World Baseball Classic 2023 victory and played in the WBSC Premier12 2015.
• Roki Sasaki (Dodgers): Holds a world record of 13 consecutive strikeouts and pitched the first perfect game in NPB since 1994. A rising star in global baseball.
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers): Key contributor to Japan’s WBSC Premier12 2019 championship, pitching in five games from the bullpen, and a gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• Seiya Suzuki (Cubs): WBSC Premier12 2019 MVP, leading Japan to the title. He also helped win the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal.
• Shota Imanaga (Cubs): A two-time NPB All-Star, threw a no-hitter in 2022, and had an impressive MLB debut season with 15 wins.

More Than Just Baseball: A Global Event

The Tokyo Series 2025 will not only be a sporting event but also a global spectacle:

• Unique Fan Experience: Featuring festivals, interactive batting zones, baseball exhibitions, and MLB-themed food.
• Unprecedented Media Coverage: Broadcast in over 200 countries and available on MLB.TV outside the Los Angeles and Chicago markets.
• Spectacular Promotion: The iconic Tokyo Skytree will be illuminated with colors representing the event and the participating teams.
• Community Initiatives: MLB, the Dodgers, the Cubs, and their charitable foundations will organize philanthropic activities, including a baseball clinic with Hall of Famer CC Sabathia and a coaching workshop with Ken Griffey Jr.

Impact and Legacy

The Tokyo Series 2025 highlights MLB’s strategy of global expansion, particularly in a key market like Japan, which has produced elite talent for the league. With the presence of multiple Japanese superstars, the series aims to deepen MLB’s connection with Japanese fans and contribute to the global growth of baseball.

With two historic teams, a star-studded roster, and a massive media presence, the Tokyo Series 2025 promises to be a one-of-a-kind event in MLB history.