TOKYO — Major League Baseball is kicking off its season with a much-anticipated matchup between the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. This marks an exciting beginning to a season that includes nearly 2,500 games.
The event means a lot, especially for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was born in Japan. It also holds special significance for Shohei Ohtani, along with four other Japanese players on the Dodgers and Cubs, as they get to play in front of their home fans.
This is the second straight year that MLB has opened its season in Asia, following last year’s games in Seoul, South Korea where the Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres. Last season also entangled some controversy with a betting scandal linked to Ohtani’s interpreter.
Ohtani shared his thoughts on being part of this moment, stating, “I know there have been many Japanese players before me, but having five of us in the league is a big deal. It truly is.” He expressed excitement about enjoying delicious food, overcoming jet lag, and simply playing the game he loves.
Roberts’ Special Return
For Roberts, this trip is a personal homecoming. He was born to a Japanese mother and an American father in Okinawa, and he’s thrilled that family members from Japan will watch the games live. “For me, it’s personal because I get to represent my mom’s side of the family,” Roberts noted. The time difference means many of his relatives will be able to watch the game during prime time instead of early morning.
The Dodgers are quite popular in Japan, especially with the success of players like Ohtani and pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, who are slated to pitch against the Cubs.
Roberts emphasized, “Our mission has been accomplished by turning Japan into Dodgers country.” Both Yamamoto and Ohtani expressed joy at being home, as did Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga and slugger Seiya Suzuki, with Imanaga expected to pitch against Yamamoto in the opening game.
Ohtani’s Pitching Status
Amid discussions about his performance, Ohtani mentioned he hasn’t had a bullpen session in weeks but is focusing on hitting for now. He aims to ease back into pitching following elbow surgery and stated, “This is according to plan, and I’m pleased with how things have been going.”
Spotlight on Sasaki
For rookie Roki Sasaki, who signed with the Dodgers just two months ago, this series is an opportunity to showcase his talent in a new setting. “I literally was in Japan until a couple of months ago,” he said, expressing his hopes of performing at his best in this new chapter.
Sasaki recently met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and gifted him a signed Dodgers cap, illustrating the importance of baseball to both the players and the nation.
Cubs Celebrate in Japan
Cubs manager Craig Counsell shared that players were welcomed to Japan with a festive party hosted by Imanaga and Suzuki. It was a fun introduction for many players trying Japanese cuisine for the first time. Counsell recalled how they participated in a traditional tuna carving ceremony, saying, “We had tuna cut open, and some players handled that, which was a little scary, but overall it was a fantastic experience.”
Counsell emphasized that the trip is all about building bonds, or “kizuna,” among the team members, which began with their memorable gathering.
