Japanese Baseball Stars Take Center Stage as Dodgers Open MLB Season in Tokyo

Roki Sasaki prepares for MLB debut while Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto return to Japan for Dodgers' Tokyo Series against the Cubs.

Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old Japanese pitcher, will make his MLB debut on March 19 for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome.
Sasaki has credited the unwavering support of Japanese fans for helping him overcome personal and professional challenges, including the loss of family members in the 2011 earthquake and setbacks early in his career.
The Dodgers' roster, featuring Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Sasaki, highlights the growing influence of Japanese talent in MLB.
The Tokyo Series marks a cultural homecoming for these players and underscores Japan's prominence in global baseball, with the Hanshin Tigers recently defeating the Dodgers 3-0 in an exhibition game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and others have expressed high expectations for Sasaki, with predictions of Rookie of the Year contention and potential Cy Young recognition in his debut season.