MLB 2025 Season Opens with Historic Tokyo Series Featuring Dodgers and Cubs

The Dodgers and Cubs begin the season with the first-ever Opening Day matchup between Japanese starting pitchers, spotlighting MLB's international expansion and Japanese talent.

The Tokyo Series marks the start of the 2025 MLB season with a two-game event at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.
For the first time on Opening Day, two Japanese pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) and Shota Imanaga (Cubs), will face off as starting pitchers.
Shohei Ohtani, recovering from injuries, will play as the Dodgers' designated hitter, while Mookie Betts is absent due to illness that caused significant weight loss.
The Dodgers, defending World Series champions, and the Cubs, aiming to break a four-year playoff drought, bring strong rosters bolstered by notable offseason acquisitions.
The series highlights MLB's strategic push for international growth, with significant fan interest in Japan reflected in high ticket demand and streaming availability.