While the MLB season isn’t starting quite yet for everyone this isn’t the story for each team. In fact, in less than one short week the Chicago Cubs will take on the Los Angeles Dodgers over in Japan as the opening series of the 2025 MLB season. Below will be everything you need to know about this huge series.
What is the Japan Series?
Before the regular season starts two teams go over to play in Japan to play a two-game series that counts towards the regular season record. Last season the Dodgers played the San Diego Padres to start the season and return again this time to face the aforementioned Chicago Cubs. The Cubs, being the home team for this short series. Lasting only two games since the teams will return back to the states right after and play a last handful of Spring Training games.
Where is the series played?
The Japan series is played in the city of Tokyo, with baseball becoming a massive sport in Asia the MLB has decided to expand and let two teams play in front of thousands of fans. To be exact the series will be played in the Tokyo Dome which holds 45,600 fans. The stadium is now primarily used for international baseball games such as this one, with no NPB team playing there consistently.
Who is starting the Japan series?
In game one of the Japan series, Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start for the Dodgers against Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga,an awesome showing with two Japanese pitchers going against one another in the first game of the season. While the Cubs have yet to announce their starter for the second game (many believing it will be ace Justin Steele) the Dodgers have announced rookie phenom Roki Sasaki will be the starter for Game 2. Saski signed with the Dodgers in January after playing in Japan and becoming one of the most prolific pitchers in the World.
Who else do we need to watch?
For the Cubs two major people to watch are rookie Matt Shaw and outfielder Kyle Tucker, both playing their first regular season games for the Cubs in Japan. Shaw, the Cubs top ranked prospect, recently learned he would be going to Japan to play, making the rookie’s first games overseas. One of the biggest trades of the offseason included Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker who will make his first start for the Cubs in the regular season next week. Of course for the Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is must watch television after last season he created the 50/50 club (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases) as he attempts to win his third MVP in a row.
You can watch the first game on Fox and game two on FS1
