Japanese legion returns to Tokyo Dome to start MLB season

Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs will open the 2025 major league season in Japan, with five Japanese country players in their Rosters

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Tokyo – are just two games for begin the season of the Major Leagues: Los Angeles Dodgers, Champions of the World Seriesfacing Tuesday and Wednesday at Chicago Cubs in it Tokyo Dome.

The regular MLB season consists of almost 2,500 games.

But for the manager of the Dodgers, Dave Roberts, who was born in Japan, is somewhat bigger. And also for Shohei Ohtani and the other four Japanese baseball players that are part of the Dodgers and the Cubs.

In addition, the MLB will open its regular season for the second consecutive year in the Asian market. A year ago it was in Seoul, South Korea, when the Dodgers and the San Diego Padres divided the two games series. It was also there that the betting scandal exploded around the Ohtani interpreter.

“It’s hard to say if this is the golden age for Japanese players in the United States,” Ohtani said on Friday, speaking through an interpreter, while both teams trained in Tokyo Dome.

“I know there have been many Japanese players who came before me,” he added. “But having five (Japanese players) is something important.”

When asked what he expected most, Ohtani replied: “Eat good food, overcome the Jet Lag and simply be able to enjoy playing.”

Roberts returns to Japan

It is also a return home for Roberts, who was born on Southern Island of Okinawa, Japan. His mother is Japanese and his American father. Now he hopes that his relatives will attend from Okinawa, where he was honored by local officials last year.

“For me it is personal because I can represent my mother’s family side,” Roberts said. “I have many relatives and relatives who can see a game of the Dodgers at night instead of having to see us in the morning.”

Japan is 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

At this time Japan is the territory of the Dodgers, razed by Ohtani, the title of the World Series and the Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki launches. The Dodgers openers against the Cubs are expected to be.

“I think our mission was fulfilled by painting the country of Japan of blue of the Dodgers,” Roberts said.

Yamamoto and Ohtani talked about the joy of being at home, like the Cubs pitcher, Shota Imanaga, and Seiya Suzuki, the probable designated hitter. Imanaga is expected to start Yamamoto in the first game.

“I hope my teammates really enjoy Japan right now,” said Ohtani. “But I also hope that fans can see my classmates enjoying Japan.”

Ohtani launch is on the right track

Ohtani has not launched in a bullpen session in several weeks and hopes to return to the mound after getting lost last season after elbow surgery.

“I want to prioritize the batting appearance as we enter the season, to give a small mental and physical respite next to the launch,” he said. “This goes as planned and I am satisfied with how things have gone.”

Sasaki with something to demonstrate

For Sasaki, it’s different. The 23 -year -old signed with the Dodgers two months ago and needs to prove his worth, although many believe he is a prospect he does not lose.

“I was literally in Japan until a couple of months ago,” he said through an interpreter. “For me it is more about being able to launch with a different uniform in a different team and make sure to give up.”

Sasaki met Friday with Japanese prime minister, Shigeru Ihiba, and handed him a signed Dodgers cap. He was accompanied by the owner of the Dodgers, Mark Walter.

“I am really happy that the Dodgers open the season in Japan,” reported the Japanese press that ishiba said.

Cubs party with Imanaga and Suzuki

The manager of the Cubs, Craig Counsell, talked about a party organized Thursday by Imanaga and Suzuki to welcome his teammates to Japan. For most it is the first visit.

What impressed Counsell was a great tuna that was cut in a ceremony during the party. Sashimi and Sushi for all.

“We had open tuna,” said Counsell. “Some of the players participated in that, which was scary for a second with players with knives in their hands. But apart from that, it was great. ”

Counsell said the trip to Japan was “Kizuna”, which is the Japanese word for linking. Obviously he has been instructed by his Japanese players.

“That started for our team last night with the big party and be able to be together,” said Counsell.