Dodgers’ Japanese Stars Draw Massive Tokyo Crowd for Practice Session. The Los Angeles Dodgers are already making waves in Tokyo, and they haven’t even played a game yet. More than 10,000 fans packed the Tokyo Dome just to watch the reigning MLB champions go through a practice session, a testament to the excitement surrounding their visit and the presence of their Japanese superstars.
Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki Lead the Frenzy
The buzz around the Dodgers’ trip to Japan is largely fueled by the presence of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. With the Dodgers set to open their 2025 season against the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series, the trio’s presence has ignited local enthusiasm, drawing fans eager to see their homegrown heroes take the field.
For those wanting a sneak peek at the World Series champions in action, tickets for the practice session were available for 2,000 yen (approximately $13) and sold out in just an hour. The incredible turnout highlights the passion of Japanese baseball fans and their admiration for these stars.
Dodgers Excited for the Tokyo Experience
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the significance of the moment, noting how excited his players were to experience Japan and witness the reception of Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki. “Most of our players have never been to Tokyo or Japan before, so they are looking forward to trying new foods and exploring the city,” Roberts said.
Ohtani himself expressed how meaningful this trip is for him and his fellow Japanese teammates. “It’s difficult to say if this is the golden era of Japanese players in MLB, but having five Japanese players in the same game is definitely special,” he remarked.
Tokyo Series Pitching Matchups
As anticipation builds for the season-opening games, the Dodgers have announced their starting pitchers for the Tokyo Series.
In the first game, Yamamoto will take the mound for Los Angeles, facing off against fellow Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga of the Cubs. The second game will mark a highly anticipated MLB debut for Sasaki, as he starts for the Dodgers against Chicago’s ace Justin Steele.
With the Tokyo Series just around the corner, the excitement surrounding the Dodgers’ presence in Japan is reaching new heights. The sold-out practice session is a clear indication of how much this moment means to Japanese baseball fans, and with stars like Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki leading the charge, this historic trip is set to be one for the ages.
