The 2025 MLB season got off to a jubilant start in Tokyo, where Pokémon-themed festivities set the stage for a duel between Japan-born starters Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga before Shohei Ohtani helped the Dodgers pull away for a victory.
If Tuesday’s Tokyo Series opener between the Dodgers and the Cubs was a one-of-a-kind ballgame, the pregame ceremony needed to be just as momentous. With a bow to Pokémon, it was just that.
A popup with an entire floor dedicated to Shohei Ohtani memorabilia and an MLB collaboration with Demon Slayer on a short anime-style film featuring Dodgers and Cubs stars are among the examples of how this week's series has taken Japan by storm.
Almost as impressive as how many homers Shohei Ohtani hits is WHERE he hits them. His power to all fields might be unmatched, and where he makes contact in the zone tells us a lot.
MLB Network brings you live postgame coverage following the Dodgers vs. Cubs Tokyo Series game with complete highlights, analysis and player interviews.
It’s Phillies vs. Pirates at 1 p.m. ET (available in Phillies market), Angels vs. Reds at 4 and Guardians vs. Rangers at 9 (available in Guardians market) live on MLB Network.
