TOKYO — Shohei Ohtani stepped onto the field at the Tokyo Dome to thunderous applause, with a snippet of his walk-up song, *”The Show Goes On”* by Lupe Fiasco, playing in the background. Even though Friday was just a workout day, the excitement was palpable, offering a glimpse of the energy to come during the Tokyo Series.
Ohtani, alongside fellow Japanese stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, spoke at a press conference at the Tokyo Dome Hotel about the significance of opening the Major League season on home soil. The trio has been at the heart of the buzz surrounding the Dodgers-Cubs Tokyo Series, set for next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Japanese fans didn’t wait for the games to show their support. Over 10,500 fans packed the Tokyo Dome for the Dodgers’ workout session, with tickets (priced at ¥2,000, or about $13) selling out in just an hour. The crowd was electric, cheering loudest for Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki but also showing love for the rest of the Dodgers roster. Batting practice was a particular highlight, with fans applauding every ball that cleared the fence—and even some that didn’t.
“I’m sure my teammates are enjoying Japan right now, and I hope they continue to do so,” Ohtani said through his interpreter, Will Ireton. “I hope the fans get to see my teammates enjoy Japan.”
Ohtani’s time on the field was brief, but his every move was broadcast live on the video board. Once he finished his workout, the screen shifted to the Tokyo Series logo, signaling the end of the live feed.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the significance of playing in Tokyo. “It’s an opportunity for the Dodgers, the Cubs, and Major League Baseball to come to this great city and play a couple of ballgames,” Roberts said. “In one sense, it’s just two games, but globally, it’s a big opportunity for all of us.”
Roberts noted that since arriving in Japan on Thursday, Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki have taken on a more serious demeanor. While they’re enjoying their homecoming, they’re also focused on the task at hand. All three are expected to play key roles in the Tokyo Series.
Ohtani is coming off a historic first season with the Dodgers, where he achieved the rare 50-50 club (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases), won a World Series title, and secured his third unanimous MVP award. Yamamoto, set to make his first Opening Day start on Tuesday, is beginning his sophomore MLB campaign, while Sasaki will make his highly anticipated Major League debut on Wednesday.
The Tokyo Series promises to be a celebration of baseball, culture, and the global impact of the sport, with Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki leading the charge.
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