The Dodgers Invade Tokyo: A Baseball Spectacle Unlike Any Other
The Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to embark on a journey that transcends the realm of a typical baseball road trip. Their arrival in Tokyo will be akin to a seismic event, a cultural phenomenon drawing parallels to the Beatlemania of the 1960s, the global fascination with Michael Jordan and the Dream Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, or the hypothetical union of Beyonce and Taylor Swift on a world tour. The entire nation of Japan is bracing itself for the arrival of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, who will headline a series of exhibition and regular-season games against the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Tokyo Dome.
Forget about scarcity economics of concert tickets, this Dodgers takeover is the pinnacle of the entire baseball world. The atmosphere surrounding these games has reached fever pitch, with tickets becoming the most sought-after commodity in baseball history. Scalpers rejoice as entry to exhibition games is going for $900. Regular season openers? A mere standing-room ticket is going for $2000.
"The stadium doesn’t hold 100 million people," Dodgers president Stan Kasten quipped, acknowledging the overwhelming demand from a nation yearning to witness their baseball heroes. "Which is approximately how many Japanese people would love to see Shohei and Yoshi and Roki." Kasten emphasized the historic significance of this international venture, unlike anything the sport has ever witnessed. "Everyone appreciates the historic significance unlike any other international adventure we’ve ever undertaken in baseball. We think the reception that this team, especially because of Shohei, Yoshi and Roki, it will feel the way our [World Series] parade felt every day we’re there."
The fervor surrounding the Dodgers’ visit extends beyond the players themselves. The marketing machine is in overdrive, with building-sized billboards of Ohtani dominating the Tokyo skyline and merchandise flooding every store. Ohtani even has a fan club. The endorsement power is unmatched, with Dodgers officials claiming that nearly 85% of Japanese baseball fans sport New Balance sneakers solely because of Ohtani’s sponsorship.
During spring training, Ohtani’s $215 jerseys were consistently out of stock. The outfielder Teoscar Hernandez echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s going to be absolutely crazy over there. It’s going to be so wild just watching people react towards Shohei. We’re all looking forward to seeing that.’’
The Dodgers have already established themselves as a dominant force in North America, attracting over 4 million fans to Dodger Stadium annually. Now, they are extending their reach to the Far East. Even the team’s Japanese interpreters have achieved rock star status. The appeal of playing for the Dodgers is undeniable, offering the highest payrolls, state-of-the-art facilities, a rich history, and a promising future. This Japan tour has become the ultimate opportunity for players to showcase their skills to the next generation of Asian stars.
"It’s the place," Hernandez declared, "wherever everyone wants to play." The Japan trip has been met with universal enthusiasm from players and staff, despite the 12-hour flight and the challenges of adjusting to the time difference. The team’s schedule includes practices, exhibition games against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, and a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs, commencing at 6 a.m. ET on March 19th.
While the Cubs boast their own contingent of talented Japanese players, including Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, their star power pales in comparison to the Dodgers, who feature six potential future Hall of Famers and the undisputed best player in the world, Shohei Ohtani.
Despite the Cubs’ historic legacy and talented Japanese players, Stan Kasten emphasized the unique appeal of the Dodgers in Japan: "The Cubs have a couple of really good Japanese players too, and a long, proud history, but we are the Dodgers. I think the Dodgers are just different, especially in Japan."
Following their stint in Japan, the Dodgers will return to Los Angeles for a series of exhibition games against the Angels before their home opener against the Detroit Tigers. The Cubs will resume their Cactus League schedule before commencing the regular season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The excitement surrounding the Japan trip stands in stark contrast to previous international ventures, such as the 2014 trip to Australia, which was met with complaints. Manager Dave Roberts noted, "When guys were going to Australia [in 2014], you heard there was a lot of complaints. Now, guys are pumped. It’s unbelievable. Come on, you get a free trip to Japan and a plus-one. You kidding me? And your teammates that you love and get to go home and see how they’re received."
This enthusiasm extends to even those sidelined by injury. Clayton Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young winner, is making the journey to Japan with his wife and four children to witness the spectacle firsthand. "This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Kershaw said. "It will be really fun. You’re never going to be able to replicate this trip, so I’m going to give it a go. I’m excited to take it all in."
The Dodgers and Cubs are committed to making this Japanese experience unforgettable. The opening game will mark the first time in history that two Japanese pitchers, Yamamoto and Imanaga, face each other in a season opener, while Sasaki will take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 2. Ohtani and Suzuki are expected to be the designated hitters for their respective teams.
Dave Roberts emphasized the significance of this event for the Japanese players: "Appreciating the fact that we’re going back to their home country, it’s the perfect story. To follow up Yoshi with Roki, I think it’s just a great story." Freddie Freeman echoed this sentiment, stating, "I just think this will be more than we possibly can expect."
The opportunity to pitch in front of their family, friends, and nation has instilled a sense of excitement and emotion in Yamamoto and Sasaki. Roberts acknowledged the pressure they face but expressed confidence in their ability to thrive: "I think there’s a lot of excitement, a lot of emotion. These guys grew up in Japan, I’m sure watching the Tokyo Giants in the Tokyo Dome, playing in the [NPB] league, pitch in the [World Baseball Classic] and then to come back and pitch for the Dodgers against the teams they played against and players that they know, I just can’t imagine how many eyes are going to be on that series.
“I just think these are Japanese superstars, they’re built differently in the sense of pitching in huge games since they were young, pitching in the WBC, understanding expectations. They’re just really tough guys, and very resilient. Sasaki, 23, who just came from Japan in January, says he embraces the rarity of making his major-league debut in his home country."
"To be able to pitch in Japan is going to be a pretty special and unique opportunity," Sasaki stated after pitching four shutout innings. "Obviously being able to pitch in the major leagues is something I’ve worked for a long time to be able to do, and I’m really excited.’’
The Japan Series holds personal significance for Roberts, whose mother is Japanese and father is Black. Roberts was born in Japan and spent his early childhood there. "This is personal," said Roberts, who visited Japan with his son, Cole, for a commercial shoot in January. "I remember being in Japan as a young kid and watching the Tokyo Giants play and my grandfather telling me that this is the team. So, now to be playing against those guys and managing against those guys is great. It’s amazing."
The trip will also provide an opportunity for the players to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. Both teams will stay in separate hotels, but sightseeing trips and get-togethers are planned, fostering camaraderie and bonding in preparation for the long season ahead.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the unique opportunity this trip presents: "We could go play laser tag or something like that, or, we could go to Japan and play the Dodgers. That seems like more fun."
Counsell even invited a Japanese comedian, Saku Yanagaw, to speak to the team about Japanese culture and etiquette. He covered critical points of cultural faux paus such as, "Probably the highlight was, when you toast in Japan, the younger person must have their glass below the older person.”
Dodgers center fielder James Outman expressed his excitement about the trip, stating, "That’s what’s going to be so great being there, is experiencing a new culture, new people and new things. I’ve heard so many good things about Tokyo. I can’t wait to experience it all."
The Dodgers’ clubhouse was abuzz with activity as the team prepared for their departure, with blue duffel bags and cardboard boxes filling the room. Max Muncy captured the team’s collective sentiment: "We’ve been here a long time already. It’s starting to become like groundhog day. Guys are ready to go, and we see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Kasten concluded by emphasizing the broader impact of this international venture: "We are taking this opportunity to grow our exposure around the world, and I don’t mean the Dodgers, I mean all of baseball. And we are very proud to be a part of that."
This trip to Japan transcends a typical baseball event; it’s a cultural exchange, a celebration of global baseball, and a showcase of the sport’s most captivating stars. The Dodgers’ arrival in Tokyo promises to be a historic moment, leaving an indelible mark on both the baseball world and the nation of Japan.
