Baseball: Ahead of the season opening, the Dodgers exhibition starts in Tokyo
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Exhibition Games in Tokyo: A Historic Start to the MLB Season
As the start of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season approaches, the anticipation for the opening day is growing. However, for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the journey to the 2025 season begins in a different way—across the Pacific Ocean in Tokyo, Japan. The Dodgers’ exhibition series in Tokyo, which serves as a precursor to the regular season, marks an important moment not only for the team but for the broader internationalization of baseball. This series represents the growing global reach of the sport, the cultural exchange between Japan and the U.S., and a unique opportunity for fans worldwide to witness top-tier baseball before the regular season kicks off.
The Importance of the Exhibition Games in Tokyo
Exhibition games, often seen as preseason warm-ups, play a crucial role in preparing teams for the grueling 162-game MLB season. These games allow coaches to test different lineups, assess player fitness, and refine strategies. However, when these exhibition games are played internationally, as the Dodgers’ games in Tokyo are, they take on additional significance.
Tokyo, a city with a rich baseball history and a deep connection to MLB, provides a unique backdrop for these contests. The exhibition series between the Dodgers and their opponents allows for cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan, two nations that have long been passionate about baseball. For MLB, playing these games in Japan symbolizes the league’s effort to strengthen its global presence and bring the game to international fans. The MLB has played regular-season games in Japan in the past, but spring training exhibitions in Tokyo are a new level of engagement with the Japanese audience.
Moreover, these games give Japanese fans a rare opportunity to see MLB stars live, especially those players who might not make it to Japan during a regular season due to scheduling or travel constraints. The Dodgers, one of the most popular teams in MLB, with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw, draw international attention. Their exhibition games in Tokyo are an unforgettable experience for local fans, many of whom have grown up idolizing American players and following the league through television broadcasts and digital media.
The Dodgers’ Connection with Japan
The relationship between the Dodgers and Japan is not a new one. Over the years, the team has developed a deep connection with the country, particularly due to the influence of Japanese players who have played for the Dodgers. Most famously, Hideo Nomo, a Japanese pitcher, made history when he debuted for the Dodgers in 1995. His arrival in the U.S. helped bridge the gap between American and Japanese baseball. Nomo’s success in MLB not only helped open doors for other Japanese players but also solidified the Dodgers as a team beloved by Japanese fans.
In recent years, the Dodgers have continued to attract Japanese attention through their global stars. Players such as Kenta Maeda, who pitched for the Dodgers from 2016 to 2020, and Yu Darvish, who had a brief stint with the Dodgers in 2017, have helped maintain and grow the team’s popularity in Japan. The Dodgers’ commitment to showcasing international talent, including their openness to signing and developing players from around the world, strengthens their position as a truly global brand in the world of baseball.
The Dodgers’ spring training games in Tokyo also reflect this growing international appeal. The decision to play exhibition games in Tokyo emphasizes their understanding of the significance of the Japanese market and the importance of global engagement. It also shows respect for Japan’s rich baseball culture, which continues to produce some of the most talented players in the world.
Tokyo’s Baseball Culture
Japan has a long and storied history with baseball, dating back to the 19th century when American missionary Horace Wilson introduced the game to the country. Since then, baseball has become deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league is one of the most competitive and well-respected baseball leagues outside of MLB. The NPB has produced numerous talented players who have made the leap to Major League Baseball, and many MLB scouts closely monitor the league for potential talent.
The passion for baseball in Japan is unmatched, and the sport is woven into the fabric of everyday life. From high school baseball tournaments like the annual Koshien Championship to the professional games in the NPB, baseball is a sport that holds a deep emotional connection for the Japanese people. The excitement surrounding any event involving MLB players, particularly when the Dodgers are involved, is palpable. For Japanese baseball fans, this exhibition series presents an opportunity to see how the stars of the NPB measure up against some of the best in MLB.
Furthermore, Japan’s advanced baseball infrastructure and training programs have consistently produced elite athletes who have gone on to have successful careers in MLB. The cultural exchange between Japan and the U.S. through baseball is essential for furthering the global growth of the sport. The Dodgers’ exhibition games in Tokyo help celebrate this shared history and promote the internationalization of the sport.
Impact on MLB’s Global Expansion
The MLB has long been committed to expanding its reach globally, and playing exhibition games in Tokyo is a significant step in this effort. Japan has been one of the most important international markets for MLB, with millions of fans tuning in to watch games, and a significant number of Japanese players having successful careers in the league. By hosting games in Tokyo, MLB showcases its ability to transcend national borders and unite baseball fans around the world.
In recent years, MLB has also worked to expand its footprint in countries like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and even Europe. However, Japan remains one of the most important international markets, and these exhibition games further demonstrate the league’s commitment to maintaining its strong presence in the country.
The MLB’s efforts to globalize baseball are also driven by the desire to attract younger audiences. Baseball’s popularity has waned somewhat in the U.S. in recent decades, especially among younger generations, as sports like basketball and football have dominated. However, international markets like Japan continue to embrace baseball passionately, and MLB recognizes the value of catering to these global audiences. Playing exhibition games in Tokyo not only helps generate excitement for the upcoming season but also helps connect the younger generations of Japan with the sport in new ways.
What to Expect from the Exhibition Series
For the Dodgers, the exhibition games in Tokyo serve as an early opportunity to fine-tune their roster and prepare for the regular season. The games are a chance for manager Dave Roberts to evaluate new players and assess how key members of the team, like Betts, Freeman, and Kershaw, are shaping up for the season. It is also a valuable opportunity for fans to get a preview of what they can expect from the team in the upcoming season.
While the outcome of the games is secondary to preparation, the energy surrounding the exhibition series will be high. Expect to see high-quality baseball, as both teams will be eager to show off their talent and give Japanese fans a taste of MLB action. For fans in Japan, this exhibition series will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their favorite stars up close and personal, as well as witness a historic event that celebrates the strong bond between the U.S. and Japan through baseball.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ exhibition series in Tokyo serves as a reminder of the sport’s universal appeal and its ability to bring people together across borders. These games not only mark the beginning of the Dodgers’ 2025 season but also represent a celebration of baseball’s rich global culture. As the sport continues to grow internationally, the Dodgers’ presence in Tokyo reinforces the idea that baseball is not just an American pastime—it’s a global phenomenon that transcends cultures, languages, and nations.
Through these exhibition games, MLB continues its commitment to internationalizing the sport and forging deeper connections with fans around the world. And for the city of Tokyo, this series is an exciting opportunity to experience the thrill of live MLB action, with some of the best players in the world competing in front of enthusiastic and passionate fans. Whether you’re a lifelong Dodgers fan, a baseball enthusiast from Japan, or someone experiencing the excitement for the first time, the exhibition games in Tokyo will undoubtedly be a historic and memorable event that kicks off the 2025 MLB season in a spectacular fashion.