JTB, a travel agency, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced a multiyear deal.

In a landmark deal bridging sports and travel, the Los Angeles Dodgers have partnered with JTB, a premier Japanese travel agency, in a multiyear agreement aimed at enhancing the experience of Japanese baseball fans visiting the U.S. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening the connection between Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japan, a country with a deep passion for baseball.

Overview of the Partnership

Announced on March 26, 2025, this agreement designates JTB as the Official Japanese Tourism Partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, making it the first Japanese company to hold such a distinction. Through this partnership, JTB will provide a range of services and exclusive opportunities for Japanese fans traveling to Los Angeles to experience the Dodgers up close.

JTB will sponsor the Dodgers’ Japanese-language stadium tours, offering Japanese visitors a detailed exploration of the team’s rich history, championship legacy, and iconic memorabilia. The tours will provide an in-depth look at Dodger Stadium, one of the most famous ballparks in Major League Baseball.

Additionally, JTB customers will benefit from priority access to Dodger Stadium, allowing them entry one hour before the general public. This perk enhances the game-day experience by offering an early look at batting practice, a chance to visit exclusive areas of the stadium, and an opportunity to soak in the atmosphere before the crowds arrive. To make travel more convenient, JTB will operate round-trip shuttle buses from major Los Angeles hotels directly to Dodger Stadium, ensuring smooth and hassle-free transportation.

A Growing Connection Between MLB and Japan

The Dodgers have a long-standing connection with Japan, dating back to 1956 when the team, then based in Brooklyn, embarked on a historic goodwill tour of Japan. The Dodgers’ ties with Japan deepened further with the signing of several prominent Japanese players over the years, including Hideo Nomo, Hiroki Kuroda, and, more recently, Shohei Ohtani. With Ohtani’s high-profile move to the Dodgers in 2024, interest in the team from Japanese fans has skyrocketed, making this partnership especially timely.

This alliance between JTB and the Dodgers is an extension of JTB’s existing relationship with Major League Baseball. In January 2024, JTB became MLB’s official partner in Asia, securing travel and hospitality rights to provide fans from Japan, South Korea, and other Asian countries with access to MLB games, events, and travel packages. The partnership with the Dodgers further expands JTB’s reach within the world of baseball tourism.

Statements from Key Figures

Lon Rosen, the Dodgers’ Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, expressed his enthusiasm about the deal, stating:

“We are thrilled to welcome JTB as an official partner. The Dodgers have a rich history of engagement with Japan, and this collaboration will allow us to further enhance the game-day experience for our Japanese fans. Baseball is a global sport, and through JTB’s expertise, we can continue to connect with our international audience in a meaningful way.”

Eijiro Yamakita, President & CEO of JTB, also shared his excitement, saying:

“The Dodgers are one of the most popular teams among Japanese baseball fans, and we are proud to join hands with them in this historic partnership. Our goal is to bring fans closer to the game they love by providing seamless travel experiences and exclusive access to Dodger Stadium. We believe this collaboration will create unforgettable moments for baseball enthusiasts traveling from Japan to Los Angeles.”

What This Means for Japanese Baseball Fans

The partnership between JTB and the Dodgers is expected to significantly boost baseball tourism from Japan to Los Angeles. Japanese fans have long demonstrated their passion for MLB, particularly for teams with Japanese players. Shohei Ohtani’s presence on the Dodgers has only amplified this interest, with an increasing number of fans eager to witness his performances in person.

With JTB’s travel packages, Japanese visitors will have access to premium seating, behind-the-scenes stadium tours, and VIP experiences that offer a deeper appreciation for the Dodgers and Major League Baseball as a whole. By providing Japanese-language services, customized travel itineraries, and exclusive perks, JTB ensures that fans from Japan will have a comfortable and immersive baseball experience.

Strengthening U.S.-Japan Baseball Ties

Beyond the business aspects of this agreement, the partnership reflects the enduring bond between the United States and Japan through baseball. The sport has served as a cultural bridge between the two nations for over a century, with numerous Japanese players making their mark in MLB and American players gaining popularity in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

By fostering greater engagement between Japanese fans and the Dodgers, this collaboration promotes baseball as a truly global sport. It also paves the way for further interactions between Japanese and American baseball communities, including potential cross-country exhibition games, youth development programs, and cultural exchanges centered around the sport.

Future Prospects and Expansion

Looking ahead, JTB and the Dodgers plan to expand the scope of their collaboration. This could include specialized tour packages that offer in-depth baseball experiences, such as meet-and-greets with players, exclusive Dodgers-themed merchandise, and potential opportunities for Japanese fans to participate in pre-game ceremonies.

There is also speculation that this partnership could serve as a model for other MLB teams seeking to strengthen their international fan engagement strategies. With the growing popularity of baseball in Asia, similar agreements between travel agencies and MLB teams could become more common, enhancing the global reach of the sport.

The multiyear agreement between JTB and the Los Angeles Dodgers is a landmark collaboration that underscores the growing international appeal of Major League Baseball. By offering Japanese fans exclusive access, premium travel experiences, and enhanced stadium services, this partnership sets a new standard for sports tourism.

For the Dodgers, this deal solidifies their commitment to their international fan base, particularly in Japan, where baseball holds a special place in the hearts of millions. For JTB, it represents a significant step in expanding their influence in sports tourism and bringing fans closer to the action.

As the Dodgers and JTB embark on this exciting journey together, Japanese baseball fans can look forward to unparalleled experiences that celebrate the sport, the team, and the shared love of baseball between two nations.