Five Japanese stars are back on home soil as Major Leaguers -- among them Shohei Ohtani, coming off a season for the ages \-\- and the reigning World Series champion Dodgers take the first step in defending their title.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their 31-man travel roster for the upcoming Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs, set to take place at the iconic Tokyo Dome on March 18 and 19. This event not only marks the beginning of the 2025 MLB season but also underscores baseball’s expanding global footprint.

Five Japanese players will participate in this year’s Tokyo Series, with three—Yamamoto, Imanaga, and Sasaki—all slated to take the mound. Additionally, Ohtani and Seiya Suzuki are key pieces in the Dodgers’ and Cubs’ respective lineups.