MLB is staging their biggest standalone international event in league history 25 years after playing its first regular season games in Japan with the Tokyo Series from March 18-19 at the Tokyo Dome.
While the main attraction will be two regular season games between the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, featuring five Japanese-born players on the two rosters competing in their home country, the extensive surrounding festivities will highlight the country’s enthusiasm for baseball and give fans numerous ways to experience the event.
The 2025 Tokyo Series features numerous ways to watch the games, multiple cross promotions with some of the biggest Japanese entertainment brands, fan events, expanded retail takeover presence and an extensive array of sponsors.
Dodgers fan guide for Tokyo Series
TOKYO SKYTREE Light Up
One of the world’s tallest towers, TOKYO SKYTREE, will be illuminated with three different light-up patterns to collectively represent the Dodgers, Cubs and Tokyo Series. Fans can enjoy the temporary look of TOKYO SKYTREE on March 17, 18 and 19 in five-minute patterns.
After the two regular season games, the tower will remain in the colors of the winning team.
MLB Tokyo Series Fan Fest presented by Guggenheim
A fan festival featuring a batting experience zone, baseball diamond with outfield seating, photo opportunities, MLB-themed foods, appearances from former Japanese-born Major League players, trophy and jersey displays, an MLB Tokyo Series official store operated by Fanatics, and watch parties are taking place at TOKTO SKYTREE TOWN until March 19.
Dodgers Immersive Experience
A fan event dedicated to the Dodgers at Tokyo Node from March 5-30 will feature an immersive experience area including sights and sounds of Dodger Stadium, an exhibition area that includes the Shohei Ohtani 50-50 commemorative collection, virtual reality batting cage, photo opportunities, franchise history areas that includes highlighting their unique connection to Japan, bobblehead exhibit, and an exhibit dedicated to the 2024 World Series complete with the commissioner’s trophy.
Tobu Railway
The Tobu Railway Limited Express Ryomo will be wrapped in MLB’s red, white and navy blue to celebrate the arrival of the Tokyo Series. The train will continue to run in MLB colors until the end of the year. Trains across three Tobu lines will have the interiors completely wrapped in MLB imagery.
Topps ZeroBase Shibuya Activation
A three-floor interactive experiential fan event with digital touchscreens in a gamified environment – combining trading cards and memorabilia all while telling the story of iconic Japanese players, such as Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Hideki Matsui and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ichiro Suzuki.
Full floor of Ohtani memorabilia includes a base from his 50/50 game — and a game-used bat from the World Series. The event is open to fans March 13-16.
Demon Slayer
MLB is partnering with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, a Japanese entertainment juggernaut that is based on the manga series by Koyoharu Gotoge. The manga consists of 23 volumes and has published over 150 million units worldwide.
The feature film Mugen Train currently holds the record as the highest grossing Japanese anime film of all-time. The creators of the animation studio created a new anime video that combines MLB players, including Ohtani, with characters from the series.
A collection of consumer products combining MLB and Demon Slayer will also be available.
Takashi Murakami
MLB, Fanatics and Complex formed a partnership with renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami for a limited-edition line of co-branded collectibles and merchandise.
The collection includes products featuring Murakami’s distinctive style from MLB partners Fanatics, Nike, New Era, Topps, Rawlings and Victus.
Apparel and accessories products – including jerseys, hoodies, hats, bags and slides – launched on March 7 and quickly sold out on the Fanatics App and Complex online stores.
Pokémon
The popular Japanese brand will have its characters incorporated into the pregame ceremony for Opening Day of the Tokyo Series.
Chiikawa
MLB teamed up with Chiikawa to celebrate the Tokyo Series with a special collection featuring Chiikawa characters in Dodgers and Cubs uniforms.
The limited-edition merchandise is now available at Chiikawa Market (online), MLBShop.jp, and Chiikawa Land flagship stores in Japan. Created by illustrator Nagano, Chiikawa has become a cultural phenomenon and one of Japan’s most cherished character brands.
How to watch Tokyo Series
SportsNet LA, Fox and more
Nationally in the United States, Fox will air the first game of the Tokyo Series, FS1 will carry the second game, and Fox Deportes is televising both contests.
The games will also be available on the Cubs’ regional sports network, Marquee, and the Dodgers’ SportsNet LA.
Broadcasts in Japan
Dodgers and Cubs games will be available over-the-air on NTV and can be streamed via Amazon Prime in Japan.
Movie theaters and other Japan locations
The games will also air in up to 150 movie theaters in Japan, Giants Town Stadium in Tokyo, MLB Tokyo Series Fan Fest and more.
Global Distribution
The Tokyo Series will be distributed to more than 200 countries and territories and will also be available through MLB.TV outside of the Los Angeles and Chicago areas.
Shopping and retail
At more than 30,000 square feet, the Tokyo Dome will be home to the largest ever MLB special event store which will operate in partnership with Fanatics. More than 20 unique retailers across Japan are expected to offer a variety of new product in more than 100 locations country-wide, including brand flagship stores, shop-in-shops and pop-up shops in conjunction with the Tokyo Series.
Fans can find retail activity at many Tokyo landmarks such as the four corners of Omotesando’s main crosswalk and Miyashita Park near Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
Retailers activating with MLB merchandise include: ’47, Alpen Group, Atmos Pink, Avirex, AZUL by Moussy, BEAMS, Beauty & Youth United Arrows, BTTF, Fanatics, GR8, Journal Standard, Keboz, Kiddy Land, MadHappy, MilkFed, Murasaki Sports, New Era, Ralph Lauren, Ron Herman, THE CAP, and Xebio.
Around the Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome City, which surrounds the stadium, has numerous activities and options for fans, including an amusement park, shops, restaurants and a spa complex.
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