For the second straight year, the MLB season will begin overseas. The defending World Series champion Dodgers will once again do the honors to kick off the 2025 campaign, but after facing the Padres in South Korea last year, this time they’ll head to Tokyo, Japan to square off against the Cubs.
The traditional 2025 MLB Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, but the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs will take place March 18-19.
It’s an exciting matchup and a fitting homecoming, as both teams boast stars from Japan, including three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani.
Below is everything you need to know about the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series.
How to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs Tokyo Series 2025
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When: Tuesday, March 18-Wednesday, March 19
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Where: Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan
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Times: See schedule below
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Live Stream: FOX/FS1
Dodgers vs Cubs MLB Tokyo Series 2025 schedule
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Tuesday, March 18 – 6 a.m. ET (7 p.m. in Japan)
Probable Pitching matchup: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) vs. Shota Imanaga (Cubs)
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Wednesday, March 19 – 6 a.m. ET (7 p.m. in Japan)
Probable Pitching matchup: Roki Sasaki (Dodgers) vs. Justin Steele (Cubs)
In addition to the two regular season games, the Dodgers and Cubs will also play exhibition games leading into the Tokyo Series. On Saturday March 15, the Cubs will play the Hanshin Tigers (11 p.m. ET) and the Dodgers will play the Yomiuri Giants (6 a.m. ET). On Sunday March 16, the Dodgers will play the Hanshin Tigers (11 p.m. ET) and the Cubs will play the Yomiuri Giants (6 a.m. ET)
What Japanese-born MLB players are on the Dodgers and Cubs?
Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani, who played five seasons for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, is coming off one of the most dominant offensive seasons in the history of the sport. In the first year of his 10-year contract with the Dodgers, Ohtani became the first player to ever amass more than 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. He underwent surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder following the World Series and is set to return to the mound this season after September 2023 elbow surgery.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yamamoto, who will start Opening Day for the Dodgers, pitched seven seasons for the Orix Buffaloes before signing a 12-year, $325 million contract with Los Angeles last offseason. The 26-year-old posted a strong 3.00 ERA in 18 starts in his first season in MLB while also missing extensive time with a right rotator cuff strain. He made his return in September before compiling a 3.86 ERA over four…