Mar 2, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers fans take pictures as designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) leaves the game against the Chicago White Sox during spring training at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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WATCH: Massive Crowd Welcomes Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani in Japan for Tokyo Series

After Seoul last year, Tokyo is setting the bar even higher this year...

When the Los Angeles Dodgers secured Shohei Ohtani with a record-breaking $700 million contract, they knew exactly what they were investing in. Last year, the team’s international appeal was on full display in South Korea. This year, it’s Tokyo that’s setting the bar even higher. With Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the recently acquired Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers have built something unprecedented – and Japan is making sure they know it.

As the Dodgers touched down at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, they were met with an overwhelming wave of excitement. A massive crowd had gathered, eager to catch a glimpse of their hometown hero Ohtani, alongside Yamamoto and Sasaki. It was a scene reminiscent of last year’s Seoul Series, but with an even greater sense of spectacle.

Tons of people packed the Haneda Airport as the Dodgers arrived ahead of their Tokyo Series vs the Chicago Cubs.

Insane turnout 🤯pic.twitter.com/SE55ExbVHv
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 13, 2025

However, fans hoping for a clear view of Ohtani were left disappointed. The Dodgers were discreetly ushered off the tarmac, avoiding the public arrival area altogether. Anticipating the frenzy, airport officials had set up a 130-foot-long temporary white wall, ensuring the players remained out of sight. A similar strategy had been used the previous night when the Chicago Cubs – who also feature Japanese stars Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga – arrived.

Still, the energy in the terminal was undeniable. Fans held up signs, with one bright yellow board reading, “I love LA.” Others wore Dodgers jerseys, caps, and any team gear they could find. Time and again, hopeful supporters raised their phones, mistaking random travelers for Ohtani. Each time, it proved to be a false alarm, but their patience never wavered.

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Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, did not accompany him on the trip, reportedly due to her pregnancy. Despite her absence, she still played a role in the team’s journey, providing snacks and a heartfelt letter for the Dodgers’ traveling party, signed on behalf of herself and their dog, Decoy.

Konnichiwa, Japan! 🇯🇵

日本の皆さん、こんにちわ！ pic.twitter.com/ONNcNpshZo
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 13, 2025

With a long flight behind them, the Dodgers now shift their focus to acclimating to the time difference before their first exhibition game on Saturday. Manager Dave Roberts wasted no time, arranging a workout for the team shortly after arrival. Meanwhile, anticipation continues to build for Opening Day, where Yamamoto and Imanaga are set to make history as two Japanese pitchers taking the mound to start the season.

ALSO READ: How much will Dodgers manager Dave Roberts earn after agreeing to a record breaking contract extension?

The Tokyo Series is just days away, and while the Dodgers may have taken a private exit from the airport, there’s no escaping the fact that they’ve landed in a baseball-crazed nation eager to watch history unfold.

Opening Day 2025

Roki Sasaki

Shohei Ohtani

Tokyo Series

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.