If Shohei Ohtani‘s upcoming return to Japan ignited a storm of anticipation, the announcement of the Dodgers’ season opener against the Cubs in Tokyo has blown it even further. This upcoming clash transcends beyond just being a game. It is a spectacle. It is the homecoming of a cultural and global icon to his native Japan. Such is the fanfare surrounding baseball’s biggest star that his teammate Tyler Glasnow declared without hesitation that Ohtani’s popularity in Japan is ten times more than Justin Bieber!

During a conversation with SportsNet LA, Glasnow revealed that he was expecting the trip to Japan to be crazy. Sharing his honest thoughts on what to expect ahead of the trip, the southpaw said, “Ohtani is like Justin Bieber times 10 over there, so it’s probably gonna be insane,” he boldly declared. He added that there were going to be numerous people walking around in the hotel, making the atmosphere all the more crazy.

An international tour has more challenges than just the fans. Glasnow acknowledged this during the same conversation. The time-zone difference itself is a mountain to climb. It is important for athletes to maintain a routine. If their sleep schedule is disturbed, even the most experienced athletes find themselves overcome with stress.  However, the Dodgers are not leaving anything to chance. They’ve given their players a “sleep packet thing,” which is a set of instructions to help them overcome the effects of jet lag.

Having traveled internationally with the team before, Glasnow already knows what to expect from the trip. However, even with the best preparation, the sheer spectacle of Shohei Ohtani‘s return is sure to increase the pressure and expectations. The upcoming series will test their resilience as they navigate media scrutiny and overwhelming crowds, apart from international travel. But judging by Glasnow’s Bieber-statement about Ohtani, it is clear that the team already knows the ‘crazy’ that is in store for them and will prepare accordingly.

Dodgers vs Cubs, a unique opening day for 2025 MLB season

While the rest of the league is still in the middle of the spring training season, the 2025 MLB season will begin with a clash between storied franchises in an uncharacteristically early start to the season, just under two weeks. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will face each other, with Tokyo serving as the stage for this highly anticipated game. This opening day not only marks the opening day of a new season, but it also represents a significant step in MLB’s global expansion.

The two-game set will begin on Tuesday, March 18. Their next game will take place the next day on Wednesday, March 19. Due to the time difference, however, both games will be played at 5:10 am ET.  Both of these games will be counted in their 162-game regular season, despite both teams having spring training games scheduled after this encounter.

Apart from the Dodgers and the Cubs, 26 other teams will celebrate their opening day on Thursday, March 27. The original plan was to have all the teams have their opening on the same day. However, the Rockies vs Ray game was pushed a day back to March 28 in order to allow more time to prepare George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa

Coming back to the Dodgers-Cub clash. The defending champions have a special treat for their Japanese fans. Apart from Shohei Ohtani, they will also feature Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Interestingly, while the pitcher has previously played in Australia, South Korea and Mexico, this will be his first time in Japan. This will also be the first MLB game in Japan for Seiya Suzuki, who has previously played nine seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League. Shota Imanaga will also serve as the starting pitcher for the Cubs, giving the fans even more homegrown stars to cheer for. And waiting in the wings is rising star Rori Sasaki who is also expected to make an appearance.