The 2025 MLB regular season will commence with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs facing off in Tokyo, Japan. A highlight of the series could be a matchup between Japanese pitchers Shota Imanaga of the Cubs and Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both entering their second MLB seasons. Yamamoto is anticipated to start the opening game, with Roki Sasaki potentially making his MLB debut in the series, depending on his spring training status.

Imanaga expressed his determination to excel in his home country, aiming to uphold his responsibilities as a starting pitcher. In 2024, Imanaga achieved a commendable 2.91 ERA, while Yamamoto recorded a solid 3.00 ERA across their respective seasons. The series will also feature other Japanese talents, including Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, though Ohtani is not expected to pitch until May.