TOKYO -- Shohei Ohtani took the field at the Tokyo Dome to the roar of applause as a brief snippet of his walk-up song, "The Show Goes On" by Lupe Fiasco, played in the background. Never mind that Friday was just a workout day -- the excitement was real, and only a taste of what's to come.
Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki spoke about how special it is to open the Major League season on their home soil at a press conference at the Tokyo Dome Hotel ahead of Friday's workout. The trio of Japanese stars have been at the center of much of the hype surrounding the Tokyo Series against the Cubs, which takes place next Tuesday and Wednesday.
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“I really feel the excitement of the country with the games being played here,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Will Ireton. “I’m looking forward to pitching in front of the fans.”
Fans in Japan didn't wait until games started to turn out in support of the Dodgers and Cubs. The workouts drew more than 10,500 fans, and tickets -- which cost ¥2,000, or about $13 -- sold out in an hour upon being released.
Those in attendance were engaged as the Dodgers went through their off-day workouts, cheering the loudest when Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki were on the field but also showing plenty of appreciation for the rest of the roster. Batting practice, in particular, seemed to be a hit, with the crowd applauding for every ball that left the yard -- and even some that didn't.
“I’m sure my teammates are enjoying Japan right now, and I hope that they continue to do so,” Ohtani said through Ireton. “I hope that the fans get to see my teammates enjoy Japan.”
Ohtani wasn't on the field for long, but as he went through his work, his every moment was shown live on the video board. Once he wrapped up for the day, the live video ended and the Tokyo Series logo took its place on the screen.
"There's a lot of significance playing here in Tokyo," manager Dave Roberts said. "It's an opportunity for the Dodgers and the Cubs -- Major League Baseball -- to come to the great city of Tokyo and play a couple of ballgames. In one sense, it's just two baseball games, but in the global sense … it's a big opportunity for all of us."
Roberts noted that since the Dodgers arrived in Japan on Thursday, Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki have all become a little more serious in demeanor. While they're enjoying their homecoming, Roberts said, they also realize that they have a job to do.
All three should play leading roles in the Tokyo Series. Ohtani is coming off a spectacular first season with the Dodgers where he created the 50-50 club, became a World Series champion and won his third unanimous MVP Award. Yamamoto will get his first Opening Day start on Tuesday to kick off his sophomore campaign in the big leagues. And Sasaki is set to make his highly anticipated Major League debut on Wednesday.
“I was literally in Japan until a few months ago," Sasaki said through Ireton. "So for me, it’s about pitching in a different uniform for a new team and making sure that I perform at my best."
They don't just want to play in front of their home fans; they want to do well. There may be some bragging rights on the line, too, as the Cubs have two Japanese stars of their own -- Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. All five Japanese players at the Tokyo Series were a part of the Samurai Japan squad that won the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
There are a lot of eyes on the Dodgers in Tokyo, and a lot of enthusiasm for the team that doesn't end at its three Japanese stars. Many of the fans at the Tokyo Dome for the workout day were clad in Dodgers apparel, and the team's iconic L.A. logo cap is not an uncommon sight out on the streets.
The Dodgers had heard plenty about their popularity in Japan since signing Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki -- and now, they get to experience it for themselves.
"I think," Roberts said, "our mission was accomplished in painting the country of Japan in Dodger Blue."