Five Japanese stars are back on home soil as Major Leaguers -- among them Shohei Ohtani, coming off a season for the ages \-\- and the reigning World Series champion Dodgers take the first step in defending their title.

Major League Baseball 's 2025 season begins in Japan on Tuesday, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs squaring off at the Tokyo Dome in one of the most anticipated international games ever. “It’s going to be absolutely crazy," Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez said before the teams left for Japan.

For the first time in six years, Major League Baseball games will be played in Japan this season. The Chicago Cubs and defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will open the 2025 regular season with two games in Tokyo starting Tuesday.