Shohei Ohtani’s nail-biting return home to Japan: “It’s been a while since I’ve been so nervous”

The Los Angeles Dodgers have captured the imagination of fans around the globe, particularly across Asia, following their high-profile signings of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last year.

The two Japanese superstars played pivotal roles in leading the Dodgers to victory in the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees—a series that shattered viewership records for Major League Baseball.

Now, the Dodgers are on the hunt for back-to-back championships as they kick off the 2025 MLB season with the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs.

Ohtani homer at Tokyo Dome

The team didn’t disappoint the enthusiastic crowd at the Tokyo Dome, defeating the Cubs 4-1 on Tuesday and 6-3 on Wednesday. Shohei Ohtani further solidified his status as the National League MVP by blasting a home run in the second game, much to the delight of the local fans.

Shohei Ohtani eager to bring joy to fans in his homeland

“To be honest, I was pretty nervous,” Ohtani told Harold Reynolds of MLB Network through his interpreter, Will Ireton. “It has been a while since I felt this nervous, but I definitely was. It’s just such a unique atmosphere and a special situation where I feel like the fans expect me to get some hits.”

Ohtani confessed that he felt a few jitters playing at the Tokyo Dome for the first time as a member of the Dodgers. Despite the nerves, he had a strong performance in the first game, going 2-for-5 with two runs scored.

By Wednesday, Ohtani showed his true form, stepping up with more confidence and smashing a home run in the fifth inning to secure a Dodgers victory and kick off their title defense on the right note.

The Dodgers will now head back to LA to continue Spring Training with a three-game series against the Angels on March 23, 24, and 25.

They’ll officially resume the 2025 MLB season at Dodger Stadium with a three-game Opening Day series against the Detroit Tigers, beginning on Thursday, March 27.

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