As a 9-year-old, Seiya Suzuki watched Hideki Matsui warm up at Tokyo Dome before a 2004 Yankees game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the second MLB season opener held in Tokyo. It was a memorable moment for Suzuki, seeing his hero in action for the first time.
“I never imagined I’d be the one playing in Japan as a Major Leaguer,” said Suzuki, now with the Chicago Cubs, speaking through a translator on Friday.
Suzuki will follow in Matsui’s footsteps by participating in MLB’s sixth Japan series in 2025. Alongside fellow Japanese Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, he will play two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Tokyo Dome on March 18-19.
Both Suzuki and Imanaga hope to leave a positive impression on Japanese fans, similar to Matsui.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I hope the Japanese fans enjoy watching us play there,” Imanaga said through a translator. “I want to prepare well so I can perform at my best.”
Suzuki was a five-time All-Star during his nine seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League (NPB) before joining the Cubs in 2022 on a five-year contract.
Imanaga, who spent eight seasons in Japan and was a two-time NPB All-Star, signed with the Cubs this past offseason. He represented the team at the All-Star Game on Tuesday, pitching one scoreless inning.
With their extensive experience in Japan, Suzuki and Imanaga have formed strong bonds with other Japanese players, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers.
“When Japanese players face each other, there’s always a special atmosphere, whether it’s here or there,” Imanaga said. “I think everyone will enjoy the games.”
