The Tokyo series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs has come to a close.

The Dodgers claimed both games of the series held at Tokyo Dome on the 18th and 19th. Shohei Ohtani provided unforgettable memories for Japanese fans by hitting his first home run of the season during the second game of the Tokyo series on the 19th.

The Japanese sports media outlet "Tokyo Sports" reported on the 20th that "the Major League Baseball Tokyo series held in Japan after six years concluded on the 19th. Japanese players, including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki (all Dodgers), as well as Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki (both Cubs), created a big sensation in Japan."

The outlet noted that "the players enjoyed not only training and games but also food tours, including sushi and ramen, as well as sightseeing," adding that "reporters from American media who crossed the Pacific to cover this series did the same."

Before this series, the Dodgers and the Cubs played a total of six games, including exhibition matches against Japan's prestigious professional baseball teams, the Yomiuri Giants and the Hanshin Tigers. The outlet mentioned that over 10,000 fans attended the training session on the 14th, which was open to the public for a fee, despite it being a weekday.

"Tokyo Sports" revealed the reactions of reporters who traveled from the United States. Some comments contained nuances that belittled the Seoul series.

A reporter said, "Fans are watching the players' every move. It may seem like an ordinary training day for us, but it's different for the fans. They must have been very happy to see the Dodgers players train."

Another reporter commented, "Isn't it true that 90% of the Japanese public are Dodgers fans? The Seoul series drew attention last year, but the scale is entirely different. The Dodgers had a significant presence in Korea, but there were no Korean players. Yet, in Japan, there are three star players."

A different reporter shared, "Advertisements featuring Ohtani or Yamamoto could easily be seen at convenience stores. It is a part of the culture, regardless of the Dodgers' opening game. This is different from Seoul."

The outlet reported that "American reporters were very satisfied to encounter Japanese food, such as takoyaki, sandwiches, and rice balls, even amidst their busy work schedules."

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