feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

The most awaited MLB season opener is here!

Watch What’s Trending Now!

And in Japan, it’s all about their main man Shohei Ohtani. Every building, every billboard, seems to have his face plastered. And even on thousands of those who made it to the Tokyo Dome to watch the Dodgers take on the Chicago Cubs.

ADVERTISEMENT

But before the first pitch, the truly unforgettable moment that set the tone was the amazing performance by Japanese music icon Yoshiki. He took the stage to perform both Japanese and American national anthem in front of a live audience. And it was breathtaking.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I feel honored to be part of this major event. I’ve performed the American anthem at Dodger Stadium and Carnegie Hall, but this will be my first time performing the Japanese national anthem in front of a live audience,” shared Yoshiki.

This moment is even more significant because it’s his first performance since undergoing neck surgery. Despite that, Yoshiki mentioned, “… but I will do my best to honor these beautiful songs and contribute to the special bond between the U.S., Japan, and the rest of the world.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Now, with Yoshiki setting the tone for the MLB season opener, who do you think will emerge victorious here? All the way Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers or Cubs?

Stay tuned with us for more updates.

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Sagarika Das

1,848 Articles

Sagarika Das is a Senior MLB Writer at EssentiallySports, bringing four years of professional experience and a strong journalism background to her role at the Baseball GameDay Desk. She has covered major events like the World Series, Off-Season, and Trade Deadline, earning a place in EssentiallySports’ Journalistic Excellence Program, an in-house initiative that trains writers under industry experts to sharpen their reporting and storytelling skills. Sagarika also mentors junior reporters through structured peer reviews, helping to elevate the entire team’s quality and consistency. Known for delivering stories that inform and resonate, she focuses on rising stars, high-stakes postseason drama, and the narratives that connect fans more deeply with the game. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys reading, traveling, and creating social media vlogs, always seeking the next story to tell.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Ahana Chatterjee

ADVERTISEMENT