Roger Arrieta
As the Dodgers kicked off the 2025 season in Japan with the Tokyo Series, Dodgers broadcaster and former first baseman Eric Karros shared his thoughts on everything from Shohei Ohtani’s global presence to his favorite experiences in Tokyo and the Dodgers’ role as baseball’s ultimate villains.
Shohei Ohtani Everywhere You Look
Karros joked that while many Dodgers players brought their families along for the Tokyo trip, his “plus one” has been Shohei Ohtani. “Everywhere I go, it’s Shohei here, Shohei there,” Karros said with a laugh. He marveled at Ohtani’s omnipresence in Japan, noting that Ohtani’s face was everywhere—from billboards advertising soft drinks and earbuds to fragrance ads and designer suits. “I just saw a new one,” Karros added, amazed at how deeply embedded Ohtani is in Japanese culture.
Surprised by the Huge Dodgers Fan Base in Japan
What really caught Karros off guard, however, was the sheer number of Dodgers fans who traveled to Tokyo or were already in Japan supporting the team. “I played for the Cubs, and they always traveled well, but this has surpassed anything I’ve ever seen,” he said. During a day of sightseeing, Karros and Dodgers broadcaster Stephen Nelson encountered several fans who recognized them and stopped to chat. “Everywhere we went, it was Dodgers this, Dodgers that,” Karros said, clearly impressed by the global reach of the franchise.
The Food: A Culinary Delight
When asked about his favorite part of visiting Tokyo, Karros didn’t hesitate—the food. “We went to a steak place at Gaien, and I’m probably pronouncing it wrong, but by far, it was the best steak I’ve ever eaten in my life,” he said. But it wasn’t just the steak. Karros was blown away by the variety and quality of food Tokyo had to offer. “I had some incredible Chinese food, and the sushi here is unbelievable,” he added. “If you’re a foodie, you’ve got to put this place on your map.”
Embracing the Dodgers’ Villain Role
As the conversation turned to the Dodgers’ dominance and the criticism they sometimes face for their spending and success, Karros had a refreshing take. “Look, it’s all about creating emotion,” he said. “Whether it’s the emotion of loving the Dodgers or wanting to beat the Dodgers, you’re getting a reaction—and that’s a good thing.” Karros believes that being the team everyone wants to beat is a sign of success. “I’d much rather be on the side where we’re the team to beat,” he said with a grin.
Final Thoughts: Tokyo as a Must-Visit Destination
Karros wrapped up his reflections by emphasizing that Tokyo should be on every baseball fan’s travel list. “Even if you never leave Tokyo Dome City, the food alone makes it worth the trip,” he said.
As the Tokyo Series came to an end, Karros’ experiences captured the excitement of the moment, highlighting not only Ohtani’s global stardom but also the Dodgers’ ability to unite and ignite baseball fans around the world.
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