The Major League Baseball (MLB) season kicks off with a bang this year, as the Los Angeles Dodgers, reigning World Series champions, face off against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan. This exciting series not only showcases top talent from both teams but also gives Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Seiya Suzuki a chance to shine in front of their home crowd. To mark this momentous occasion, MLB and Complex have joined forces with renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to unveil an exclusive collection of team apparel adorned with his vibrant, iconic designs.
In a recent statement, Murakami expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the significance of bridging the cultural gap between Japan and the United States. “I think this new collection builds upon the historical friendship between Japan and the United States,” he said. “I feel lucky to be able to work alongside Complex, MLB, and highlight Shohei Ohtani, an outstanding athlete who has emerged from Japan and made a name for himself on the global stage. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be a part of this.” To unveil the collaboration, Murakami also launched a charming animation featuring his whimsical characters sporting the MLB-themed merchandise.
The collection itself boasts a diverse range of products, including team hats, t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, bats, and tote bags, all featuring cherry blossom motifs and Murakami’s signature characters. Among the most coveted items are the Nike MLB Limited team jerseys, which will be available in both team and individual player editions. Fans can expect to snag jerseys of top Dodgers players like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, as well as Cubs standouts Shota Imanaga, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson.
Adding to the excitement, the collaboration includes a special 2025 Topps x Murakami MLB Tokyo Series Matchup Set comprising 25 trading cards, some of which feature rare parallels and autographs. The crown jewel of the set is a one-of-one dual-autograph card featuring both Murakami and Ohtani, poised to become a highly sought-after collector’s item.
For fans eager to immerse themselves in the collection, two pop-up events in Los Angeles and Tokyo offer a unique experience. The LA pop-up, hosted at Complex LA from March 7 to March 9, and the Tokyo pop-up, located in Shibuya from March 8 to March 21, will showcase the merchandise in installations inspired by Murakami’s distinctive designs.
If you’re eager to get your hands on this exclusive collaboration, mark your calendars for Friday, March 7, when the Takashi Murakami x MLB collection drops on Complex.com, Fanatics.com, and MLBShop.com. Selected items will also be available at the MLB Tokyo Series games, where the Dodgers and Cubs will face off against local Japanese teams before their regular season opener on March 18 and 19. For those unable to attend the games, the collection will be sold at Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field, Clubhouse stores, and the MLB Flagship Store in New York City. Stay up to date with this exciting release by following Takashi Murakami on Instagram.
The collaboration between Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, MLB, and Complex promises a vibrant celebration of the MLB Tokyo Series and the cultural exchange between Japan and the United States. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this historic event and sport some truly unique and artistic team apparel.
Sources: Takashi Murakami x MLB Tokyo Series collection launches March 7; Takashi Murakami’s MLB Collection Commemorated With Pop-Ups in Los Angeles and Tokyo
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