Major League Baseball's season-opening series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs takes place in Tokyo next week, with five Japanese-born players relishing the chance to impress on home soil. They include Dodgers' superstar Ohtani Shohei.



The players spoke to media on Friday in the Japanese capital. Ohtani said he hopes people enjoy the power and speed of Major League Baseball, adding that he would be happy to hit a home run.



Pitchers Yamamoto Yoshinobu and Sasaki Roki are set to start for the Dodgers.



Yamamoto said he hopes to play well. Sasaki, who is debuting as a Major Leaguer, said he will give it his all on his dream stage.



Ten-thousand fans flocked to Tokyo Dome on Friday to watch the players practice ahead of the two games.



Cubs starting pitcher Imanaga Shota said he feels upbeat both physically and mentally, adding that he will stay focused because the Dodgers are great at racking up runs.



And slugger Suzuki Seiya said he is thrilled to play in front of baseball fans in Japan, adding that he hopes to make an impression.