The Tokyo Series was more than just the season opener for Major League Baseball, it became a record-breaking retail event. Fanatics, the sports merchandise giant, announced that the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and the Cubs generated a record $40 million in sales, making it the best-selling special event in company history.
Limited-Edition Tokyo Series gear sold out in minutes
The biggest hit of the Tokyo Series was a special collaboration with world-renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. The Murakami x MLB Tokyo Series collection, which featured unique Dodgers-themed designs, sold out in less than an hour.
Some pieces disappeared from the Fanatics app in under 15 minutes. Others vanished from pop-up stores in Tokyo and Los Angeles almost instantly. Meanwhile, Topps trading cards were another major draw, with over 12,000 Topps Series 1 Japan Exclusive Mega Boxes sold out in just a few hours.
Dodgers Mania in Tokyo breaks a worldwide record
With over 200,000 fans shopping at Fanatics-operated MLB stores throughout the week, it was clear that Dodgers fever had fully taken over Tokyo. Lines stretched for blocks outside the Tokyo Dome, with over 2,000 fans waiting for the doors to open before the first game.
The excitement wasn’t just in the stadium. The MLB Flagship Store in New York City also saw a huge influx of demand for Tokyo Series and World Series collectibles, making the event one of the most impactful retail moments for MLB in recent history.
A new era for baseball merchandise
From exclusive jerseys to limited-edition trading cards, Fanatics saw an unprecedented surge in demand. It was fueled by the presence of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The success of the Tokyo Series proves that international MLB events are more than just games. They’re massive cultural moments that drive record-breaking sales.
With Los Angeles playing a major role in baseball’s global expansion, expect more exclusive collaborations, pop-up stores, and limited-edition releases in the near future.
Want to get your hands on exclusive Tokyo Series gear? Stay tuned. Some items may be restocked online soon.