Five Japanese stars are back on home soil as Major Leaguers -- among them Shohei Ohtani, coming off a season for the ages \-\- and the reigning World Series champion Dodgers take the first step in defending their title.

Over the weekend, both MLB teams played exhibition games against Japanese teams. In the stadium where Ohtani once sent a ball through the roof, he (obviously) homered again. The packed stadium coming to a reverent hush before every pitch to him was truly something to behold.

MLB season opens in Tokyo on Tuesday morning as the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the Tokyo Series. Here is what you need to know before first pitch.