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As the highly anticipated 2025 MLB Tokyo Series approaches, Topps is making waves with a groundbreaking collaboration featuring renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. This unique partnership blends baseball, art, and culture into an exclusive collection of trading cards and merchandise that celebrates Japan’s influence on the sport.

A Fusion of Art and Baseball in Tokyo

Tokyo, a city known for its deep appreciation of both sports and art, serves as the perfect backdrop for this one-of-a-kind collection. In collaboration with MLB and Complex, Topps has launched a limited-edition set of trading cards and apparel through Fanatics, bringing Murakami’s signature style into the world of baseball collectibles.

Murakami’s Artistic Touch on Baseball Cards

Murakami, famous for his vibrant colors and floral-inspired artwork, has reimagined traditional baseball cards with a unique Japanese twist. His designs incorporate bold, playful aesthetics while paying tribute to Japan’s baseball culture and legendary players. These cards maintain Topps’ signature look but stand out with a distinct fusion of pop art and sports nostalgia.

This isn’t the first time Topps has ventured outside the traditional collectibles space. In 2024, Fanatics partnered with rapper Travis Scott to release a highly sought-after Cactus Jack card set. Now, with Murakami on board, the brand continues to push creative boundaries, drawing in both sports fans and art enthusiasts.

Exclusive Murakami-Designed Merchandise

Beyond trading cards, Murakami has also designed a collection of Nike MLB apparel, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and customized player jerseys. These items will be available for purchase starting March 7 at Fanatics.com, MLBShop.com, Complex.com, and select in-person locations, including:

• MLB Tokyo Series games
• Dodger Stadium & Wrigley Field Clubhouse stores
• MLB Flagship Store in New York City

The Must-Have Card Sets

Two highly anticipated Topps releases will headline this collection:

1. 2025 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Tokyo Game Exclusive (March 1)

• Available in a Mega Box for $50
• Base card variations featuring Murakami’s designs, limited to just five copies
• Special sets featuring autographs from Japanese baseball legends, including Hideki Matsui, Yu Darvish, and Ichiro
• Unique themes such as Tokyo Nights, World Tour Domination, and History of Japanese Baseball

2. 2025 Topps x Murakami MLB Tokyo Series Matchup Set (March 7)

• 25-card set priced at $120 per hobby box
• Includes parallels and autographs
• Chase card: A dual-autographed redemption card signed by Takashi Murakami and Shohei Ohtani

Where to Get These Exclusive Cards

Securing these limited-edition cards won’t be easy. If you’re not attending the Tokyo Series, you’ll need to act fast:

• Topps Series 1 – Tokyo Game Exclusive will be sold at select Tokyo locations:

  • Miyashita Park rooftop
  • Tokyo Dome’s Prizm Hall
  • Topps’ experiential activation in Shibuya
  • Online at jp.topps.com

• Topps x Murakami Matchup Set will be available exclusively at:

  • Complex.com
  • Complex’s Los Angeles store
  • Pop-up locations throughout Tokyo

An Unforgettable Fan Experience in Tokyo

Topps is going all out for the 2025 Tokyo Series, hosting a three-floor interactive exhibition in Shibuya from March 13-16. This immersive experience will highlight:

• Rare trading cards & memorabilia
• The rich history of Japanese baseball
• A full floor dedicated to Shohei Ohtani, featuring his 50/50 game base and World Series game-used bat

Blending Tradition, Innovation, and Collectibles

With this collaboration, Topps is celebrating baseball’s deep connection to Japan while bringing the hobby into a new era. By merging sports, art, and culture, the brand is transforming trading cards into collectible works of art—one 3x5-inch masterpiece at a time.