As the countdown to the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series continues, fans and collectors alike are gearing up for an event that promises to be as memorable as it is innovative. In an era where the worlds of sports, art, and culture are becoming increasingly intertwined, Topps has managed to orchestrate a collaboration that may just redefine the traditional trading card. Renowned Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami has been tapped for this groundbreaking partnership, adding his distinctive touch to the classic baseball card aesthetic in a collection that celebrates Japan’s profound influence on the sport.
Tokyo, a city where the worlds of high art and high drama sporting events coexist harmoniously, is the natural setting for this collection. Known for its vibrant arts scene and fervent baseball fandom, Tokyo offers a fitting canvas for Murakami’s creative expression. Topps, MLB, and Complex have teamed up to bring this exclusive set of trading cards and merchandise to life, available through the Fanatics’ platform. Murakami’s signature style — bold colors, playful floral motifs, and a unique interpretation of pop-art — has been leveraged to reimagine baseball cards in a way that pays homage to both his cultural origins and the game’s legacy.
Topps has not been a company to shy away from creative exploration. They previously collaborated with rapper Travis Scott in 2024 for a widely successful Cactus Jack series. Now, with Murakami in the fold, Topps is not just pushing the boundaries of what trading cards can be, but also appealing to an audience that spans sports fans, art aficionados, and collectors worldwide.
But it’s not just the trading cards that have received a Murakami makeover. The comprehensive nature of this partnership extends to exclusive merchandise that includes a special line of Nike MLB apparel. Fans can delight in Murakami-designed t-shirts, sweatshirts, and player jerseys. All of this kicks off on March 7, available across various e-commerce platforms and select physical retail locations. Whether you’re donning your brand-new Murakami-designed apparel at the MLB Tokyo Series games, browsing the shelves at Dodger Stadium or Wrigley Field, or shopping at the MLB Flagship Store in New York City, these collections are poised to become collectors’ items in their own right.
The card collection itself is a must-have for any serious collector. Kicking off this venture, two signature releases are leading the charge. First up is the 2025 Topps Baseball Series 1 – Tokyo Game Exclusive, launching on March 1, available in Mega Boxes priced at $50. These boxes feature base cards with Murakami’s artistic flair and are limited to a mere five copies each, offering a deep dive into the heritage of Japanese baseball, highlighted by special themes and legendary autographs from icons such as Hideki Matsui, Yu Darvish, and Ichiro.
Following closely is the Topps x Murakami MLB Tokyo Series Matchup Set, set to release on March 7. This 25-card set is priced at $120 per hobby box and includes rare parallels and autographs. The pièce de résistance of this release is a chase card, a dual-autographed redemption card signed by both Takashi Murakami and baseball phenomenon Shohei Ohtani.
So, where can you nab these exclusive collectibles? If you’re lucky enough to attend the Tokyo Series, you’ll have the first crack at these gems in select Tokyo locales such as Miyashita Park rooftop, Tokyo Dome’s Prizm Hall, and through a unique Topps activation in Shibuya. For those unable to make the trip, jp.topps.com will also host these treasures. As for the Topps x Murakami Matchup Set, be sure to keep an eye on Complex.com, its Los Angeles store, and various pop-up venues throughout Tokyo.
Topps is ensuring that the 2025 Tokyo Series is nothing short of a fan’s dream, hosting an interactive exhibition from March 13-16 in Shibuya. This three-floor extravaganza will not only showcase rare trading cards and memorabilia but also dive deep into the annals of Japanese baseball history. A special floor dedicated entirely to Shohei Ohtani will feature his iconic 50/50 game base and a bat from the World Series, offering fans an unforgettable experience.
Through this collaboration, Topps is honoring the inseparable bond between baseball and Japan, while bringing trading cards into a new era as bona fide works of art. It’s a celebration of tradition and innovation packaged into beautifully rendered 3×5-inch masterpieces, worthy of admiration and collection. Whether you’re a fan of the sport, an art lover, or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of a well-crafted collectible, the Topps and Murakami collaboration stands as a testament to what’s possible when two creative forces collide.
