In a mesmerizing fusion of color, culture, and sport, the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Tokyo Series has announced a partnership that’s as innovative as it is exclusive. Topps, the celebrated trading card company, has teamed up with renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Known for his kaleidoscopic designs and heartfelt ode to Japanese art and pop culture, Murakami is now bringing his unique flair to the world of baseball collectibles, set amidst the electric atmosphere of Tokyo—a city where art and baseball both pulse with fervor and tradition.
As Tokyo prepares to host the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series, this collaboration is a masterstroke, melding the aesthetics of one of Japan’s most beloved artists with baseball’s enduring appeal. Together with MLB and the pop culture powerhouse Complex, Topps is releasing a limited edition set of trading cards and stylish apparel through Fanatics, infusing Murakami’s visionary signature into the sports memorabilia scene.
Murakami’s artistic journey through the baseball diamond is nothing short of transformative. Revered for his vibrant colors and floral flourishes, Murakami has given the traditional baseball card a whimsical Japanese twist while preserving the nostalgic allure of the game. His designs dance with playful audacity, encapsulating the spirit of Japanese baseball culture and with a knowing nod to its legendary figures. Through Murakami’s hand, Topps’ cherished format morphs into a canvas of pop art brilliance, encapsulating scenes that are sure to dazzle both sports fans and art aficionados alike.
This dynamic collaboration isn’t drawn from thin air—Topps is no stranger to creative partnerships that break the mold. In 2024, the brand embarked on a successful journey with rapper Travis Scott, unveiling a Cactus Jack card set that became the stuff of collectible legend. Now, Murakami’s entry into Topps’ realm marks another high point, pushing the boundaries of what trading cards can achieve by attracting new crowds to the hobby.
But the allure of Murakami’s artistic touch doesn’t stop with trading cards. His creativity spills over into a line of exclusive Nike MLB apparel, boasting custom player jerseys, t-shirts, and sweatshirts that sing with his unmistakable style. These pieces will become available on March 7 across several platforms, including Fanatics.com, MLBShop.com, and Complex.com, as well as select physical locations like Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field Clubhouse stores, MLB’s Flagship Store in New York City, and, of course, the MLB Tokyo Series games themselves.
The collection also heralds the release of two highly anticipated Topps card sets:
First up is the 2025 Topps Baseball Series 1–Tokyo Game Exclusive, launching on March 1. These cards include base card variations infused with Murakami’s flair, each just a mere quintet of copies strong. The collection also features exclusive sets showcasing autographs from Japanese baseball legends like Hideki Matsui, Yu Darvish, and Ichiro, wrapped within themes like Tokyo Nights, World Tour Domination, and the rich tapestry of Japanese baseball history.
Following closely behind is the 2025 Topps x Murakami MLB Tokyo Series Matchup Set, available from March 7. This 25-card set comes stuffed with parallels, autographs, and, for the lucky few, a chase card: a dual-autographed redemption card signed by Takashi Murakami and the phenomenal Shohei Ohtani—a collector’s Holy Grail.
For those eager to snag these exceptional cards, the hunt is part of the thrill. The Topps Series 1–Tokyo Game Exclusive will tantalize collectors at select Tokyo locations, including the chic Miyashita Park rooftop, the iconic Tokyo Dome’s Prizm Hall, and through an experiential activation in the vibrant district of Shibuya—where art, culture, and sports intersect like nowhere else. For digital enthusiasts, jp.topps.com offers an online gateway. Meanwhile, the Topps x Murakami Matchup Set will be sold exclusively through Complex.com, its brick-and-mortar store in Los Angeles, and at pop-up events dotted throughout Tokyo.
Topps’ plans for the Tokyo Series extend beyond mere sales; they’re orchestrating an unforgettable, multifloor extravaganza in Shibuya from March 13-16. This immersive exhibition promises to dazzle with rare trading cards, memorabilia, and a full floor dedicated to the game-changing Shohei Ohtani—a platform showcasing his 50/50 game base and game-used bat from the World Series, offering fans an intimate glimpse into his legendary career.
Through this boundary-pushing collaboration, Topps is celebrating baseball’s synergistic bond with Japan, launching the hobby’s traditions into fresh territories. By weaving together elements of sport, art, and culture, Topps is reimagining trading cards as not just collectibles, but as miniature masterpieces defiantly standing at the intersection of innovation and tradition.
