On the 17th, the Cubs held an official practice at Tokyo Dome before their opening series against the Dodgers (18th and 19th). Outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who will be playing in his hometown of Tokyo, said, "I'm looking forward to it, but I have to go back to the U.S. the day after tomorrow, so I'm thinking, "I've finally gotten over my jet lag."

He said he will miss going back to the U.S. after two games against the Dodgers, but "I've been able to sleep well since today. I think I'm in good shape." He is in good condition for the opening match, which will feature five Japanese players, including opening pitcher Imanaga, and the Dodgers' Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki.

On the 18th, the National High School Baseball Championship will also begin, and his alma mater, Nishogakusha University High School (Tokyo), will play the opening match against Yanagigaura (Oita) at Koshien. "I think it will be a very special day. I think the students at Nishogakusha will do their best, so I think we can do our best and lead them to victory." Since he was unable to play well in the preseason games against the Hanshin Tigers and the Giants, he said, "I want to show a good performance from the main tournament. I'm hearing a lot of cheers, so I want to somehow live up to their expectations."