Topps x Takashi Murakami: A Bold New Era for Baseball Cards with the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series

• Posted: February 27, 2025, 12:50 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

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The world of baseball collectibles is about to get a stunning artistic makeover. In celebration of the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series, Topps has teamed up with world-renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami for an exclusive collection of baseball cards and merchandise. This limited-edition collaboration brings Murakami’s signature vibrant aesthetics into the realm of sports, creating a must-have set for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Where Art, Baseball, and Culture Collide​

Tokyo, a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modern innovation, is the perfect setting for this groundbreaking partnership. Working alongside MLB and Complex, Topps is launching a series of Murakami-designed trading cards and Nike MLB apparel through Fanatics, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of sports collectibles.

Murakami’s Vision for Baseball Cards​

Takashi Murakami’s distinctive style—characterized by bright colors, playful floral motifs, and contemporary pop-art influences—shines through in this unique card collection. These designs celebrate Japanese baseball culture, blending artistic creativity with the nostalgia of classic trading cards.

This collaboration follows Fanatics’ 2024 partnership with rapper Travis Scott, which saw limited-edition Cactus Jack cards skyrocketing in value. Now, Topps continues to push boundaries, introducing a whole new audience to the world of collectibles through Murakami’s legendary artwork.

Exclusive Murakami-Designed MLB Apparel​

Beyond baseball cards, the collaboration extends into fashion with Nike MLB jerseys, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, all featuring Murakami’s signature designs. Fans can purchase these exclusive items starting March 7 on:

• Fanatics.com
• MLBShop.com
• Complex.com
• Select retail locations, including:
  • MLB Tokyo Series venues
  • Dodger Stadium & Wrigley Field Clubhouse stores
  • MLB Flagship Store in New York City

The Card Sets: What Collectors Need to Know​

This highly anticipated release includes two premium sets:

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

• Available in Mega Box format for $50 MSRP
• Limited-edition Murakami-designed base cards (only five copies per design)
• Autographed cards featuring Japanese baseball icons like Hideki Matsui, Yu Darvish, and Ichiro
• Special edition sets including 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 available for $120 per hobby box
• Includes parallels and autographed cards
• Ultimate chase card: Dual-autograph redemption featuring Takashi Murakami & Shohei Ohtani

Where to Buy These Exclusive Cards​

Getting your hands on these limited-edition cards will require some effort, as availability is restricted to select locations:

• Topps Series 1 – Tokyo Game Exclusive will be sold at:
  • Miyashita Park Rooftop (Tokyo)
  • Tokyo Dome’s Prizm Hall
  • Topps’ Shibuya pop-up activation
  • Online at jp.topps.com
• Topps x Murakami Matchup Set will be exclusively available at:
  • Complex.com
  • Complex’s L.A. store
  • Special pop-up locations throughout Tokyo

Immersive Fan Experience at the Tokyo Series​

To further celebrate Japan’s deep connection to baseball, Topps is hosting an interactive three-floor exhibition in Shibuya from March 13-16. This must-visit event will feature:

• Rare memorabilia & collectibles
• A historical showcase of Japanese baseball legends
• A dedicated Shohei Ohtani exhibit featuring:
  • His game-used bat from the World Series
  • A base from his iconic 50/50 game

Blending Art, Sports, and Collectibles for a New Generation​

With this collaboration, Topps is redefining the collectible card industry—turning baseball cards into high-art collectibles. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan, an art lover, or a serious collector, this Murakami x Topps crossover is one of the most exciting and unique releases of 2025. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this historic collaboration.