Matsui’s Best Cards From Series 1 Tokyo Series
Hideki Matsui’s impact on baseball transcends borders and leagues, and his legacy is etched in both Japan and Major League Baseball history. From his dominance with the Yomiuri Giants to becoming a World Series MVP with the New York Yankees, “Godzilla” left an indelible mark on the game. Now, as the MLB World Tour brings the excitement of the 2025 season to Tokyo, Topps is celebrating Matsui’s storied career throughout 2025 Topps Baseball Series 1 MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series Exclusive. This set features brand-new cards honoring Matsui’s journey—from his slugging days in Japan to his biggest moments in the majors. Let’s take a closer look at these must-have collectibles and why they’re a perfect tribute to one of baseball’s international icons.
2025 Series 1 – Tokyo Series Exclusive Stars of Japan #SOJ-6 Hideki Matsui
player info
• 2009 world series MVP
• 2009 world series champioin
set info
• exclusive to japan
* stars of japan is a 15-card insert
What they’ve said
• “I traveled with my friend Hideki Matsui in his hometown and we had a wonderful time together.” – hall of famer derek jeter
2025 Series 1 – Tokyo Series Exclusive Stars of Japan Dual Autos #SOJA-IM Ichiro/Hideki Matsui
player info
• nine-time nbp all-star
• two-time mlb all-star
set info
• exclusive to japan
• stars of japan dual autos is an 8-card insert
what they’ve said
• “The Yankees and New York gave me the greatest gift after playing for them for seven years and becoming a world champion.” – hideki matsui
2025 Series 1 – Tokyo Series Exclusive History of Japanese Baseball #HB-4 Hideki Matsui
player info
• three-time japan series champion
• three-time central league mvp
set info
• exclusive to japan
• history of japanese baseball is a 19-card insert
what they’ve said
• “Hideki’s the best player in Japan now, and the Giants are the symbol of Japanese baseball. It’s bigger than Ichiro leaving.” – japanese journalist Jun Ikushima
2025 Series 1 – Tokyo Series Exclusive Tokyo Nights #TN-2 Hideki Matsui
player info
• 2000 japan series mvp
• eight-time best nine award winner
set info
• exclusive to japan
• tokyo nights is a 35-card insert
What they said
• “Godzilla chose the Yankees over the Mets and Orioles when he came overseas because he said he always wanted to be a Yankee. He wanted to win CHAMPIONSHIPS. He wanted to play for the BEST in the BIG MARKET and wasn’t afraid of the SPOTLIGHT. He was beloved over in Japan and many were devastated to seem him go.” – barstoolsports.com
2025 Series 1 – Tokyo Series Exclusive Stars of Japan #SOJ-20 Hideki Matsui
player info
• japanese baseball hall of famer
• born in Neagari, Ishikawa, Japan
set info
• exclusive to japan
• stars of a japan is a 15-card insert
What they’ve said
• “When I made the decision to come to the United States, it wasn’t so I could play in the majors. It was so that I could play for the Yankees. To have the opportunity to retire as a Yankee, there’s no greater honor than that.” – hideki matsui
