As the Cubs-Dodgers squared off in the first of two games in the MLB Tokyo Series to kick off the 2025 season, former players for both franchises arrived in Japan to take in the spectacle in the Tokyo Dome.

For former Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, it’s a full circle moment in returning to Tokyo as he joined the broadcast booth with Alex Cohen and Jim Deshaies.

“I had the chance to watch my father play 10 years of baseball here. To come back and watch Cubs Opening Day and bring my family back is just a really special moment. It’s been a really cool week,” Lee said on Marquee Sports Network.

Both Lee’s dad and uncle, Leon Lee and Leron Lee, played in the NPB for over 10 seasons.

Derrek’s father, Leon, played from 1978-1987 with the Lotte Orions, Yokohama Taiyo Whales and the Yakult Swallows while Derrek’s uncle, Leron, played from 1977-1987 for the Lotte Orions.

[For more content from the MLB Tokyo Series, head to the Marquee Sports Network app]

While having family ties play in Japan, Lee learned to embrace the culture and appreciate the success his dad and uncle had in the country.

“They were kind of the first duos to kind of come over here and have a long career. You know, 10 years for my dad and I think 11 years for my uncle and they had a lot of success,” Lee said. “I think the key for them was they embraced the culture. They just kind of dove head first in, embraced it and really enjoyed their time here.

“I remember about a lot of my time here. I really enjoyed it. They treated us so well. To be able to come to the ballpark every day, watch the game and really enjoy the culture, Tokyo is an incredible city, incredible food, we had a good 10 years here,” Lee said.

For the full Derrek Lee interview, head over to the Marquee Sports Network app.