I beg to differ on the weather of Tokyo. I hate summers there. Nagoya (Aichi) is way worse.
Google Maps is your friend these days with the Japanese rail systems.
In reading the tone of the Japanese news media stories, they seem a little surprised by the destination, but quote Murakami extensively as being excited to be a part of a team that's on the upswing.
To be fair, have YOU gone to any Sox home games that aren't in a stadium that isn't located immediately next to an expressway and has acres of surface lots?