Latest news with #NPB
Japan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Japan Times
What you need to know ahead of NPB interleague play resuming
This week's slate of NPB games marks the start of the 20th edition of interleague play in Japan. Japanese baseball introduced interleague competition in 2005, giving fans a chance to see Central and Pacific League teams compete outside of the annual Japan Series matchup. It happens during a set period each year — June 3 to 22 this season — and the team with the best record is crowned champion at the end. While the format has gone through a few iterations since 2005 (and was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) the one constant has been Pa League dominance.
Japan Forward
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Teruaki Sato Having a Stellar Season for Hanshin Tigers
Popular slugger Teruaki Sato leads NPB in home runs and RBIs this season. The three-time All-Star also hopes to have a future opportunity to play in MLB. Hanshin Tigers cleanup hitter Teruaki Sato smacks a run-scoring double against the Chunichi Dragons on May 10, 2025, at Koshien Stadium. (©SANKEI) Hanshin Tigers third baseman Teruaki Sato, a mainstay in the lineup since 2021, is having a notable season in the 2025 campaign. Now in his fifth NPB season, the Hyogo Prefecture native is also closing in on a pair of career milestones ― 100 home runs (he has 95) and 1,000 total bases (he has 990) ― through Wednesday, May 21. Sato is one of NPB's top young players, a three-time Central League All-Star (2021-23). He's a fan favorite at his hometown Koshien Stadium and wherever else the Tigers play games. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger, who is batting .289, was No 1 among NPB players in home runs (11) and RBIs (33) heading into the CL-leading Tigers game on Thursday with the archrival Yomiuri Giants at Koshien. In addition, he's first in Japanese pro baseball in strikeouts (49). Indeed, the hard-swinging cleanup hitter often makes mighty contact when he hits with the ball (his 13 doubles and three triples in 2025 deliver ample evidence) or creates a stiff breeze when he misses. Sato's power-hitting ability is underscored by his impressive .616 slugging percentage. Teruaki Sato in a June 2021 file photo. (©SANKEI) Recognizing Sato's abilities as a baseball player, retired Hanshin legend Masayuki Kakefu recently expressed words of encouragement to him. "Don't let your condition fluctuate too much, but rather let the small [ripples] of good form help you stay in good shape and compete," Kakefu was quoted as saying by Full-Count, a Japanese baseball website. Kakefu, who bashed 349 homers in his NPB career (1974-88), which he spent entirely with the Tigers, then issued a pair of bold predictions for Sato. "I expect you to win the [Central League] home run and batting title," the 2025 Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame inductee was quoted as saying. In a live game telecast on Mainichi Broadcasting System on May 20, commentator Kakefu provided a slightly different analysis about Sato as a home-run title contender. "I think he has a great chance this year," said Kakefu, adding, "I think he has to win it this year." Teruaki Sato (©SANKEI) Sato didn't finish as one of the CL's top batters in his four previous seasons: batting averages of .238 in 2021, .264 in 2022, .263 in 2023 and .268 in '24. But he's elevated his play in 2025. After hitting at a .282 clip in April (24-for-85) with nine homers, Sato has raised his overall batting in May (.333) with a pair of homers in 16 games this month. In his first 41 games, nearly 30% of the entire season, Sato has been at his best with a 1-1 count. Opposing pitchers have been tagged for five homers against Sato in such situations in 2025. He's hitting .643 (9-for-14) when he puts the ball in play on 1-1 pitches. Conversely, the full count has produced considerable frustration for Sato. He's struck out 13 times on 3-2 pitches. Cutting down on strikeouts would help Sato maintain a higher batting average over the course of the season. It could also raise his profile among MLB scouts and front-office executives. In December 2024, Sato made an appearance on a Yomiuri TV morning program and outlined his future goals as a ballplayer. "Of course, I have been aspiring to play in the majors since I was a little kid," Sato said on Su Matan . "If I have a chance, I would like to make it to the majors." Sato, of course, isn't the only skilled batsman on the Tigers, who won the 2023 Japan Series. Teammates Takumu Nakano (.318), Shota Morishita (.304) and Koji Chikamoto (.302) are also among the CL's top 10 leaders in batting this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Teruaki Sato pose for photos on March 16 at Tokyo Dome. (©SANKEI) Like the rest of the Tigers organization, Teruaki Sato said he was excited the team got to play the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs in a pair of exhibition games in March before the MLB Tokyo Series. Sato drove in a run with a fifth-inning single in Hanshin's 3-0 triumph over the Cubs on March 15 at Tokyo Dome. A day later, Sato grabbed the spotlight in the fourth inning. Facing Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell, Sato swung and missed a four-seam fastball on the first pitch. Snell followed with a pair of balls (both sliders). On Snell's fourth offering, Sato didn't connect on a curveball. Sato wasn't fooled by Snell's 2-2 pitch. He crushed the four-seam fastball over the right-center field fence to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead. Hanshin's Teruaki Sato belts a three-run homer off Dodgers star Blake Snell in the fourth inning on March 16 at Tokyo Dome. (©SANKEI) That blast accounted for the only runs in the game. In a feature story about Sato published in May in Sports Graphic Number and on the magazine's website, the popular slugger discussed his philosophy in the batter's box. "If you hit it hard, it will fly," Sato said. Snell was a 21-game winner for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018, and amassed 14 victories for the San Diego Padres in 2023. "Of course I knew about Snell," Sato said, according to Sports Graphic Number . "But I never thought I'd be facing him." On the other hand, there's every reason to believe that Sato's fame will continue to increase throughout baseball. Tigers third baseman Teruaki Sato is interviewed after the team's 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 16 at Tokyo Dome. (Darren Yamashita/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS) Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Tokyo Weekender
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Tokyo Weekender
Everything You Need To Know About Watching Baseball in Japan
Baseball isn't just a sport in Japan — it's a national passion. Since its introduction in the 1870s, baseball has evolved into Japan's most beloved spectator sport, with games regularly drawing massive crowds and television viewership. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or a curious traveler, watching a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) game offers a unique glimpse into Japan's lively fan traditions, iconic stadiums and thrilling gameplay. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about watching baseball in Japan: from buying tickets and choosing the best stadiums, to understanding the fan rituals and local customs that make Japanese baseball truly unforgettable. List of Contents: Introduction to Baseball in Japan The Japanese Baseball Season Getting Tickets to Japanese Baseball Games Major Baseball Stadiums in Japan The Game Day Experience Baseball Vocabulary and Useful Japanese Phrases Related Posts Introduction to Baseball in Japan Popularity and Basics of NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is Japan's equivalent of Major League Baseball (MLB), consisting of 12 professional teams divided into two leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. While the basic rules are similar to American baseball, there are key differences — games can end in ties after 12 innings, the ball is slightly smaller and the strike zone is interpreted differently by umpires. The level of play is considered by many to be comparable to Triple-A or even MLB quality, with many Japanese players eventually moving to the American major leagues and vice versa. Stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish and Ichiro Suzuki all got their start in NPB. Brief Overview of Teams and Leagues The Central League features the following teams: Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo) Hanshin Tigers (Osaka and Kobe) Hiroshima Toyo Carp (Hiroshima) Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Yokohama) Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Tokyo) Chunichi Dragons (Nagoya) The Pacific League includes: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Fukuoka) Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (Sendai) Saitama Seibu Lions (Tokorozawa) Chiba Lotte Marines (Chiba) Orix Buffaloes (Osaka) Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (Sapporo) For those in Tokyo, the most accessible teams are the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Jingu Stadium. The stadiums of the Chiba Lotte Marines, the Saitama Seibu Lions and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars are just a short train ride away. The Japanese Baseball Season Regular Season Schedule and Timing The NPB season runs from late March to October, slightly longer than MLB's schedule. Each team plays 143 regular season games, with most games starting at either 2 p.m. (weekends and holidays) or 6 p.m. (weekdays). The season is divided into two half-seasons, with an All-Star break in mid-July. Teams typically play six-game series, with Monday often serving as the league-wide day off (though this varies). During summer vacation in August, daytime games become more common to accommodate families and children. Playoffs and the Japan Series After the regular season, the top three teams from each league advance to the Climax Series (playoffs). The first stage features the second and third-place teams in a best-of-three series. The winner advances to face the league champion in a best-of-six series (the league champion starts with a one-win advantage). The champions of both leagues then face off in the Japan Series, a best-of-seven championship similar to the World Series in MLB. The Japan Series typically takes place in late October and is the most prestigious event in Japanese baseball. Special Events and All-Star Games The NPB All-Star Series typically features two or three games in mid-July at different stadiums around the country. Unlike MLB's single All-Star Game, the NPB version is a series where the best players from the Pacific League compete against the best from the Central League. Other special events include interleague play in May and June, and occasional season opener games held in unique locations or even overseas. Getting Tickets to Japanese Baseball Games Online Ticket Purchasing Options The most convenient way for foreign visitors to buy tickets is through online services. Each team has its official website for ticket sales, though these are primarily in Japanese. Fortunately, several English-language options exist: Ticket Pia and Lawson Ticket offer English interfaces for some games Voyagin and Klook serve as third-party sellers with English support Japan Ball specializes in helping foreigners get baseball tickets StubHub sometimes lists Japanese baseball games Most tickets become available roughly one month before games. For popular matchups (especially Giants games or weekend rivalry games), purchasing well in advance is recommended. Buying Tickets at Convenience Stores Convenience stores such as Lawson, Family Mart and 7-Eleven sell baseball tickets through in-store terminals. While these machines are primarily in Japanese, many stores in Tokyo have English-speaking staff who can assist. Each chain has its own ticket service: Lawson : Loppi terminals (L-code required) Family Mart : Famiport terminals (P-code required) 7-Eleven : Multicopy machines (7-code required) You'll typically need to find the code for your desired game on the team's website, enter it at the terminal and pay at the counter. The machine will print a receipt that you exchange for actual tickets. Same-Day Tickets and Stadium Box Offices Most stadiums sell same-day tickets at box office windows, opening approximately 2-3 hours before game time. While this is a viable option for weekday games, popular weekend games and matchups between rival teams often sell out in advance. Each stadium typically reserves a certain number of same-day tickets, which are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For high-demand games, lines can form hours before the box office opens. Price Ranges and Seating Options Ticket prices are generally more affordable than MLB games, ranging from ¥1,500-2,000 for outfield bleacher seats to ¥6,000-8,000 for premium infield seats. Special 'performance seats' with extra amenities can cost ¥10,000-15,000. Major seating categories include: Infield reserved seats : Often divided into S, A, and B classes by proximity to the field Outfield unreserved seating : Typically divided by team cheering sections Field-level premium boxes : Higher-priced seats closest to the action Upper deck seats : More affordable options with a bird's-eye view Many stadiums also offer special sections like beer gardens, family areas, or party decks with unique experiences. Major Baseball Stadiums in Japan Tokyo Stadiums Tokyo Dome (Yomiuri Giants) – The 'Big Egg' is Japan's most famous baseball venue, seating 45,000 fans in a covered dome. Located near Suidobashi Station, it offers climate-controlled baseball year-round with excellent facilities. The surrounding Tokyo Dome City complex features restaurants, shopping and even an amusement park. Jingu Stadium (Tokyo Yakult Swallows) – This historic outdoor stadium near Gaienmae Station offers a more traditional baseball experience. With a capacity of 31,000, Jingu provides an intimate setting with reasonable ticket prices. The open-air environment means weather can be a factor, but the authentic atmosphere makes it a favorite among baseball purists. Transportation and Access Information Most baseball stadiums in Japan are conveniently located near train or subway stations. For Tokyo-area stadiums: Tokyo Dome : 5-minute walk from Suidobashi Station (JR and subway lines) Jingu Stadium : 5-minute walk from Gaienmae Station or a 10-minute walk from Aoyama-Itchome Station It's advisable to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before game time, as security checks and entry can take time, especially for popular games. Most stadiums open their gates 2-3 hours before first pitch. Stadium Amenities and Facilities Japanese baseball stadiums are typically well-equipped with modern facilities. You'll find: Multiple food and beverage options (both Japanese and Western) Clean restrooms throughout the venue Team shops selling official merchandise Information desks, often with some English-speaking staff Coin lockers for storing belongings Some stadiums restrict the size of bags that can be brought in, and all will conduct security checks. While policies vary, most stadiums allow outside food and non-alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles. The Game Day Experience What to Expect at Japanese Baseball Games Japanese baseball games offer a unique spectator experience that differs significantly from American games. The atmosphere is more akin to a soccer match, with organized cheering, band music and synchronized fan routines. Games typically last around 3-3.5 hours. Each team has designated cheering sections (usually in the outfield) where the most passionate fans gather. These sections maintain constant energy throughout the game with coordinated chants, songs and rhythmic noise-makers. One distinctive feature is the 'Lucky 7' tradition — during the 7th inning stretch, fans release colorful balloons that whistle as they deflate and fly around the stadium. Fan Culture and Cheering Sections The heart of Japanese baseball culture lies in its highly organized cheering sections. Each team has an official ouendan (cheering squad) that leads fans in team-specific songs and chants. These groups typically include: Cheerleaders and performance teams Brass bands playing team songs Cheer leaders with megaphones directing the crowds Fans with trumpets, drums and thundersticks Every player has a personalized chant that fans sing during their at-bats. While visiting fans are welcome to join these sections, it's better to observe first or sit elsewhere if you're unfamiliar with the routines. Stadium Food and Souvenirs Japanese baseball stadiums offer an impressive array of food options that go well beyond the typical hot dogs and hamburgers found in American ballparks. You'll find: Traditional Japanese fare like bento boxes, ramen and curry. Team-themed specialty items unique to each stadium. High-quality beer served by beer girls who roam the stands with kegs strapped to their backs. Regional specialties reflecting the local cuisine. Souvenir shops sell a wide range of team merchandise, from standard caps and jerseys to quirky team mascot items and limited-edition collectibles. Many fans purchase small noise-makers, team towels or jerseys to participate in cheering. Practical Tips for First-Timers For the best first-time experience at a Japanese baseball game: Consider sitting in the reserved infield seats rather than the cheering sections for your first game. Arrive early to explore the stadium and watch pre-game warmups. Bring cash, as some smaller vendors don't accept credit cards. Try to learn a few basic cheers for the home team if possible. Stay until the end of the game — unlike American fans, Japanese spectators rarely leave early. Be aware that some stadiums prohibit certain types of cameras or selfie sticks. Remember that while you can bring your own food and drinks, outside alcohol is not permitted. Baseball Vocabulary and Useful Japanese Phrases Basic Baseball Terms in Japanese Baseball: 野球 (yakyu) Game: 試合 (shiai) Stadium: 球場 (kyujo) Home run: ホームラン (homuran) Strike: ストライク (sutoraiku) Ball: ボール (boru) Out: アウト (auto) Pitcher: ピッチャー (pitcha) Batter: バッター (batta) Ticket: チケット (chiketto) Useful Phrases for Buying Tickets and Navigating Stadiums 'I would like a ticket, please': チケットをお願いします (Chiketto o onegaishimasu) 'Where is the entrance?': 入口はどこですか (Iriguchi wa doko desu ka?) 'Where is my seat?': 私の席はどこですか (Watashi no seki wa doko desu ka?) 'How much is a ticket?': チケットはいくらですか (Chiketto wa ikura desu ka?) 'Where is the restroom?': トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka?) 'One beer, please': ビール一つお願いします (Bīru hitotsu onegaishimasu) Attending a baseball game in Japan offers a perfect blend of familiar sport and unique cultural experience. With this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to navigate the Japanese baseball scene and create unforgettable memories at the ballpark. Whether you're a dedicated baseball fan or simply looking for an authentic Japanese experience, the energetic atmosphere of an NPB game shouldn't be missed during your time in Japan. Related Posts A Guide to Sumo in Tokyo: Rules, How to Get Tickets and More Rintaro Sasaki: A Future Japanese Baseball Superstar Ichiro Becomes First Asian Player Inducted Into the Hall of Fame
20-05-2025
- Business
Japan FTC to Warn NPB over Fuji TV Press Pass Denial
News from Japan Sports May 20, 2025 13:40 (JST) Tokyo, May 20 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Fair Trade Commission has decided to warn the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, or NPB, that its confiscation of press passes from Fuji Television Network Inc. likely violated the antimonopoly law, informed sources said. The NPB said Monday that it has been notified by the FTC of the planned warning. The baseball governing body said it cannot accept the warning as there are "serious inaccuracies in the factual findings and assessments" on which the warning is based, adding that it will express its official position after the warning is issued. The antitrust watchdog will make a final decision after questioning NPB officials. According to the sources, Fuji TV broadcast a digest of the Major League Baseball World Series, in which Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani appeared, during the same time slot as a game of the Japan Series professional baseball championships that was aired live by a rival broadcaster. The Japan Series ran between October and November last year. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Japan Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
Can the Central League hold out against designated hitters?
Hiroshima Carp pitcher Daichi Osera did something against the Yomiuri Giants last week that you do not see very often in baseball games these days. He got a hit. While no one would confuse Osera for Shohei Ohtani, seeing a pitcher get a hit — or even step in the batter's box — is an increasingly rare sight in pro baseball. It's one you can only see daily in NPB, where the Central League continues to stand alone as a place without the designated hitter and where pitchers still hit for themselves. The American League introduced the DH in MLB in 1973 to boost offense and attendance. The National League held out until finally following suit nearly 50 years later in 2022. In Japan, the Pacific League, which toiled in the shadow of the vastly more popular CL, saw it work in MLB and adopted the DH in 1975. The top pro leagues in South Korea, Taiwan and various places in Latin America also use the designated hitter. Even the collegiate Tokyo Big 6 League will introduce the DH next spring. So how are the CL's pitchers doing at the plate so far this season? The answer is, unsurprisingly, not well. One of the main arguments proponents of the DH cite is that most pitchers are simply not good hitters. Entering Tuesday's games, CL pitchers were batting.106, per statistics site Deltagraphs. The Carp's Hiroki Tokoda led the way with seven hits. Tokoda even had a three-hit game, on April 26 against the DeNA BayStars. The next highest total was three. No pitcher had hit a home run yet, and there were just three extra-base hits — doubles from Tokoda, and Tokyo Yakult Swallows pitchers Taichi Yamano and Yasuhiro Ogawa. The Carp's Shogo Tamamura had a pair of RBIs and was the leader in that category. Pitchers, who generally hit last in the order, are mostly tasked with bunting if there is a runner on base. The BayStars' Katsuki Azuma led that category with six sacrifice bunts. Pa League pitchers hit far less than their CL counterparts but will get their turn at-bat when interleague play begins June 3. Because games operate under each league's rules, pitchers will hit in games hosted in CL parks, and the DH will be in place at PL venues. That has been the case since interleague play began in 2005, except in 2014 when NPB mixed it up and had pitchers hit in PL parks while putting the DH rule in place in the CL-hosted games. It was touted as a way to give fans a new way to enjoy the game but probably had something to do with Ohtani, who was in his second season with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. At the time, Ohtani was not regularly batting in games he started as a pitcher, and the switch allowed fans to see him do it in home games. There have been plenty of calls for the CL to adopt the DH over the years. There are also many, however, who wish to stick to the status quo. During spring camp, The Sankei Shimbun surveyed 35 CL pitchers and found 14 in favor of introducing the DH, eight opposed and 13 undecided. The topic often leads to heated debates among fans. Purists believe in playing the traditional way without the DH. They often cite the strategy of when to make pitching changes, double switches and bullpen management, among other things. 'There is a wide range of different strategies when the pitcher is at-bat,' Carp manager Takahiro Arai was quoted as saying by the Nishinippon Shimbun in January. 'I think that is more interesting for the fans.' Proponents of the DH say fans would rather see hitters, not pitchers, in the batter's box. Pitchers, they say, are noncompetitive hitters and are mostly called upon to bunt. They argue that the DH drives up offense and makes the game more exciting. It also allows pitchers to focus on pitching, which some feel contributes to the overall strength of PL hurlers. Deploying the DH also lessens the risk of injuries or added fatigue from hitting and running the bases. Teams also don't have to pinch hit for their pitchers to chase runs in close games. When PL clubs won eight straight Japan Series from 2013 to 2020, the DH was brought up as a difference between the leagues, with the Giants leading the call for the CL to adopt the rule. 'If you ask what's different, it's the rules,' Giants manager Tatsunori Hara said during a show on Nippon Broadcasting System after being swept by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in the 2019 Japan Series. 'The biggest rule difference is the DH system. I think there are advantages to the DH system. It allows for the development of strong pitchers. Pacific League pitchers are strong." Central League clubs, though, have won three of the last four titles, including the last two. Going from one set of rules to the other is an adjustment for the teams, PL pitchers have to make time to practice their batting — or, rather, bunting — ahead of interleague play. But unlike in MLB, where there are interleague games almost daily, the only crossover in NPB occurs during the interleague schedule and the Japan Series. That said, the winds of change are blowing, albeit very gently, and the days of pitchers hitting are probably numbered in Japan. For now, though, CL hurlers will keep swinging for the fences and laying down bunts for a little while longer.
