Baseball in Japan: The Story Behind this Amazing Sport!

Watching baseball in Japan is an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a professional league game or a high school tournament, you’ll be treated to some of the world’s greatest talent and most enthusiastic fans.

And if you dig deeper, you’ll discover a rich history, classic rivalries, and new traditions to add to your game viewing at home. So put on a cap, grab some takoyaki, and sit for the fantastic story behind one of Japan’s most popular sports!

What is baseball?

Baseball involves two teams with nine players each. The fielding team’s pitcher throws the ball while the batting team’s batter hits it and runs around the diamond (field), hoping to reach home base before getting tagged. The game is divided into nine innings; the side scoring the highest wins. If both teams are tied, an additional inning is played. 

Japan’s yakyū (combining characters for “field” and “ball”) uses similar rules. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), also called Puro Yakyū (Professional Baseball), is Japan’s version of Major League Baseball (MLB). The NPB is divided into the Central and Pacific Leagues, which have six teams. Games are played between late March and October.

How did it arrive in Japan? 

American professor Horace Wilson introduced baseball to Tokyo’s Kaisei Academy in 1872. A few years later, Hiraoka Hiroshi started Japan’s first official adult baseball team, the Shimbashi Athletic Club. Then in 1896, locals from Tokyo’s Ichikō High School defeated foreign nationals from the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club.

Professional baseball took off in 1934 with the Dai-nippon Tōkyō Yakyū Kurabu (the Greater Japan Tokyo Baseball Club) playing against the touring American All-Star team featuring Babe Ruth. The team’s success and great reception led to the creation of the Japanese Baseball League. It ran from 1936 to 1949 and was replaced by the NPB in 1950.

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What’s unique about baseball in Japan? 

Puro Yakyū features shorter games (12 innings during the regular season, 15 during playoffs, ties allowed) and a smaller field and ball. NPB rosters also have a limit of 25 players, compared to MLB’s 40-player rosters. Finally, only four non-Japanese players can be registered simultaneously, with up to three as pitchers.

You’ll hear the ōendan (cheer squads) singing the whole time at the games, even when the home team is losing. There are different chants for each player, so you won’t be bored listening to these cheers! Bring your lunch to the stadium or get cold drinks and snacks from the concession instead.

Are you looking for snacks that’ll liven up your next baseball viewing experience? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese treats directly from Japan!

Kōshien 

While the NPB is popular, nothing gets fans fired up like Kōshien. Named after the Hanshin Kōshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, these high school championships feature teams from all 47 prefectures. Since 1915, they’ve been held annually at the Stadium to crowds watching from bleachers and television screens nationwide.

There are several championships: the Summer Kōshien (August), the Spring Kōshien/Senbatsu (March), and the unofficial Meiji Jingu Baseball Tournament (November). Promising players can get drafted to professional league teams. To learn more about Kōshien, check out the documentary Kōshien: Japan’s Field of Dreams.

Nippon Series 

Held since 1950, the Nippon Series (or Japan Series) is the main event for the NPB, Japan’s highest level of baseball. Central League teams have won 38 championships; the Yomiuri Giants lead with 22 wins. Famous players Hideki Matsui, Shohei Ohtani, and Ichiro Suzuki have gone on to play for the MLB.

Attending a Nippon Series game perfectly introduces rivalries like the one between the Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants. Similar to the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, both teams have loyal followings, and their games can get heated. Tickets are expensive and sell out quickly, so book them in advance!

World Baseball Classic 

Wanting to experience yakyū but can’t get to Japan? Don’t worry. You can catch Japanese players during the World Baseball Classic, celebrating 20 years in 2025. The Classic is held in March at stadiums around the world. Some games are held inside Japan, while others, including the championship round, are played inside the United States.

Japan has won the World Baseball Classic Trophy three times: in 2006, 2009, and 2023. Several Japanese players have won awards, including Most Valuable Player (Daisuke Matsuzaka won it twice), and 12 players have been named to an All-WBC team. This is it if you need more proof of Japanese baseball players’ star power.

Why is baseball in Japan so popular? 

Baseball in Japan is popular thanks to its talented players who bring their hearts and souls to these games. Their loyal fans show their support by attending tournaments and cheering themselves hoarse. 

There are many opportunities to watch Japanese baseball in person at the Kōshien or from home screens for the Classic. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an old fan or a newbie – you’ll find fellow fans and chances to show your love for this sport!

Yakyū showcases the best of Japanese sportsmanship. Its past and current rosters are full of inspirational stories. Players are dedicated and hard-working, winning both local and international tournaments.

Finally, fans are energetic and full of love for their home team, and it’s easy to get caught up in their passion. It’s no wonder that baseball is a beloved sport in Japan. Do you watch Japanese baseball? Tell us your Game Day stories in the comments.