Yuri Karasawa
Yuri Karasawa is the dedicated Japanese correspondent for the World Baseball Network and the founder of "Yakyu Cosmopolitan," a platform devoted to Japanese baseball. He is a recognized authority on Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and also contributes to JapanBall and Just Baseball.
Stories by Yuri
NPB: Koki Yamaguchi Sets New Marines Home Run Record
August 31, 2026
News18-Year-Old Shoki Oda Drawing Interest from MLB Teams
Yokohama High School right-hander Shoki Oda entered the summer as one of the top high school prospects in Japan and further raised his stock with a strong showing at the renowned Summer Koshien this month.
August 28, 2026
NewsNPB ERA Leader Kaima Taira Captivates MLB Scouts
Kaima Taira’s return to the starting rotation has gone about as well as the Saitama Seibu Lions could have hoped.
August 27, 2026
InternationalNPB: Rising Star Shota Morishita Reaches 30 Home Runs
August 22, 2026
InternationalNPB: Jackson Rutledge Signs with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Right-hander Jackson Rutledge has signed with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, the team announced on July 30.
August 20, 2026
InternationalNPB: Reigning Pacific League MVP Livan Moinelo Makes Season Debut
Reigning Pacific League MVP Liván Moinelo made his 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball debut on Tuesday afternoon at Mizuho PayPay Dome, tossing six shutout innings as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks routed the Chiba Lotte Marines, 16-2.
August 12, 2026
NPBPacific League Wins Game 1 of NPB All-Star Series
The Pacific League All-Stars continued their recent dominance over the Central League with a 7-5…
July 28, 2026
NPBSamurai Japan Introduces Tadahito Iguchi as New Manager
Samurai Japan held a press conference on Saturday evening, officially introducing Tadahito Iguchi as the…
July 26, 2026
NPBRintaro Sasaki Opts For Marlins Over SoftBank to Pursue MLB Dream
Rintaro Sasaki has officially announced his intention to sign with the Miami Marlins, choosing to…
July 20, 2026
JAPANNPB: Hiroshima Carp Deactivate Masaya Yano amid “Zombie Cigarettes” Scandal
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Hiroshima Carp have removed shortstop Masaya Yano from their active roster amid…
July 18, 2026
BASEBALLNPB: Chiba Lotte Marines Sign Joey Lucchesi
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chiba Lotte Marines are signing pitcher Joey Lucchesi, the club announced.
July 17, 2026
NPBNPB: Nash Walters, Jesus Liranzo, Jose Quijada Combine for No-Hitter
The Tokyo Yakult Swallows completed a combined no-hitter against the Hiroshima Carp on Thursday night…
July 10, 2026
JAPANNPB: All-Star Series Fan Selections Announced
Nippon Professional Baseball has revealed the final results of fan voting for the 2026 All-Star…
July 7, 2026
JAPANNPB: Hanshin Tigers Ink Pitcher Anderson Severino
Left-hander Anderson Severino has signed with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Hanshin Tigers, the team announced.
June 30, 2026
BASEBALLShinnosuke Ogasawara Signs with Yomiuri Giants
Left-handed pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara has signed with the Yomiuri Giants.
June 20, 2026
NPBNPB: Saitama Seibu Lions Clinch Interleague Title
The Saitama Seibu Lions clinched the first interleague title in franchise history on Tuesday night…
June 17, 2026
NPBNPB: Masato Yoshii Named Rakuten Eagles Manager
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles are hiring Masato Yoshii as their new manager,…
June 16, 2026
JAPANNPB: Yokohama DeNA BayStars Sign Osvaldo Bido, Jerar Encarnacion
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yokohama DeNA BayStars are signing right-handed pitcher Osvaldo Bido and first baseman…
June 12, 2026
NPBNPB: Rakuten Eagles Part Ways with Manager Hajime Miki
The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles are parting ways with manager Hajime Miki, the team announced.
June 10, 2026
NPBNPB: Former Hiroshima Carp Player Makes Explosive Allegations Against Team
Former Hiroshima Carp player Ryutaro Hatsuki sparked widespread controversy across Nippon Professional Baseball during a May 28…
June 6, 2026
NPBChunichi Dragons Star Hiroto Takahashi Demoted to Minors
Chunichi Dragons right-hander Hiroto Takahashi will be demoted to the farm for an “adjustment period”…
June 3, 2026
NPBNippon Professional Baseball Interleague Play Begins
Interleague play in Nippon Professional Baseball begins Wednesday as Central and Pacific League clubs face…
May 26, 2026
NPBStar Catcher Yuudai Yamamoto Traded to Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Stunning NPB Swap
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks shook up the Nippon Professional Baseball world…
May 12, 2026
NPBNippon Professional Baseball: Injuries Put Hiroya Miyagi, Atsuki Taneichi, Shugo Maki, and Others On the Shelf
Injuries to star pitchers Hiroya Miyagi and Atsuki Taneichi have shaken up the Nippon Professional Baseball landscape early…
May 6, 2026
NPBNPB: Hanshin Tigers 3B Teruaki Sato is on Triple Crown Watch
Hanshin Tigers third baseman Teruaki Sato is on Triple Crown watch to open the 2026 Nippon Professional…
May 2, 2026
NPBHaruto Takahashi Hurls Third Complete Game Shutout of 2026
Haruto Takahashi delivered a complete game shutout for the Hanshin Tigers on Wednesday afternoon, leading…
April 29, 2026
BASEBALLHaruki Hosono Throws No-Hitter for Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Home Opener
Haruki Hosono of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters delivered a historic performance Tuesday night, throwing a…
March 31, 2026
JAPANCan Livan Moinelo and SoftBank Do it Again? A Nippon Professional Baseball 2026 Season Preview
Opening Day of the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball season is this Friday, March 27, arriving…
March 26, 2026
BASEBALL2026 Nippon Professional Baseball Opening Day Matchups
Opening Night of the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball season has arrived, bringing with it a…
March 26, 2026
NPBThe Hirokazu Ibata Era Ends — What’s Next for Samurai Japan?
The Hirokazu Ibata era for Samurai Japan is over.
March 17, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Japan Stays Undefeated with Late Surge Past Gritty Czechia
At the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday night, Czechia fought valiantly and held Japan scoreless into…
March 10, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Korea Overcome Australia, Advance to Quarterfinals
TOKYO – Korea stormed the field in celebration after a 7-2 victory over Australia on…
March 9, 2026
NPBExclusive: How Baystars Coach Takuya Endo is Changing the Mental Game in Japanese Baseball
Following the exhibition game between the Yokohama DeNA Baystars and Team Australia at Yokohama Stadium…
March 9, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Japan Survives Australian Scare, Clinches Top Seed in Pool C
Japan escaped with a 4-3 victory over Australia in front of 42,331 fans — and…
March 8, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Chinese Taipei Defeats Korea 5-4 in Extra Innings
Chinese Taipei threw a wrench into Pool C of the World Baseball Classic on Sunday…
March 8, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Japan’s Sluggers Stay Hot in Tight 8-6 Win over Korea
Japan slugged its way to a narrow 8-6 victory over Korea in front of a…
March 7, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Chinese Taipei Keeps Hopes Alive with 14-0 Rout of Czechia
Following a mercy rule loss to Japan the night before, Chinese Taipei kept its World…
March 7, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Shohei Ohtani Leads Japan to 13-0 Mercy Rule Victory over Chinese Taipei
Shohei Ohtani stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the second inning and…
March 6, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Australia Stays Undefeated with 5-1 Win over Czechia
Australia took care of business Friday afternoon at the Tokyo Dome with a 5-1 win…
March 6, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: South Korea Slugs Four Homers to Beat Czechia 11-4
South Korea powered its way to an 11-4 rout over Czechia with four home runs…
March 5, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC2026 World Baseball Classic: Australia Blanks Chinese Taipei 3-0 in Pool C Opener
More than 40,000 fans packed the Tokyo Dome for the opening game of Pool C…
March 5, 2026
MLB2026 World Baseball Classic: Samurai Japan Finishes Warm-Ups with Loss vs. Orix, Win vs. Hanshin
Samurai Japan wrapped up its preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic with exhibition games…
March 3, 2026
MLB2026 World Baseball Classic: Samurai Japan Builds Momentum with Wins Against Chunichi Dragons
Samurai Japan continued its preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a two-game set…
March 1, 2026
MLB2026 World Baseball Classic: Australia Sharpened by Yokohama DeNA BayStars Ahead of Tournament
YOKOHAMA, Japan — The Australian national team continued its preparations ahead of the 2026 World…
February 28, 2026
MLBYuki Matsui Withdraws from World Baseball Classic, Yumeto Kanemaru Called Up
San Diego Padres left-hander Yuki Matsui has withdrawn from the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Samurai…
February 26, 2026
NPB2026 World Baseball Classic: Samurai Japan Splits Exhibition Series with Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Samurai Japan opened its exhibition schedule ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a…
February 23, 2026
MLBSeiya Suzuki Expected to Play Center Field for Japan In World Baseball Classic
In a somewhat surprising development, Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki is expected to play center…
February 18, 2026
LIGA MEXICANALMB: Former NPB Pitcher Katsuki Matayoshi Signs with Leones de Yucatan
The Liga Mexicana de Béisbol’s Leones de Yucatán announced Monday the signing of former Nippon Professional Baseball…
February 17, 2026
NPB2026 World Baseball Classic: Samurai Japan Calls Up Chihiro Sumida for WBC Roster
Saitama Seibu Lions left-hander Chihiro Sumida has been called up to Samurai Japan for the 2026 World…
February 13, 2026
NPBKaima Taira, Daichi Ishii Withdraw From Japan’s Roster For World Baseball Classic
Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher Kaima Taira and Hanshin Tigers pitcher Daichi Ishii have withdrawn from…
February 12, 2026
NPBFormer NPB Outfielder Louis Okoye Signs with LMB’s Sultanes de Monterrey
The Liga Mexicana de Béisbol’s Sultanes de Monterrey announced the signing of former Nippon Professional…
February 12, 2026
BASEBALLFormer NPB Outfielder Koki Ugusa Signs with Czech Extraliga’s Kotlářka Praha
Kotlářka Praha of the Czech Extraliga has signed former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder Koki Ugusa,…
February 8, 2026
MLB2026 World Baseball Classic: Samurai Japan Finalizes Roster with Masataka Yoshida
Last week, manager Hirokazu Ibata announced Samurai Japan’s 29-man roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, leaving…
February 4, 2026
NPB2026 World Baseball Classic: Japan, Korea, Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia Exhibition Schedules
The national teams set to compete in Tokyo during the 2026 World Baseball Classic have…
February 1, 2026
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Reveals 2026 World Baseball Classic Roster
Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata announced 29 of the 30 players selected for the 2026 World…
January 26, 2026
MLBSamurai Japan Awaits MLB Approval as 2026 World Baseball Classic Roster Nears Finalization
Last week, manager Hirokazu Ibata officially announced the second wave of players selected for Samurai…
January 21, 2026
BASEBALLVeteran NPB Outfielder Takashi Ogino Signs with Czech Extraliga’s Draci Brno
Draci Brno of the Czech Extraliga is signing Japanese outfielder Takashi Ogino, the team announced.
January 19, 2026
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSICSamurai Japan Reveals 11 More Players for 2026 World Baseball Classic
Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata officially unveiled 11 more players for the 2026 World Baseball Classic…
January 16, 2026
MLBNPB: Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Land MLB Veteran RHP José Ureña
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles have signed right-hander Jose Urena, the club officially announced.
January 14, 2026
BASEBALLHayate Ventures Shizuoka Change Name Amid NPB Farm Division Realignment
Hayate 223, the operating company of the Nippon Professional Baseball minor league club Kufu Hayate…
January 12, 2026
NPBNPB: Yokohama DeNA BayStars Sign RHP Jon Duplantier
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yokohama DeNA BayStars are signing right-handed pitcher Jon Duplantier, the team officially…
January 7, 2026
MLBShohei Ohtani to Bat Second for Japan at 2026 World Baseball Classic
Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata spoke to Japanese media on New Year’s Day as his vision for…
January 1, 2026
BASEBALLSpencer Howard to Sign with Yomiuri Giants
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yomiuri Giants are signing right-hander Spencer Howard, according to multiple reports.
January 1, 2026
MLBSamurai Japan Unveils Eight Players for 2026 World Baseball Classic Team
Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata has officially unveiled the first eight players selected for the national team…
December 27, 2025
NPBNPB: Kohei Arihara Reunites with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters are signing right-hander Kohei Arihara to a four year, ¥2.4 billion (about…
December 26, 2025
MLBNPB: Yomiuri Giants Sign Outfielder Bobby Dalbec
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yomiuri Giants are signing corner infielder Bobby Dalbec, per Hochi News.
December 22, 2025
MLBNPB: Yokohama DeNA BayStars Sign OF Cooper Hummel
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yokohama DeNA BayStars have signed outfielder Cooper Hummel, the club announced.
December 21, 2025
MLBNPB: Chiba Lotte Marines Sign RHP Andre Jackson
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chiba Lotte Marines are signing right-handed pitcher Andre Jackson, the club announced.
December 18, 2025
BASEBALLNippon-Ham Fighters and SoftBank Hawks Set to Play in 2026 Japan-Taiwan Exchange Games
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks will participate in the 2026…
December 17, 2025
BASEBALLJapanese Genei Sato to Transfer to U.S.A for 2027 NCAA Season
Sendai University right-hander Genei Sato is reportedly set to transfer to a university in the United…
December 16, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Chunichi Dragons to Sign Miguel Sano
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chunichi Dragons are signing Miguel Sano to a one-year contract worth $1.3 million, according to…
December 16, 2025
BASEBALLTomoyuki Sugano Called Up to Samurai Japan for 2026 World Baseball Classic
Tomoyuki Sugano is expected to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Japan, according to a Sports…
December 14, 2025
BASEBALLRoki Sasaki Ruled Out for Samurai Japan at 2026 World Baseball Classic
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki will not participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March, according to…
December 12, 2025
BASEBALLJapan Amateur Baseball Association Wins Asian Winter Baseball League
The 2025 Asian Winter Baseball League wrapped up on Sunday, December 7, in Taiwan, with…
December 8, 2025
BASEBALLKorea Defeats Japan in Legends Game 7-1 at Es Con Field Hokkaido
Korea defeated Japan, 7-1, on Sunday afternoon at Es Con Field Hokkaido in the “Dream…
December 1, 2025
BASEBALLTokyo Big6 League Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Commemorative Game
The Tokyo Big6 League 100th Anniversary Commemorative Game was held on Saturday afternoon at Meiji…
November 30, 2025
BASEBALLYomiuri Giants Release Louis Okoye to Pursue Overseas Opportunities
Louis Okoye has been waived and released by the Yomiuri Giants, the club announced on Friday,…
November 29, 2025
BASEBALLJo-Hsi Hsu to Sign With Nippon Professional Baseball’s Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Taiwanese pitcher Jo-Hsi Hsu is signing with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball,…
November 29, 2025
BASEBALLLivan Moinelo, Teruaki Sato Claim NPB MVPs At Annual Awards Show
Nippon Professional Baseball announced its Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player winners at…
November 27, 2025
BASEBALLKenta Maeda Returning to Japan As Nippon Professional Baseball’s Free Agency Period Starts
Nippon Professional Baseball free agency is in full swing, with teams acting quickly to reinforce…
November 26, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Kazuma Okamoto, Kona Takahashi Officially Posted to MLB
Major League Baseball teams were informed Thursday that Kazuma Okamoto and Kona Takahashi have been…
November 21, 2025
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Finish Korea Exhibition Series With A Win, A Tie
World No. 1 Japan and No. 4 Korea squared off at Tokyo Dome over the…
November 16, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Hiromi Itoh Wins Eiji Sawamura Award; Gold Glove Winners Revealed
Nippon Professional Baseball has announced this year’s Eiji Sawamura and Golden Glove Award winners.
November 14, 2025
BASEBALLAsian Winter League Set to Start This Weekend in Taiwan
The 2025 Asian Winter Baseball League is set to open on Saturday, Nov.
November 12, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Seibu Lions Approve Tatsuya Imai’s Posting to Major League Baseball
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Saitama Seibu Lions have officially agreed to post pitcher Tatsuya Imai to…
November 10, 2025
MLBMunetaka Murakami Officially Posted to MLB
The Tokyo Yakult Swallows are officially posting star slugger Munetaka Murakami to Major League Baseball…
November 8, 2025
BASEBALLCzech National Team Extends Manager Pavel Chadim Through 2026 With Option For 2027
Manager Pavel Chadim has agreed to a contract extension with the Czech Republic national baseball…
November 5, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Win 2025 Japan Series
The Hanshin Tigers faithful were left stunned on Thursday night as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks…
October 30, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: SoftBank Hawks, Hanshin Tigers Even at One Game Apiece in Japan Series
The 2025 Japan Series heads to Koshien Stadium all square at one game apiece after the Hanshin…
October 26, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Juggernauts Collide As Hanshin Tigers, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Square Off In Japan Series
The stage is set for the 2025 Japan Series, as the Central League champion Hanshin Tigers face…
October 24, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Rintaro Sasaki Drafted by Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Shock Move
The 2025 Nippon Professional Baseball Draft took place on Thursday night in Tokyo, as many…
October 23, 2025
BASEBALLFukuoka SoftBank Hawks Avoid Historic Collapse, Clinch Japan Series Berth
It definitely wasn’t easy, but the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks have booked a date with the…
October 21, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Central League’s Hanshin Tigers Clinch Japan Series Berth
The Hanshin Tigers are headed to the Japan Series for the first time since 2023…
October 17, 2025
BASEBALLLuke Voit, Neftali Soto, Orlando Calixte to Remain in NPB Next Season
While all eyes are on the postseason, a few Nippon Professional Baseball clubs whose seasons…
October 16, 2025
BASEBALLHokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, Yokohama DeNA BayStars Advance in NPB Playoffs
Nippon Professional Baseball’s “Climax Series First Stage,” the league’s equivalent of Major League Baseball’s Wild…
October 13, 2025
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Announces Roster for Korea Exhibition Series
The Japanese senior national team has announced its 28-man roster for the upcoming RAXUS Samurai…
October 8, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Masahiro Tanaka Reaches 200-Win Milestone
Masahiro Tanaka became just the fourth Japanese pitcher to record 200 combined wins between Nippon…
October 2, 2025
BASEBALLHanshin Tigers Coast to Central League Pennant, Set Sights on October
The Hanshin Tigers made Nippon Professional Baseball history on Sunday, Sept.
September 18, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Tatsuya Imai Adds New Pitch, Throws Shutout For Saitama Seibu Lions
Saitama Seibu Lions right-hander Tatsuya Imai hurled his second consecutive complete game shutout last Tuesday,…
September 10, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: How Good is Munetaka Murakami Right Now?
Three years ago, at just 22 years old, Munetaka Murakami reigned as a God in…
August 23, 2025
BASEBALLNPB’s Central League to Adopt Designated Hitter in 2027
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League has unanimously voted to adopt the Designated Hitter rule starting…
August 14, 2025
BASEBALLKoyo Aoyagi Returns to Japan: Will Sign with Yakult Swallows
The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have reportedly reached an agreement with right-hander Koyo Aoyagi, according to…
July 26, 2025
BASEBALLNPB All-Star Games and Home Run Derby Recap
The 2025 Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Games were played at Kyocera Dome in Osaka, home…
July 24, 2025
BASEBALLItsuki Takemoto Selected by Athletics After Skipping NPB Draft
On Monday, the Athletics selected two-way player Itsuki Takemoto with the 560th overall pick (19th…
July 18, 2025
BASEBALLShintaro Fujinami Returns to NPB, Signs with DeNA BayStars
Right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami has signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball,…
July 17, 2025
NPBMarek Chlup Promoted, Becomes First Czech Player in NPB History
Marek Chlup made his Nippon Professional Baseball debut for the Yomiuri Giants on Saturday, going…
July 13, 2025
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Unveils Collegiate All-Star Series Roster
Samurai Japan has unveiled its roster for the upcoming Collegiate All-Star Series against Team USA,…
July 1, 2025
BASEBALLNPB Mid-Season Imports: Gonzalez, Voit, Ford
NPB Mid-Season Imports: Gonzalez, Voit, Ford Nippon Professional Baseball teams have begun bolstering their squads…
June 22, 2025
BASEBALLTatsuya Imai Strikes Out 17, Breaks Daisuke’s Franchise Record
Seibu Lions starter Tatsuya Imai delivered an unforgettable performance Tuesday night, tossing a two-hit shutout…
June 18, 2025
BASEBALLRaidel Martinez Yet to Allow Run with Yomiuri Giants
Nearly three months into the 2025 Nippon Professional Baseball season, Yomiuri Giants closer Raidel Martinez…
June 14, 2025
BASEBALLOsaka & Yokohama to Host 2025 NPB All-Star Series
Nippon Professional Baseball’s annual All-Star Series is set to take place in Osaka and Yokohama…
June 11, 2025
BASEBALLNPB: Livan Moinelo Sets SoftBank Hawks Club Record with 18 Strikeouts
SoftBank Hawks ace Livan Moinelo was electric on Friday night at Meiji Jingu Stadium, striking…
June 6, 2025
BASEBALLTaiwanese Star Ruei-Yang Gu Lin off to Strong Start in NPB
During the offseason, baseball fans often focus their attention on players from Nippon Professional Baseball…
June 3, 2025
BASEBALLIori Yamasaki Extends Scoreless Inning Streak to 35
Yomiuri Giants right-hander Iori Yamasaki didn’t come into the 2025 season as one of Nippon…
May 2, 2025
BASEBALLJapan and Korea Set for Pre-WBC Exhibition in November
World No. 1 Samurai Japan will play a two-game exhibition series against No.
April 21, 2025
BASEBALLTsuyoshi Shinjo Has Turned the Fighters Into a True Contender
The Tsuyoshi Shinjo era in Hokkaido began in 2022, following the departure of longtime manager…
April 15, 2025
JAPANTop 5 Standout NPB Pitching Performances from the First Week of 2025
The 2025 Nippon Professional Baseball season is off to a strong start, and pitchers are…
April 4, 2025
BASEBALLPakistani Players Make History With Debut in Japanese Independent League
Musharraf Khan and Faisal Hayat have made history as the first professional baseball players from…
April 2, 2025
BASEBALLNPB Superstar Kensuke Kondoh to Undergo Back Surgery
Kensuke Kondoh, Nippon Professional Baseball’s WAR leader since 2023, has been sidelined with a back…
April 1, 2025
BASEBALLHere Are the 2025 NPB Opening Day Matchups
Opening Day – or rather, Opening Night – for the 2025 Nippon Professional Baseball season…
March 27, 2025
MLBHanshin Tigers Shut Out Dodgers; Cubs Push Past Yomiuri Giants
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs continued their preparations for the season-opening Tokyo Series…
March 16, 2025
MLBHanshin Tigers Blank Chicago Cubs; Los Angeles Dodgers Overpower Yomiuri Giants
As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs prepare for their season-opening Tokyo Series, both…
March 15, 2025
BASEBALLPitching Matchups Set for Dodgers & Cubs NPB Exhibition Games
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs have landed in Japan ahead of the Tokyo…
March 14, 2025
BASEBALLCPBL News: Brothers sign Rodriguez, Uni-Lions sign Wieland
Recent CPBL Foreign Player Signings Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) announced several foreign player…
March 9, 2025
NPBFive Underrated NPB Players to Watch in 2025
With Nippon Professional Baseball spring training underway, most fans have their eyes locked on the…
March 8, 2025
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Dominates Netherlands with Back-to-Back One-Hit Shutouts
World No. 1 Japan swept the No. 7-ranked Kingdom of the Netherlands, 5-0 and 9-0,…
March 6, 2025
BASEBALLRoki Sasaki Impresses in Spring Training Debut
Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki struck out five batters across three scoreless innings in his Los…
March 5, 2025
BASEBALLFourteen NPB Players Implicated in Online Gambling Investigation
Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) has announced that 14 players from seven teams were found to…
February 28, 2025
BASEBALLChinese Taipei Defeat Spain, 6-3, Clinch 2026 World Baseball Classic Bid
It proved to be a more nerve-wracking qualifier than the hosts initially anticipated, but the…
February 25, 2025
BASEBALLChinese Taipei Gets Back on Track with 9-1 Win over South Africa
Hosts Chinese Taipei bounced back from a surprising defeat to Spain with an important 9-1…
February 22, 2025
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSICNicaragua Stays Perfect with Second Straight 2-1 Walk-off Victory
Nicaragua wins another 10th‑inning walk‑off, 2‑1 over Spain in the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers as Benjamin Alegría’s clutch hit seals a win.
February 22, 2025
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSICWBC Qualifiers Spain Stuns Hosts Chinese Taipei with 12-5 Thumping
No. 24 Spain stunned No. 2 Chinese Taipei with a 12-5 upset in the WBC Qualifiers, piling up 15 hits while Taipei’s pitching collapsed in front of 35,325 fans.
February 21, 2025
BASEBALLNicaragua Walks Off South Africa, 2-1, in World Baseball Classic Qualifier Taipei Pool Opener
Ronald Rivera’s walk-off single in the 10th inning sent the Nicaraguan bench into a frenzy,…
February 21, 2025
BASEBALLKBO’s NC Dinos Set for Eight-Game CPBL Tour
The NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) are set to hold camp in…
February 18, 2025
BASEBALLNicaragua National Team Preparing for WBC in Japan
The Nicaraguan national baseball team is preparing for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) qualifiers with…
February 16, 2025
BASEBALLSamurai Japan vs. Netherlands Rosters Announced
Rosters have been announced for the exhibition series between world No.
February 14, 2025
BASEBALLVeteran Yuki Yanagita Eyes 2026 World Baseball Classic
Yuki Yanagita has set his sights on representing Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
February 11, 2025
BASEBALLJapan Breeze Exit Caribbean Series Winless, but Exposure Proves Valuable
Debutants Japan Breeze wrapped up their 2025 Caribbean Series without a win, finishing 0-4 after…
February 7, 2025
BASEBALLNew Hanwha Eagles Stadium Set to Open
The Daejeon-based Hanwha Eagles have announced that their new stadium will be named Daejeon Hanwha…
February 4, 2025
BASEBALLCaribbean Series: Assessing The Japan Breeze After Two Games In Mexicali
As Caribbean Series debutants, Japan Breeze entered the tournament with low expectations and was a…
February 3, 2025
BASEBALLCzech National Team, Chiba Lotte Marines Announce Partnership
Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chiba Lotte Marines and the Czech Republic national team have announced a…
February 1, 2025
BASEBALLInternational Baseball to Watch Before Regular Season Action
While baseball fans around the world count down the days until Opening Day, there’s no…
January 29, 2025
BASEBALLIchiro Becomes First Japanese-Born Hall of Famer
Following his induction to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame last week, Ichiro Suzuki is…
January 22, 2025
BASEBALLNPB and KBO Spring Training Set to Begin
While pitchers and catchers are still weeks away from reporting for Major League Baseball spring…
January 21, 2025
BASEBALLIchiro Suzuki Inducted Into Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame
On Thursday, the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame unveiled its 2025 induction class.
January 19, 2025
BASEBALLShotaro Morii Signs With A’s – New Trend of Japanese Amateurs to MLB?
The Athletics announced that eighteen-year-old two-way prospect Shotaro Morii has signed with the team.
January 17, 2025
BASEBALLProspects to Watch: A Paraguayan and Italian-Brazilian in Japan
International baseball is growing, and Japan is producing more ethnically diverse players than ever before.
January 13, 2025
BASEBALLYutaka Fukumoto Honors Rival and Friend Rickey Henderson
Rickey Henderson captivated a generation of baseball players with his blazing speed and impeccable aura…
January 2, 2025
BASEBALLForeign Player Signings in Japan This Winter
As Major League Baseball fans eagerly follow the buzz surrounding Nippon Professional Baseball superstars like…
December 22, 2024
BASEBALLAsia Winter Baseball League: What is it?
The Asia Winter Baseball League (AWB) opened on November 23, marking the ninth edition of…
December 17, 2024
BASEBALLChinese Taipei Pitching Stifles Samurai Japan Bats In 4-0 Premier12 Championship Game Win
TOKYO – For five innings, fans at the Tokyo Dome were treated to a pitcher’s duel…
November 24, 2024
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Beats Chinese Taipei 9-6 In Final Super Round Game, Rematch Tomorrow For Premier12 Title
TOKYO – It was a game with nothing but pride (and a 26-game winning streak)…
November 23, 2024
BASEBALLShugo Maki’s Grand Slam Lifts Japan to Crucial Premier12 Win Over Venezuela
TOKYO – With one swing of the bat, Shugo Maki sent the Tokyo Dome crowd…
November 22, 2024
BASEBALLVenezuela’s Ricardo Pinto Will Face Samurai Japan’s Hiroto Saiki As Japan Looks To Extend Streak
TOKYO – The top two teams at the 2024 Premier12 thus far meet Friday night…
November 22, 2024
BASEBALLJapan Trounces USA 9-1 To Take 25th Straight Game In Major International Competition
TOKYO – The last time Samurai Japan and Team USA met, the entire world had…
November 21, 2024
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Ready For Super Round Challenge
TOKYO, Japan – Samurai Japan enters the Super Round with a perfect 5-0 record, aiming…
November 21, 2024
BASEBALLPremier12: Samurai Japan Finish Perfect in Group B
TOKYO, Japan – With a 4-0 Premier12 record already securing their spot in Tokyo, Samurai…
November 18, 2024
BASEBALLPremier12: Japan defeats Cuba to advance to Super Round
TOKYO, Japan — On a rainy night in Taipei, Japan overcame its toughest test yet…
November 17, 2024
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Stay Undefeated With Win Over Chinese Taipei
TOKYO, Japan — Samurai Japan got one step closer to a Super Round berth with…
November 16, 2024
BASEBALLJapan Defeat Rivals Korea, Improves to 2-0 at Premier12
TOKYO, Japan – After winning its Premier12 opener against Australia in Nagoya, Samurai Japan traveled…
November 15, 2024
BASEBALLJapan Opens Premier12 With Win Over Australia
NAGOYA, Japan — Samurai Japan opened its 2024 Premier12 tournament with a 9-3 victory against…
November 13, 2024
BASEBALLJapan Sweep Czech Republic in Exhibition Series
TOKYO, Japan — The Vantelin Nagoya Dome was the host site of the Japan-Czech Republic…
November 10, 2024
BASEBALLSamurai Japan Enter Premier12 as Favorites
TOKYO, Japan – As reigning champions of the Premier12, Olympics, and World Baseball Classic, Samurai…
November 8, 2024
BASEBALLYokohama DeNA BayStars Win Japan Series, End 26 Year Drought
TOKYO, Japan – When the DeNA BayStars left Yokohama after Game 2 last week, they…
November 3, 2024
BASEBALLDeNA BayStars Stun SoftBank Hawks, Take 3-2 Japan Series Lead
TOKYO, Japan – The SoftBank Hawks entered their home in Fukuoka with a commanding 2-0…
October 31, 2024
BASEBALLJapan Series: Game One and Two Recap
TOKYO, Japan – The SoftBank Hawks took care of business on the road to go…
October 27, 2024
BASEBALL2024 Japan Series Preview
TOKYO, Japan – The Yokohama DeNA BayStars will meet the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in the…
October 26, 2024
BASEBALLDeNA BayStars Upset Yomiuri Giants, Will Meet SoftBank in Japan Series
TOKYO, Japan — The Yomiuri Giants fought back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the…
October 21, 2024
BASEBALLSoftBank Hawks Sweep Nippon-Ham Fighters, Reach Japan Series
TOKYO, Japan – The SoftBank Hawks took care of business against the Nippon-Ham Fighters, sweeping…
October 18, 2024
BASEBALLNippon-Ham Fight Back, Defeat Lotte Marines to Advance to PLCS
TOKYO, Japan – The Nippon-Ham Fighters came back from the brink of elimination to take…
October 14, 2024
BASEBALLDeNA BayStars Sweep Hanshin Tigers, Beat Defending Champs
TOKYO, Japan – The DeNA BayStars pulled off an upset against the defending Japan Series…
October 13, 2024
BASEBALLFive Players to Watch in NPB Postseason
TOKYO, Japan – If there’s one thing baseball fans worldwide can agree on, it’s that…
October 10, 2024
BASEBALLNippon Professional Baseball Postseason Field is Set
TOKYO, Japan – The MLB postseason is underway, and Japan’s NPB will soon follow suit.
October 4, 2024
BASEBALLYuri Karasawa’s Nippon Professional Baseball Playoffs Preview!
September 30, 2024
BASEBALLSoftBank Hawks Clinch PL Pennant, Yomiuri Giants Nearing CL Title Yuri Karasawa
TOKYO, Japan — With a 9-4 victory on Monday night, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks clinched…
September 26, 2024
BASEBALLJapan Breeze: The First Asian Team To Participate in the Caribbean Series
TOKYO, Japan — The Caribbean Series, which has been at the forefront of international baseball…
September 18, 2024
BASEBALLNPB Playoff Races Heating Up
TOKYO, Japan – With under four weeks remaining in the 2024 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)…
September 12, 2024
BASEBALLWhich NPB Relievers & Hitters Are Heading to MLB Next?
TOKYO, Japan – Last week, we looked at NPB starting pitchers with the potential to…
September 5, 2024
BASEBALLWhich NPB Starting Pitchers Are Heading To The MLB Next?
TOKYO, Japan—Hideo Nomo’s shocking move to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 started a chain…
August 28, 2024
BASEBALLWho are the NPB Sawamura Award Contenders?
TOKYO, Japan – The Eiji Sawamura Award, the NPB equivalent of the Cy Young Award,…
August 21, 2024
BASEBALLWho are the NPB Rookie of the Year Frontrunners?
TOKYO, Japan – With just over a month and a half remaining in the 2024…
August 14, 2024
BASEBALLTop Five Most Unique Baseball Stadium Features in Japan
Tokyo, Japan – Of the 12 primary stadiums hosting Nippon Professional Baseball teams, which ones…
August 7, 2024
BASEBALLThe SoftBank Hawks Empire is Back in Full Swing
The Softbank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) have been a dynasty, and dynasties make…
July 31, 2024
BASEBALLCentral League & Pacific League Split Action-Packed NPB All-Star Series
TOKYO, Japan – If you’ve ever thought, “The All-Star Game is pretty cool, I wish…
July 25, 2024
BASEBALLFormer 8th Overall MLB Pick Carter Stewart Jr. Thriving in NPB
TOKYO, Japan – Central Florida product Carter Stewart Jr.
July 17, 2024
BASEBALLWho is the Real Munetaka Murakami?
TOKYO, Japan – On October 3, 2022, Tokyo Yakult Swallows’ third baseman Munetaka Murakami hit…
July 9, 2024
BASEBALLHighlighting the Biracial Stars of the NPB
TOKYO, Japan – In Japan, the term hafu refers to a person of half-Japanese ancestry.
July 3, 2024
BASEBALLChecking In On Former MLB Players Playing In Japan
TOKYO, Japan – Let’s take a brief look at how some notable former MLB players…
June 24, 2024
BASEBALLEight Years Since MLB Debut, Tyler Austin is an NPB Star
TOKYO, Japan – Nearly eight years after hitting back-to-back home runs with Aaron Judge in…
June 18, 2024