When we hear “baseball,” the Pavlovian response is to think of the United States and MLB, or, out of habit, French D1 thanks to the BaseballTV app. But in the land of the rising sun, baseball is a religion too. Alongside sumo, it’s Japan’s national sport.
Manga fans will surely know Koshien, the summer (and more than century-old!) high school baseball tournament that ignites passions across Japan. But baseball is also professional in the Land of the Rising Sun, and this week, the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan’s equivalent of MLB) wraps up its season with the Nippon Series, the pinnacle of Japanese baseball.
Like its American counterpart, the Nippon Series pits the champions of the two professional leagues—the Central League and the Pacific League—against each other in a best-of-seven series. The team that wins four games is crowned Japan’s champion.
This year, no Yomiuri Giants. The legendary team, with countless titles to its name, boasts talented players like shortstop Hayato Sakamoto, a star who excels both at the plate and in the field. They’re also backed by a strong pitching staff, including Tomoyuki Sugano, one of the league’s top hurlers.
Also out of the running: the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, six-time champions in the last nine editions. The Hawks have dominated the Nippon Series with impressive consistency, featuring stars like outfielder Yuki Yanagita, a powerful and versatile player. However, they’re without ace pitcher Kodai Senga, who joined the New York Mets this season.
Hayato Sakamoto
Tomoyuki Sugano
Yuki Yanagita
This time, the two clubs battling it out in the Series are the Hanshin Tigers and the Orix Buffaloes, both based in Osaka. The latter’s presence is less of a surprise. The Buffaloes are the defending champions and 2021 runners-up. They rely on pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose performances have caught the eye of the New York Yankees, who are on the hunt for fresh talent after a tough season.
For the Hanshin Tigers, it’s been more of a shock. A Japanese urban legend, often called “the Colonel’s Curse,” claims the Tigers can never win again because, during their 1985 title celebration, fans threw a statue of Colonel Sanders (founder of the KFC fast-food chain) into a local canal, cursing the team. Fact is, they’ve only reached three Nippon Series finals since 1985 (before this season), losing every time. The Tigers are banking on outfielder Shota Morishita and pitchers like Shoki Murakami to lead them to victory and break the curse.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Shota Morishita
Shoki Murakami
The Nippon Series aren’t just about thrilling baseball; they’re a window into Japan’s unique baseball culture. Japanese fans are known for their passion and unwavering support for their favorite teams. The chants and cheers from the stands create an electric atmosphere in the stadiums.
Whether you’re a baseball fan or just curious to explore this Japanese sporting tradition, the 2023 Nippon Series are a must-watch. Right now, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top! The teams are trading blows, making this a series you won’t want to miss!
Photo Credits: Pinterest and Japanball
Sébastien DONDÉ.
