Japan’s World Baseball Classic once again ended with Ohtani. This time, with a loss

Ohtani hit a first-inning home run but also struck out twice and had the game-ending flyout in Japan’s quarterfinal loss to Venezuela.

With Japan WBC exit, Shohei Ohtani experiences a rare sensation: Failure

The large contingent of reporters, perhaps 100 in all, waited behind a rope in the mixed zone in the corridor of loanDepot Park, and at 1:31 a.m., Shohei Ohtani came out of the door and stopped to talk.

Japan 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, schedule and pool

The World Baseball Classic is back for the first time since 2023 and Japan is all set for the action. Here's everything you need to know about the Japan national team, including roster, schedule and how to watch.

When did baseball start in Japan and how did it become so popular?

The country has dominated the World Baseball Classic in the 2000s, but its baseball history started long before.
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Team Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata stepping down after World Baseball Classic flop

It didn't take long for Team Japan to make changes after failing to defend its World Baseball Classic title.

In Japan, concerns arise that Netflix exclusivity dampening World Baseball Classic appeal

In Japan, where Netflix has exclusive rights to the WBC, residents are not used to paying subscription services to watch sporting events.

World Baseball Classic live updates: Quarterfinals continue with Italy beating Puerto Rico, Japan vs. Venezuela on Saturday

The 2026 World Baseball Classic continues Saturday with two quarterfinal showdowns. Italy opened with an 8-6 win over Puerto Rico in Houston. In the late game, Venezuela faces Japan in Miami.

Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki suffers concerning injury during Japan-Venezuela WBC game

Chicago Cubs fans watched in agony as Seiya Suzuki limp off the field during Saturday's World Baseball Classic game between Japan and Venezuela. Suzuki