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.

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.

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.

The country has dominated the World Baseball Classic in the 2000s, but its baseball history started long before.

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

Defending champion Japan completed an unbeaten group stage at the World Baseball Classic, beating the Czech Republic 9-0 at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday night behind a nine-run eighth inning capped by Munetaka Murakami's grand slam.

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.

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