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.

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.

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.

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.

Shohei Ohtani's World Baseball Classic journey ends in disappointment for Japan

Shohei Ohtani's World Baseball Classic journey concludes in disappointment as Japan suffers an 8-5 loss to Venezuela, ending their historic winning streak.

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.

Japan finishes World Baseball Classic group unbeaten, tops Czechs 9-0 behind Murakami's grand slam

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.