Story perspectives

Ohtani and Yamamoto Lead Japan's 2026 WBC Quest

1/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will represent Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, joining eight MLB players on the roster.
Manager Hirokazu Ibata confirmed their participation, while Roki Sasaki was not selected due to injuries during his rookie season.
Japan's tournament begins on March 6, 2026, against Chinese Taipei in Tokyo.
The team will hold a training camp in Miyazaki from February 14-24, 2026, with MLB players joining for exhibition games starting March 2, 2026.
Japan aims to defend its title, having won three of the last five WBCs.

History

Historical Context

Japan's victory in the inaugural World Baseball Classic on March 20, 2006, marked a pivotal moment in international baseball. Led by Daisuke Matsuzaka, who struck out nine batters in the final against Cuba, Japan claimed the championship with a 10-6 score. This triumph established Japan as a dominant force in the sport, winning three titles in five tournaments, including the upcoming 2026 event featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani.

1 of 2

Story summary

Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will represent Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, joining eight MLB players on the roster.
Manager Hirokazu Ibata confirmed their participation, while Roki Sasaki was not selected due to injuries during his rookie season.
Japan's tournament begins on March 6, 2026, against Chinese Taipei in Tokyo.
The team will hold a training camp in Miyazaki from February 14-24, 2026, with MLB players joining for exhibition games starting March 2, 2026.
Japan aims to defend its title, having won three of the last five WBCs.

1 / 2