You don't need to be in Japan to follow NPB. Here's every legal way to watch, stream and track the 2026 season — wherever you live.
Official streaming
NPB offers official streaming services with live games (mostly Japanese audio, with growing English-friendly options). Availability varies by country — check the official NPB site for what's offered where you live. Always use official sources: unofficial streams are illegal and often unreliable.
Highlights and social
YouTube is the fastest way to catch up: official channels and fan channels post daily highlights and key plays. Team accounts — many posting bilingually — are excellent for following the storylines between games.
Live scores
Live-score apps and sites track every game in real time, including the Climax Series and Japan Series. Pair them with our glossary and you'll follow a game in Japanese without speaking a word.
Time zones are the only real opponent. Japan is 13–14 hours ahead of US Eastern time.
The time-zone trick
Most night games in Japan air in the morning across the Americas and in the afternoon/evening in Europe. For US East Coast viewers, a 6 p.m. Tokyo start is 4–5 a.m. Eastern — perfect for early risers, or a recorded highlight breakfast.
What's next: the postseason
The Climax Series starts October 10 and the SMBC Japan Series runs October 24 – November 1. October games in Japan air in the morning across the Americas — prime breakfast viewing. Full dates: the postseason guide.