01
Yomiuri Giants
Japan's most famous club — "Kyojin" to their fans. They hold the most Japan Series titles in NPB history and play in the heart of Tokyo.
The 12 Clubs
Two leagues.
One obsession.
NPB splits into the Central League (CL) and the Pacific League (PL). Six clubs each, endless rivalries.
Central League
The historic six — セリーグ
02
Hanshin Tigers
The Giants' eternal rivals, 2023 champions (a first title in 38 years) and back-to-back Central League pennant winners in 2025–26 — a club first. Their home, Koshien, is a cathedral of Japanese baseball.
03
Chunichi Dragons
The pride of the Chubu region, known for strong pitching and a famously loyal local following in Japan's manufacturing heartland.
04
Yakult Swallows
A small-market club with a giant heart, playing next to the forest of Meiji Jingu Shrine. Famous for developing homegrown talent.
05
Hiroshima Toyo Carp
"The people's club" — a symbol of resilience for the Chugoku region, famous for loyalty and one of NPB's most devoted fan cultures.
06
Yokohama DeNA BayStars
The stylish bay-side club and 2024 Japan Series champions — proof that underdogs can rise to the top of the Central League.
Pacific League
The exciting six — パリーグ
07
Orix Buffaloes
Formed from a 2005 merger, the Buffaloes play in two cities and carry the fierce spirit of Kansai baseball into the modern era.
08
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
The reigning Japan Series champions (2025, Hotaka Yamakawa MVP) and three straight Pacific League pennant winners, 2024–26. Fast, aggressive baseball and a booming mascot duo.
09
Saitama Seibu Lions
The "blue machine" — a historic powerhouse of the 1980s and 90s whose golden era still defines their identity today.
10
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
Baseball at the northern frontier — the Fighters bring big-league energy to Japan's snowy north, in a stunning new ballpark.
11
Chiba Lotte Marines
The cheerful club on Tokyo Bay, famous for colorful mascots, dance routines and one of the liveliest game-day atmospheres in Japan.
12
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
NPB's newest franchise and a symbol of Tohoku's recovery — already a Japan Series champion in 2013.
Road to the title
How the season ends
01
Regular season
Each team plays 143 games from spring to autumn. The top three clubs in each league advance to the playoffs.
02
Climax Series
NPB's unique playoff: the 2nd- and 3rd-place teams battle first, then face the league leader — who starts with a one-win advantage.
03
Japan Series
The Central and Pacific champions meet in a best-of-seven finale — in 2026, the SMBC Japan Series opens at Koshien on October 24 and runs to November 1.
Did you know? The Pacific League swings the bat for the pitcher — the Central League doesn't. From late May to mid-June, every team plays 18 interleague games — three against each of the six clubs in the other league.