Samurai Japan Series 2026: Preparing for the World Baseball Classic
Japan’s national baseball team, Samurai Japan, is currently engaged in a series of warm-up games as preparation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The RAXUS Samurai Japan Series 2026 features matchups against top teams from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), providing crucial opportunities to refine the national roster and build momentum.
Series Overview
The Samurai Japan Series 2026 is being held in two locations: Miyazaki and Nagoya. These exhibition matches allow fans to witness Japan’s elite baseball stars compete in high-stakes games.
Miyazaki Schedule
Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki is hosting games on February 22nd and 23rd, 2026, against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.
- February 22, 2026: Samurai Japan vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (1:00 PM JST) – Result: Samurai Japan 13 – 3 Fukuoka Softbank Hawks
- February 23, 2026: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. Samurai Japan (2:00 PM JST)
Nagoya Schedule
Bantelin Dome Nagoya will host games on February 27th and 28th, 2026, against the Chunichi Dragons.
- February 27, 2026: Samurai Japan vs. Chunichi Dragons (7:00 PM JST)
- February 28, 2026: Chunichi Dragons vs. Samurai Japan (7:00 PM JST)
Starting Pitchers Announced
The starting pitchers for the Miyazaki games have been announced:
- February 23rd: Hibiki Shinohara (Saitama Seibu Lions) will start for Samurai Japan.
- February 23rd: Carter Stewart Jr. Will start for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.
Road to the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The Samurai Japan Series serves as a vital warm-up for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Japan will participate in the Tokyo Pool, facing teams including Australia, South Korea, the Czech Republic, and Chinese Taipei. Warm-up games prior to the main tournament will also be held at Kyocera Dome Osaka and SOKKEN Stadium.
2026 World Baseball Classic Schedule
- March 2, 2026: Orix Buffaloes vs. Japan (7:00 PM JST)
- March 3, 2026: Hanshin Tigers vs. Japan (7:00 PM JST)
- March 6, 2026: Chinese Taipei vs. Japan (7:00 PM JST)
- March 7, 2026: Japan vs. South Korea (7:00 PM JST)
- March 8, 2026: Japan vs. Australia (7:00 PM JST)
- March 10, 2026: Japan vs. Czech Republic (7:00 PM JST)
- March 14-15, 2026: Quarterfinal Round
- March 16-17, 2026: Semi-final Round
- March 18, 2026: Final
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Samurai Japan Series 2026 are available through various resellers, though securing tickets can be challenging due to high demand. Reseller tickets are available online. Tickets for Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks games are also available through their official channels. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks 2026 Season Match Schedule
Group booking inquiries can be made through the official event contact page.