In the 21st century, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (previously known as the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks) have been NPB's most successful team, winning the Japan Series eight times.
The Pacific League squad, making its 11th appearance in the Japanese Fall Classic this century, plays host to the Central League's Hanshin Tigers in Game 1 of the best-of-seven championship series on Saturday night, October 25. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM at Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka.
The Tigers (85-54-4) ran roughshod over CL foes throughout the season, winning the pennant by a jaw-dropping 13 games over the runner-up Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
Again and again, the Hawks (87-52-4) proved they were the PL's premier team.
A Few Facts on the Japan Series
In 1964, the Osaka-based Nankai Hawks, who relocated to Fukuoka in 1989 and became known as the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, defeated the Hanshin Tigers in a seven-game Japan Series.
Fifty years later, the Hawks and Tigers met again in the Japan Series. And this time, Fukuoka captured another title, winning the 2014 NPB championship series 4-1. Then, starting in 2017, SoftBank manager Kimiyasu Kudo guided the club to the first of four consecutive Japan Series titles.
The Hanshin Tigers won Japan Series titles in 1985 and 2023, the latter a classic seven-game clash against the Orix Buffaloes. In between, the Tigers were beaten in 2003, 2005 and '14 in championship series appearances.
The Hawks returned to the Japan Series in 2024 under first-year skipper Hiroki Kokubo, but fell short of their ultimate goal in a six-game series against the BayStars.
Back in the Spotlight
A year later, SoftBank returns to the spotlight in the quest for its first Japan Series title since 2020.
Kokubo shared a passionate message for the team's fans on the eve of Game 1.
"Whether you laugh or cry, it will all be over in a week," Kokubo said, according to Sports Hochi. "We have come this far, so we need to have complete faith in the players. I want everyone to give it their all, even if they are exhausted, and fight to the end to win the national championship."
Tigers manager Kyuji Fujikawa, who took over as dugout boss after Akinobu Okada's resignation following the 2024 campaign, said his team faces a formidable challenge against the Hawks.
"They have outstanding players, and Manager Kokubo is a strategist," Fujikawa said on Friday, October 23, according to Nikkan Sports. "There's nothing specific to be wary of. [But] I'm looking forward to it."
Game 1 Starting Pitchers
On Friday, both teams announced their starting pitchers for Game 1.
The Tigers will send Shoki Murakami (14-4, 2.10 ERA during the regular season) to the mound for the high-profile assignment. And the Hawks will counter with former MLB pitcher Kohei Arihara (14-9, 3.03).
Murakami handled Game 1 starting duties at the 2023 Japan Series, pitching seven scoreless innings and holding Orix to two hits.
Arihara was SoftBank's Game 1 starter at the 2024 Japan Series, tossing seven scoreless innings of four-hit ball.
Game 2 is on Sunday in Fukuoka. Games 3 and 4 will be held at Koshien Stadium on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 28 and 29.
If necessary, Game 5 will be played at Koshien Stadium on Thursday, October 30. Likewise, if necessary, Games 6 and 7 are penciled in for Mizuho PayPay Dome on Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2.
RELATED:
- JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK | Hanshin Tigers Return to the Japan Series After a 1-Year Absence
- ODDS and EVENS | SoftBank Hawks Rely on Impressive Depth for Success in 2025
Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
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