Japanese professional baseball has produced many star players who have defined their eras. Names like Shohei Ohtani, Masataka Yoshida, Seiya Suzuki, Yu Darvish, Masahiro Tanaka, Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui, and Hideo Nomo have all made the jump from NPB to the Major Leagues.
can be found all over Japan, with reasonably priced tickets that make it easy to attend games. The proximity between players and fans creates a friendly and approachable atmosphere.
This article will explain how to watch Japanese professional baseball on TV or online.
1.Ways to Watch Japanese Baseball on TV or Computer
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, enjoyed by people of all ages. With terrestrial broadcasts becoming less common, many people now subscribe to streaming services to watch games. These games can be viewed on PCs, smartphones, and tablets at any time and from anywhere. By connecting these devices to a TV using an HDMI cable or other method, viewers can also enjoy the action on a larger screen.
While generally not available overseas, some international fans can watch these games by using a VPN to access Japanese streaming services.
1-1. Pacific League TV
Pacific League TV, operated by Persol, is an online streaming service that primarily features games from the Pacific League, one of Japan’s professional baseball leagues. It covers a wide range of games from official Pacific League matches, interleague play, Climax Series, to preseason games, including both top team and farm team games. A notable feature is its access to a 12-year archive of past games.
Additionally, users can utilize unique functions such as “1 Plate Appearance, 1 Pitch VOD,” which allows them to review specific plays or moments of the game by each plate appearance or pitch. Other features include multi-angle VOD, compatibility with multiple devices, and the ability to customize the viewing experience by toggling the live commentary on or off.
The regular subscription price is 1,595 JPY per month, with a special fan club member price of 1,045 JPY per month.
1-2.Toratele
Toratele is a video streaming service dedicated to the Hanshin Tigers, offering a variety of engaging and fun content for fans. With Toratele, viewers can enjoy live broadcasts from the start of the game to the player-of-the-game interviews that follow.
The service includes unique features such as a “Scene Search” function, which allows for easy retrieval of specific plays or scenes, and an “Enthusiasm Meter” that visualizes fan excitement. Accessible via smartphones, tablets, and computers, installing the app enables fans to enjoy exclusive content such as broadcasts of both the first and second team official games, as well as training camp streams.
The monthly subscription fee is 660 JPY, with the option to watch individual home games of the first team for 220 JPY per game. Additionally, viewers can also watch away games against the Giants and interleague play matches.
1-3.GIANTS TV
GIANTS TV is a dedicated streaming service for the Yomiuri Giants, providing live broadcasts from the beginning of the game to the player-of-the-game interviews at the end. GIANTS TV offers a wide range of features that enhance the viewing experience, such as multi-angle views of the game and alternate audio options. Special content is also available during the off-season.
Additionally, fans can enjoy exclusive Giants content, including memorable historic games and original player videos, making it an essential service for Giants fans.
The service is available only within Japan, and the subscription fee is 1,320 JPY per month.
1-4.DAZN
DAZN is a global streaming service that offers a wide range of sports content. It allows viewers to watch over 10,000 live events per year, including baseball, soccer, golf, Formula 1, and martial arts.
For baseball enthusiasts, DAZN provides a dedicated plan called “DAZN BASEBALL.” Priced at 2,300 JPY per month (27,600 JPY annually), this plan comprehensively covers professional baseball from spring training and preseason games to official matches, interleague play, and the Climax Series. DAZN also offers original content, such as documentary series about the Yomiuri Giants, providing not only game coverage but also an in-depth, informative look at the players and teams behind the scenes.
DAZN is available for use only within Japan, and there are restrictions on viewing from abroad. While a VPN might enable access, be aware that DAZN could still block such attempts, so keep this in mind if you’re considering using a VPN.
1-5.J SPORTS On Demand
J SPORTS On Demand leverages specialized sports broadcasting technology and multi-screen capabilities to offer exclusive content not available elsewhere, including soccer, road cycling, and college rugby.
For professional baseball,the service primarily covers games from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Chunichi Dragons, and Yokohama DeNA BayStars. The baseball package, which includes professional, amateur, university, and high school baseball, is priced at 1,980 JPY per month. There is also a “Comprehensive Pack” available for the same price of 1,980 JPY, which includes all sports offered by J SPORTS. This pack is recommended for those interested in a variety of sports. Additionally, individuals under the age of 25 can enjoy the service for half the price at 990 JPY.
1-6.Various Streaming Services
Various streaming services also offer the option to watch professional baseball games.
For instance, Hulu live streams games of the Yomiuri Giants. If you subscribe to FOD (Fuji TV on Demand), you can watch games featuring the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
2.Important Tips for Watching Japanese Baseball on TV or Computer
Broadcast rights for professional baseball games vary by country and region, and are typically held by specific broadcasters or streaming services. As a result, many broadcasts are only licensed for viewing within Japan, making it generally unavailable to international audiences. Additionally, many streaming services restrict access based on the viewer’s IP address due to rights issues, licensing, and contractual agreements.
However, theoretically, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be used to bypass these restrictions. When connected to a VPN, your IP address appears as if it is located from within Japan, which may allow you to access content as if you were a domestic viewer.
It’s important to note that using a VPN can have its risks. If the use of a VPN is prohibited by the service’s terms and conditions, it could lead to sanctions such as account suspension. Always check the terms of service before using a VPN to understand the potential consequences.
3.Methods to Actually Attend a Japanese Baseball Game
Japanese professional baseball is not only technically advanced but also attracts fans from around the world. However, its appeal goes beyond just the skill level. For instance, Japanese baseball fans are known for their highly organized and creative cheering. Each team has its own set of cheer songs, and different songs are used to support individual batters.
Below, we will explain four ways to purchase baseball tickets in Japan.
3-1.Buy tickets via the team’s official website
Professional baseball teams sell tickets through their official websites. The advantages of this method include not having to pay additional fees since you are buying directly from the team, and potentially accessing promotions or discounts exclusive to the official site or for members only.
To purchase tickets, you may need to register as a member of the team’s website.
3-2.Purchase tickets through ticketing websites
Tickets are also available through major ticketing platforms like Ticket Pia, e+, and Lawson Ticket. One advantage of using these services is that they may still have tickets available even when presales are sold out. Additionally, they allow you to compare and purchase tickets for various teams and games all in one place.
However, a downside is that these platforms charge a service fee, which can make the tickets more expensive compared to buying directly from the team’s official website.
3-3.Buy tickets at convenience stores
In Japan, you can purchase tickets at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.
Tickets are available via their websites, but you can also use multimedia terminals installed in the stores (such as multi-copy machines) to make purchases and print tickets on the spot. The advantages of this method are that you can buy tickets without internet access and pay in cash.
However, it’s important to note that the availability of tickets for certain teams or games may be limited at convenience stores.
3-4.Purchase tickets at the stadium
On the day of the game, you can buy tickets directly at the stadium’s ticket office. While the best seats may already be sold out, any remaining seats can still be purchased on game day.
It’s a good idea to arrive at the stadium early or check online in advance for information on available seats.
Conclusion
Japanese baseball can be watched on multiple video streaming platforms, but it is generally difficult to watch from overseas without a VPN. Keep in mind that even if you use a VPN, there are cases where you will be rejected.
Japanese baseball stadiums are very clean and have a family-friendly environment. There is a wide variety of meals available, from traditional Japanese food to original food unique to the stadium. Additionally, Japan’s major baseball stadiums are easily accessible via public transportation. They are often located in the center of cities, making them easy to visit as part of sightseeing.
When attending a Japanese professional baseball game, there are a variety of methods to purchase tickets, including through the team’s official website, a ticket sales platform, or directly at the stadium ticket office.
*This article is based on information available as of May 2024.
