Hard-slugging Fighters hitting homers at torrid pace to start NPB season

The Fighters have 22 home runs in nine games, while no other NPB team has reached 10 yet.

The Japan Times
No matter where you come from, the differences melt away on the diamond thanks to the unifying nature of Japanese baseball, which is more than a mere sport in Japan. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/04/02/baseball/japanese-baseball/japanese-baseball-no-differences/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #baseball #japanesebaseball #kochifightingdogs #hanamakihigashihighschool
Unifying power of Japanese baseball brings together people from all walks of life

In Japanese baseball, everyone belongs.

The Japan Times
Japanese baseball saw an explosive start to the 2026 regular season on Friday night, with 12 home runs hit across NPB, compared with just seven on opening day last season. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/03/30/baseball/japanese-baseball/npb-explosive-start-home-runs/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #baseball #japanesebaseball #treycabbage #kyujifujikawa #ryojikuribayashi #kaimataira #harutotakahashi
NPB sees explosive start to 2026 regular season

A total of 12 home runs were hit on opening night on Friday, compared with just seven last season.

The Japan Times
Yomiuri Giants pitcher Kazuyuki Takemaru did not let nerves hold him back as he led his team to an opening day victory over the reigning Central League champion Hanshin Tigers in his NPB debut. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/03/27/baseball/japanese-baseball/takemura-leads-giants-over-hanshin/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #baseball #japanesebaseball
Giants rookie Kazuyuki Takemaru overcomes nerves and Tigers for opening day win

Trey Cabbage and Bobby Dalbec hit home runs for Yomiuri in the victory.

The Japan Times