How to Choose an NPB Team to Support
How to Choose an NPB Team to Support
Twelve teams, two leagues, fierce rivalries — here is a fun, practical guide to picking your Japanese baseball team.
NPB has twelve teams across two leagues, each with passionate fans and rich history. Choosing one is part of the fun of getting into Japanese baseball. Here is a friendly guide to picking your team.
1. Two leagues
Central and Pacific.
NPB is split into the Central and Pacific Leagues, each with six teams — the basics are in how NPB works.
2. Follow a city
A place you love.
Many fans pick a team tied to a city or region — from big-market giants to passionate regional clubs.
3. Follow a story or star
A reason to care.
Back a storied franchise, a rising team, or a club with a player you enjoy — perhaps a future MLB export like the legends before them.
4. Just dive in
No wrong choice.
Pick one and start enjoying it — the cheering, the rivalries and the season-long drama explained in why follow Japanese baseball.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose an NPB team?
NPB has twelve teams in two leagues; pick by a city you love, a club’s story, or a player you enjoy.
How is NPB structured?
Two leagues — Central and Pacific — with six teams each.
Is there a wrong choice?
No — just pick one and enjoy the cheering, rivalries and drama.
Keep exploring
Explore the stories, systems and culture behind Japanese sport.
Sources & notes
- Guide to choosing an NPB team (two leagues, twelve teams, by city/story/player). General information.
A guide dated 23 June 2026. No copyrighted material is reproduced. General information.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月23日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月23日
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