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Baseball fans everywhere, the moment has finally arrived!
The long, passionate season culminates in the spectacular “SMBC Japan Series 2025,” which kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, October 25th!
This year’s summit clash features the Central League Champions, the Hanshin Tigers, against the Pacific League Champions, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks—a thrilling showdown between two of Japan’s most popular clubs.
The first team to secure 4 wins will capture the title of “Japan Champion” this year.
This best-of-seven battle demands your attention from the very first pitch!
The Battleground Starts in Fukuoka!
The commemorative Game 1 begins tomorrow, Saturday, October 25th, at 6:30 PM JST, at the SoftBank Hawks’ home stadium, Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka!
With passionate Hawks fans awaiting, all eyes will be on how the “Mighty Tigers” challenge their opponent on the road.
After Games 1 and 2 in Fukuoka, the series shifts to the Hanshin Tigers’ legendary home field, Hanshin Koshien Stadium, for Games 3 through 5. The stage is perfectly set for the clash of baseball cultures and the fierce passion of the fans from both leagues!
【Full Schedule】A Must-Watch Lineup of Games!
Here is the schedule for the best-of-seven series for the Japan Championship.
Please note that the series concludes immediately after one team reaches four wins, so Games 5, 6, and 7 may not be necessary.
| Game | Date | Start Time (JST) | Venue |
| Game 1 | October 25 (Sat) | 6:30 PM | Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka |
| Game 2 | October 26 (Sun) | 6:30 PM | Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka |
| Travel Day | October 27 (Mon) | – | – |
| Game 3 | October 28 (Tue) | 6:00 PM | Hanshin Koshien Stadium |
| Game 4 | October 29 (Wed) | 6:00 PM | Hanshin Koshien Stadium |
| Game 5 | October 30 (Thu) | 6:00 PM | Hanshin Koshien Stadium |
| Travel Day | October 31 (Fri) | – | – |
| Game 6 | November 1 (Sat) | 6:30 PM | Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka |
| Game 7 | November 2 (Sun) | 6:00 PM | Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka |
【The Road to the Series】Recapping the CS Final Stages
The two teams advancing to the Japan Series showcased contrasting paths through the Climax Series (CS) Final Stages.
Hanshin Tigers (Central League CS)
As the league champions, the Tigers held a one-win advantage and faced the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
| Game | Date | Matchup | Score | Result |
| (Advantage) | – | – | – | Hanshin 1 Win |
| Game 1 | Oct. 15 | Hanshin vs. DeNA | 2 – 0 | Hanshin Win |
| Game 2 | Oct. 16 | Hanshin vs. DeNA | 5 – 3 | Hanshin Win |
| Game 3 | Oct. 17 | Hanshin vs. DeNA | 4 – 0 | Hanshin Win |
Result: Hanshin advances to the Japan Series with 4 wins and 0 losses.
Carrying their regular-season momentum, the Tigers swept the CS without dropping a game, moving confidently to the championship.
The MVP was awarded to Shota Morishita, who hit a walk-off home run in Game 2.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Pacific League CS)
As the league champions, the Hawks held a one-win advantage and faced the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
| Game | Date | Matchup | Score | Result |
| (Advantage) | – | – | – | SoftBank 1 Win |
| Game 1 | Oct. 15 | SoftBank vs. Nippon-Ham | 2x – 1 | SoftBank Win |
| Game 2 | Oct. 16 | SoftBank vs. Nippon-Ham | 3 – 0 | SoftBank Win |
| Game 3 | Oct. 17 | SoftBank vs. Nippon-Ham | 0 – 6 | Nippon-Ham Win |
| Game 4 | Oct. 18 | SoftBank vs. Nippon-Ham | 3 – 9 | Nippon-Ham Win |
| Game 5 | Oct. 19 | SoftBank vs. Nippon-Ham | 1 – 7 | Nippon-Ham Win |
| Game 6 | Oct. 20 | SoftBank vs. Nippon-Ham | 2 – 1 | SoftBank Win |
Result: SoftBank advances to the Japan Series with 4 wins and 3 losses.
After taking an early lead, the Hawks suffered three consecutive losses from the Fighters’ fierce rally, pushing the series to the decisive Game 6.
SoftBank ultimately triumphed, with pitcher Liván Moinelo, who delivered an ace-like performance in Game 6, receiving the MVP award.
Team Dynamics and Key Factors
Hanshin Tigers: Unwavering Strength to the Top
The Tigers, who dominated the Central League, enter the Japan Series in perfect condition after their smooth CS victory.
Their strength lies in a solid pitching staff—particularly a formidable starting rotation—and an offense that delivers in crucial moments.
Under Manager Kyuji Fujikawa’s first year, the team is fiercely determined to claw their way to the Japan Championship.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks: Resilience Forged in Battle
The Hawks, who won the Pacific League for the second straight year, fought a grueling battle against the Fighters in the CS Final.
They are eager for revenge after failing to win the Japan Series last year. Guided by the slogan, “All Together, To Japan’s Champion!”, their powerful offense and experienced pitching staff will be key to dominating the series.
A Rivalry Renewed After 11 Years! Who Will Rewrite History?
Remarkably, this is the first Japan Series matchup between Hanshin and SoftBank (including their predecessor teams) in 11 years, since 2014!
In all three previous encounters, the Hawks organization was crowned the champion.
- Will Hanshin manage to overturn this historical trend?
- Or will SoftBank solidify a new golden era?
This clash of pride and strategy is truly a “Series of the Century!”
Let’s join together to create an electrifying atmosphere for the games starting tomorrow!
Whether you are watching on TV or at the stadium, send your passionate cheers!
Who will stand at the pinnacle of Japanese professional baseball? Stay tuned!
⚾【Update】SMBC Japan Series 2025: A Thrilling Conclusion!
The Japan Series kicked off with intense battles, and we now have the final results to report.
🔥 After a Series of Fierce Battles, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks are the Champions of Japan!
The Hanshin Tigers regrettably finished the series with 1 win and 4 losses.
However, every game was a memorable contest where the determination of both teams clashed fiercely.
Detailed Series Results
The Tigers started strong, taking Game 1 with a comeback victory, but were unable to break the Hawks’ formidable defense in the subsequent games, leading to a tough four-game losing streak.
Notably, while Game 2 was a one-sided game in favor of the SoftBank Hawks, the other four games were all decided by a single run, making them a series of truly close and exciting matches!
| Date | Time | Stadium | Result | Note |
| Oct 25 (Sat) | 18:30 | Mizuho PayPay | Hawks 1 – 2 Tigers | Close game (1-run difference) |
| Oct 26 (Sun) | 18:30 | Mizuho PayPay | Hawks 10 – 1 Tigers | One-sided game |
| Oct 28 (Tue) | 18:00 | Koshien | Tigers 1 – 2 Hawks | Close game (1-run difference) |
| Oct 29 (Wed) | 18:00 | Koshien | Tigers 2 – 3 Hawks | Close game (1-run difference) |
| Oct 30 (Thu) | 18:00 | Koshien | Tigers 2 – 3 Hawks | Close game (1-run difference) |
While this result is disappointing for all Tigers fans, we should give a hearty round of applause to the players who fought hard until the very end.
They will surely use this frustration as fuel to come back as a stronger team next season!
And to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, who triumphed in this fierce competition and were crowned the 2025 Japan Champions—Congratulations on your victory!
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