Premier12
Japan in the Premier12: Calendar, games, scores, roster and players
The Japan baseball team is gearing up for the 2024 WBSC Premier12 tournament, which kicks off on November 9, 2024.
Starting November 9, 2024, the Japan Baseball team will compete in the 2024 WBSC Premier12 tournament. It is one of the most competitive international baseball championships, held every four years and featuring the top 12 national teams from across the world.
Japan will play its group stage games in Nagoya and Taipei
Here’s a look at their schedule:
- November 13: vs. Australia at 5:00 AM ET
- November 15: vs. Korea at 5:00 AM ET
- November 16: vs. Chinese Taipei at 5:00 AM ET
- November 17: vs. Cuba at 5:00 AM ET
- November 18: vs. Dominican Republic at 5:00 AM ET
What is the Japan roster for the Premier 12 tournament?
The team is managed by Hirokazu Ibata, who has led Japan to numerous international successes. Key players include Sosuke Genda, Ryoya Kurihara, and Kazuma Okamoto, who bring a wealth of experience from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and international competitions.
The roster also features promising talents like Ryota Isobata, a highly touted prospect known for his speed and aggressive play.
Japan roster Premier12
Full roster
Pitchers
- Taisei Ota, Shosei Togo (Yomiuri Giants)
- Chihiro Sumida (Seibu Lions)
- Hiromi Ito, Koki Kitayama (Nippon Ham Fighters)
- Hiroto Takahashi, Tatsuya Shimizu (Chunichi Dragons)
- Takahisa Hayakawa, Shoma Fujihira, Sora Suzuki (Rakuten Eagles)
- Hiroto Saiki (Hanshin Tigers)
- Shota Suzuki, Rikuto Yokoyama (Lotte Marines)
Catchers
- Yuto Koga (Lions)
- Shogo Sakakura (Hiroshima Carp)
- Toshiya Sato (Marines)
Infielders
- Shugo Maki (DeNA BayStars)
- Naoki Yoshikawa, Kazuma Okamoto (Giants)
- Sosuke Genda (Lions), Ryoya Kurihara (SoftBank Hawks)
- Kotaro Kurebayashi (Orix Buffaloes)
- Kaito Kozono (Carp)
Outfielders
- Morishita (Tigers),
- Ryota Isobata, Chusei Mannami (Fighters)
- Keita Sano (BayStars)
- Ryosuke Tatsumi (Eagles)
The Premier12 competition, which began in 2015, has developed into a major event on the international baseball calendar. Even more importance is added by the tournament’s Olympic qualification.
Fans in the United States can catch all the action live on Fubo Sports Network, with the first game against the Australia.