Baseball: Marines vs. Lions

Baseball: Marines vs. Lions

Wu Nien-ting of the Seibu Lions hits a solo home run in the fourth inning of a Pacific League baseball game against the Lotte Marines at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Sept. 6, 2022. Marines pitcher Ayumu Ishikawa surrendered three straight home runs to Tomoya Mori, Hotaka Yamakawa and Wu during the inning.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks players celebrate after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks players celebrate after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks players celebrate after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks players celebrate after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

Baseball: Hawks clinch Pacific League title

SoftBank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo is tossed in the air by his players after the baseball team won the Pacific League pennant for the second consecutive season with a 4-1 victory over the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2025.

Economic analyst Takuro Morinaga

Economic analyst Takuro Morinaga

File photo taken in Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, on March 2, 2021, shows Japanese economic analyst Takuro Morinaga. Morinaga died of cancer on Jan. 28, 2025, at age 67.

Baseball: Seibu Lions' Hirasawa

Baseball: Seibu Lions' Hirasawa

Taiga Hirasawa poses for photos at an introductory press conference in Tokorozawa in the eastern Japan prefecture of Saitama on Dec. 12, 2024, after joining the Seibu Lions from the Lotte Marines.

Japan: Roads Turn Into River After Intense Rainfall In Tokyo Area 4

About 100 millimeters of rain fell in an hour in Tokyo and neighboring Saitama Prefecture on Wednesday evening, July 31. Videos posted on social media show roads and highways flooded like a river across the region.

Japan: Roads Turn Into River After Intense Rainfall In Tokyo Area 3

About 100 millimeters of rain fell in an hour in Tokyo and neighboring Saitama Prefecture on Wednesday evening, July 31. Videos posted on social media show roads and highways flooded like a river across the region.

Summer heat in eastern Japan

Summer heat in eastern Japan

A banner warning of heat stroke is seen at the Tokorozawa city government office in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on July 5, 2024, with the mercury topping 35 C in the region.

Baseball: Hawks vs. Lions

Baseball: Hawks vs. Lions

Kensuke Kondo of the Softbank Hawks hits a two-run single in the fifth inning of a Pacific League baseball game against the Seibu Lions on April 13, 2024, at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo.

Baseball: Daisuke Matsuzaka

Baseball: Daisuke Matsuzaka

Seibu Lions pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka touches the mound after throwing against the Nippon Ham Fighters at MetLife Dome in Tokorozawa, near Tokyo, on Oct. 19, 2021, as the former Boston Red Sox right-hander ended his 23-year baseball career.

Baseball: Orix Buffaloes pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita

Baseball: Orix Buffaloes pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita

Shumpeita Yamashita of the Orix Buffaloes pitches in a baseball game against the Seibu Lions at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 31, 2023.

Baseball in Japan

Baseball in Japan

TOKOROZAWA, Japan, Kyodo - Wu Nien-ting (39) of the Seibu Lions is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run in the second inning of a Pacific League baseball game against the Rakuten Eagles at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, eastern Japan, on April 24, 2022.

Seibu Lions infielder Yamakawa

Seibu Lions infielder Yamakawa

Seibu Lions infielder Hotaka Yamakawa meets the press in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Oct. 5, 2023. In August, Tokyo prosecutors decided not to indict the three-time Pacific League home run leader and member of Japan's 2023 World Baseball Classic-winning team over an allegation of rape due to insufficient evidence.

Seibu Lions infielder Yamakawa

Seibu Lions infielder Yamakawa

Seibu Lions infielder Hotaka Yamakawa meets the press in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Oct. 5, 2023. In August, Tokyo prosecutors decided not to indict the three-time Pacific League home run leader and member of Japan's 2023 World Baseball Classic-winning team over an allegation of rape due to insufficient evidence.

Seibu Lions infielder Yamakawa

Seibu Lions infielder Yamakawa

Seibu Lions infielder Hotaka Yamakawa meets the press in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Oct. 5, 2023. In August, Tokyo prosecutors decided not to indict the three-time Pacific League home run leader and member of Japan's 2023 World Baseball Classic-winning team over an allegation of rape due to insufficient evidence.

Baseball: Orix player Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Baseball: Orix player Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Orix Buffaloes starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto throws against the Seibu Lions during a baseball game at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Aug. 23, 2023.

National Defense Medical College graduation ceremony

National Defense Medical College graduation ceremony

Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada delivers a speech at a graduation ceremony at the National Defense Medical College in the Saitama Prefecture city of Tokorozawa, eastern Japan, on March 4, 2023.

Japan's All-Star series starts, CL beats PL 7-0

Japan's All-Star series starts, CL beats PL 7-0

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Japan home run leader Brad Eldred of the Hiroshima Carp hits a two-run homer in the seventh inning of the first game of Nippon Professional Baseball's annual All-Star series at Seibu Dome in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo on July 18, 2014. The Central League beat the Pacific League 7-0. Eldred was named the game's MVP.

Japan's All-Star series starts, CL beats PL 7-0

Japan's All-Star series starts, CL beats PL 7-0

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Seibu Lions ace Takayuki Kishi of the Pacific League starts for the first game of Nippon Professional Baseball's annual All-Star series at Seibu Dome in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo on July 18, 2014. The Central League beat the Pacific League 7-0.

Japan's All-Star series starts, CL beats PL 7-0

Japan's All-Star series starts, CL beats PL 7-0

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Hiroshima Carp ace Kenta Maeda of the Central League starts for the first game of Nippon Professional Baseball's annual All-Star series at Seibu Dome in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo on July 18, 2014. The Central League beat the Pacific League 7-0.

Yomiuri's Sakamoto cracks 1,000th career hit

Yomiuri's Sakamoto cracks 1,000th career hit

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Hayato Sakamoto of the Yomiuri Giants responds to the crowd after cracking his 1,000th career hit in a game against the Seibu Lions in Tokorozawa, Japan, on May 20, 2014, at the age of 25 years and 5 months.

Rakuten clinches 1st PL pennant title

Rakuten clinches 1st PL pennant title

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Rakuten Eagles players toss manager Senichi Hoshino into the air after the Eagles beat the Seibu Lions 4-3 at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 26, 2013, to clinch their first ever Pacific League title.

Rakuten clinches 1st PL pennant title

Rakuten clinches 1st PL pennant title

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Rakuten Eagles pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (C) celebrates with teammates while manager Senichi Hoshino is tossed into the air after the Eagles beat the Seibu Lions 4-3 at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 26, 2013, to clinch their first ever Pacific League title.

Rakuten clinches 1st PL pennant title

Rakuten clinches 1st PL pennant title

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Rakuten Eagles players toss manager Senichi Hoshino into the air after the Eagles beat the Seibu Lions 4-3 at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 26, 2013, to clinch their first ever Pacific League title.

Rakuten clinches 1st PL pennant title

Rakuten clinches 1st PL pennant title

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Rakuten Eagles pitcher Masahiro Tanaka celebrates after the Eagles beat the Seibu Lions 4-3 at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 26, 2013, to clinch their first ever Pacific League title. Catcher Motohiro Shima is visible in back.

Seibu shareholders meeting

Seibu shareholders meeting

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Combination photo shows Louis Foster (L), senior managing director of U.S. private equity fund Cerberus Capital Management LP, and Takashi Goto, president of Seibu Holdings Inc., speaking to reporters after Seibu's shareholders meeting in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on June 25, 2013. Seibu shareholders voted down a slate of directors proposed by Cerberus, its largest stakeholder.

Seibu shareholders meeting

Seibu shareholders meeting

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Louis Foster, senior managing director of U.S. private equity fund Cerberus Capital Management LP, speaks with reporters after Seibu Holdings Inc.'s shareholders meeting in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on June 25, 2013. Seibu shareholders voted down a slate of directors proposed by Cerberus, its largest stakeholder.

Seibu shareholders meeting

Seibu shareholders meeting

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Takashi Goto, president of Seibu Holdings Inc., speaks to reporters after Seibu's shareholders meeting in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on June 25, 2013. Seibu shareholders voted down a slate of directors proposed by Cerberus Capital Management LP, its largest stakeholder.

Seibu shareholders meeting

Seibu shareholders meeting

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Louis Foster, senior managing director of U.S. private equity fund Cerberus Capital Management LP, leaves after Seibu Holdings Inc.'s shareholders meeting in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on June 25, 2013. Seibu shareholders voted down a slate of directors proposed by Cerberus, its largest stakeholder.

Seibu shareholders meeting

Seibu shareholders meeting

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Shareholders of Seibu Holdings Inc. enter the venue for the company's shareholders meeting in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on June 25, 2013.

Seibu shareholders meeting

Seibu shareholders meeting

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Louis Foster, senior managing director of U.S. private equity fund Cerberus Capital Management LP, enters the venue for Seibu Holdings Inc.'s shareholders meeting in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on June 25, 2013. Seibu shareholders voted down a slate of directors proposed by Cerberus, its largest stakeholder.

NPB ball change revelation

NPB ball change revelation

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Photo shows Nippon Professional Baseball's official balls being used from the 2013 season. The balls were used in a game between the Seibu Lions and the Yomiuri Giants on June 3, 2013. NPB admitted on June 11, 2013, that it had changed its official ball for the 2013 season.

NPB ball change revelation

NPB ball change revelation

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Photo shows Nippon Professional Baseball's official ball being used from the 2013 season. NPB admitted on June 11, 2013, that it had changed its official ball for the 2013 season.

Otani makes successful pro debut

Otani makes successful pro debut

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters rookie Shohei Otani hits an RBI single during the sixth inning of a game against the Seibu Lions at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on March 29, 2013. Otani made a successful pro debut with two hits and an RBI in the Fighters' 5-3 win as Nippon Professional Baseball opened its 2013 season.

Working WWII Japan fighter

Working WWII Japan fighter

SAITAMA, Japan - Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2012, shows a Japanese Zero fighter seized by the U.S. military during World War II, with its engine running, at an exhibition that opened at the Tokorozawa Aviation Museum in Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo.

Lion's Nakajima in press conference

Lion's Nakajima in press conference

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Seibu Lions captain Hiroyuki Nakajima gives a press conference at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Jan. 10, 2012, after re-signing with the Lions for an estimated 280 million yen plus incentives. Nakajima said he plans to take another shot at playing in the majors in the following offseason as a free agent.

Lions' Nakajima to make bid for majors via posting system

Lions' Nakajima to make bid for majors via posting system

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Seibu Lions shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima (L), accompanied by team president Hajime Igo, speaks during a press conference at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on Nov. 22, 2011. The Lions permitted Nakajima to use the posting system during the offseason in a bid to make a move to the major leagues.

Hawks clinch PL title

Hawks clinch PL title

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Softbank Hawks professional baseball team members react to cheers from the crowd at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture on Oct. 1, 2011, after beating the Seibu Lions 3-0 to clinch the Pacific League title.

Lotte's Nishioka completes double play

Lotte's Nishioka completes double play

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Lotte Marines shortstop Tsuyoshi Nishioka (R) throws to first to complete a double play after forcing out the Seibu Lions' Hisashi Takayama in the seventh inning of a game at Seibu Dome in Saitama Prefecture on July 27, 2010. The Marines won 5-3.

Randy Johnson throws at Seibu Dome

Randy Johnson throws at Seibu Dome

TOKOROZAWA, Saitama - Former Major League Baseball pitcher Randy Johnson, who won the Cy Young Award five times, throws a ball before the game between Seibu Lions and Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan's Pacific League at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on April 17, 2010.

Japan's Pacific League opens 2010 season

Japan's Pacific League opens 2010 season

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Seibu Lions starting pitcher Hideaki Wakui throws the ball to Lotte Marines leadoff batter Tsuyoshi Nishioka in the first inning at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on March 20, 2010, the opening day for the 2010 season of the Pacific League. Wakui struck out 11 and allowed one run on seven hits before Brian Sikorski pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the save as the Lions won 2-1.

Japan's Pacific League opens 2010 season

Japan's Pacific League opens 2010 season

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Lotte Marines manager Norifumi Nishimura (L) and Seibu Lions manager Hisanobu Watanabe shake hands at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on March 20, 2010, before their opening game for the 2010 season of the Pacific League.

Seibu Lions rookie Kikuchi allows 3 runs in two innings

Seibu Lions rookie Kikuchi allows 3 runs in two innings

TOKOROZAWA, Japan - Highly touted Seibu Lions rookie Yusei Kikuchi pitches in a minor league game against the Yomiuri Giants at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on March 9, 2010. The 18-year-old Kikuchi pitched two innings, allowing three runs.