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Nippon Professional Baseball Teams: A Primer
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Nippon Professional Baseball Teams: A Primer

Looking at all twelve teams briefly - who are they? Why should you cheer for them?
Trevor "T-Ray" Raichura's avatar
Thomas Love Seagull's avatar
Trevor "T-Ray" Raichura and Thomas Love Seagull
Mar 24, 2026
Cross-posted by Trevor’s Window into Japan
"Trevor and I recorded another podcast! This time breaking down all 12 teams in Nippon Professional Baseball. We discuss some team history, some famous players, and we try to match each NPB franchise with one from MLB (something not easily done). I even forget the name of my least favorite player at one point. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. We'd love to be able to make it a regular feature. And if you know any graphic artists, please put us in touch with them. "
- Thomas Love Seagull

We (T-Ray & Thomas Love Seagull) talked on March 7 about all twelve NPB teams…

  1. Chiba Lotte Marines

  2. Tokyo Yakult Swallows

  3. Saitama Seibu Lions

  4. Hiroshima Toyo Carp

  5. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles

  6. Chunichi Dragons

  7. Yomiuri Giants

  8. Orix Buffaloes

  9. Yokohama DeNA Baystars

  10. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

  11. Hanshin Tigers

  12. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

What makes these teams unique? Why should you want to cheer for them? If you’re new to NPB, this is the episode for you! If you already know the league, this is still a good primer to help you remember what got you here in the first place!