Japanese pro baseball has a long story. It starts with a tour by Babe Ruth in 1934. It goes through a league of seven teams, a war, a split into two leagues, and a strike.
These pages tell that story in order. Each one ends neutrally, as of the 2025 season. New to NPB? Start with how NPB works.
Timeline
- 1934 to 1936: Babe Ruth tours Japan. The first lasting pro club forms. Seven teams start a league. Read Founding of Japanese Pro Baseball (1934–1936).
- 1950: The league splits into the Central and Pacific Leagues. The first Japan Series is played. Read The 1950 Split: How the Central and Pacific Leagues Began.
- 2004: Two teams merge. The players strike for two days. Rakuten joins. Read The 2004 NPB Strike and Realignment.