NPB Central League vs. Pacific League: What’s the Difference?

• Table of Contents
• What Is Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)?
• Differences Between the Central League and the Pacific League
• Central League Teams
• Yokohama DeNA BayStars(Yokohama)
• Pacific League Teams
• Japanese Players Succeeding Overseas and the NPB Leagues They Came From
• Related Articles

For those who want to enjoy watching baseball in Japan, the first thing that often stumps them is the question, "Why is NPB divided into two leagues?" and "What is the difference between the Central League and the Pacific League?" While NPB uses the same basic rules, the way the game looks changes depending on whether or not there is a designated hitter (DH) system.

In this article, we will explain how NPB works, and introduce some important points to know before watching a game, including the characteristics of the Central and Pacific Leagues, the appeal of the 12 teams, and the leagues from which Japanese players who are active in overseas leagues such as MLB came.

What Is Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)?

NPB is the organization that oversees professional baseball in Japan . The professional baseball that NPB manages is divided into two leagues, the Central League and the Pacific League, with a total of 12 teams participating. NPB supports the foundation of league operations by publishing game schedules, managing official records, and running the draft meeting.

NPB as Japan’s Top Professional Baseball League

NPB is positioned as the highest level professional baseball league in Japan. The 12 teams have bases across the country and play in the regular season (official games), before progressing to the Climax Series and Japan Series .

Attending a professional baseball game is also fascinating because of the team's cheering culture, stadium cuisine, and the performances each team puts on. Even if you're watching a game while traveling, deciding on a date and stadium makes it easy to incorporate watching sports into your Japanese experience.

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How Nippon Professional Baseball Is Organized

NPB oversees two leagues. Both the Central League (Central League) and the Pacific League (Pacific League) are operated within the framework of NPB, and all games played by the 12 teams are treated as "NPB official games." In other words, the Central League and the Pacific League are not separate sports under different companies, but are two leagues within the same NPB.

First, if you understand the relationship between NPB → Central League/Pacific League → each team, it will be easier to find information about games.

Differences Between the Central League and the Pacific League

NPB has a two-league system, with six teams in each of the Central and Pacific Leagues. The basic rules of baseball are the same across the different leagues. However, differences in the use of the DH system and other factors result in differences in how games are played and how players are used.

DH is a system that allows a "batting specialist player" to be placed in the pitcher's batting order.
The Pacific League has used the DH system since 1975. The Central League has long continued without the DH, but has officially announced its decision to adopt the DH system starting in the 2027 season. This means that as of the 2026 season, the Central League will essentially not have the DH.

(Source: NPB.jp Nippon Professional Baseball "Announcement of the decision to adopt the designated hitter system (DH system) in the Central League from the 2027 season." )

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Central League Teams

The Central League is made up of teams based in major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Hiroshima .

Yomiuri Giants(Tokyo)

The Yomiuri Giants are a baseball team based in Tokyo . Over their long history, they have built a national reputation and are a popular choice for fans of the team . Games held at Tokyo Dome are easy to access, making them an attractive option for incorporating into travel itineraries.

Tokyo Dome

112-0004 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Dome is a baseball stadium located 15 minutes from Iidabashi Station. In Japan, baseball is so popular that many people learn sumo, baseball, and soccer in school physical education classes. The area around Tokyo Dome is a complex where you can enjoy an amusement park, shopping, and hot springs. In addition, the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum, which exhibits the history of baseball in Japan, has the WBC trophy on display, so it is a recommended spot for baseball fans.

Tokyo Yakult Swallows(Tokyo)

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows are a baseball team whose home stadium is Meiji Jingu Stadium . You can watch games in the city center, and it's easy to travel after the game . The open feeling that only an outdoor stadium can offer makes night games a memorable viewing experience.

Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium

3-1 Kasumigaokacho Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo,...

Located in the outer gardens of Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shinjuku Ward , Tokyo , Jingu Stadium (Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium) is a historic stadium that has been loved by many baseball fans since it opened in 1926. It is currently known as the home ground of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and is a popular spot where you can experience the excitement of professional baseball up close.

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Yokohama DeNA BayStars(Yokohama)

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars are a baseball team based at Yokohama Stadium . With a port town atmosphere and the stadium nearby, you can enjoy walking around the city before and after a game. Yokohama is also a short trip from Tokyo, making it an easy area for travelers to plan a game . Combine it with sightseeing in Chinatown or around the port, and you can easily incorporate a game into your day's itinerary.

Hanshin Tigers(Osaka/ Hyogo)

The Hanshin Tigers are a popular baseball team representing the Kansai region . Hanshin Koshien Stadium has such a strong presence that the stadium itself is considered a tourist attraction . The united cheering in the stands also adds to the value of the experience of watching a game in person.

Chunichi Dragons(Nagoya)

The Chunichi Dragons are a baseball team based in Nagoya . The advantage of being able to watch games in the central city of the Chubu region is that it's easy to create tourist routes . Because the Vantelin Dome Nagoya is a dome stadium, the viewing environment is less affected by the weather.

nagoya dome

1-1-1 Daikominami, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0047

The Chunichi Dragons use it as their exclusive stadium (home base).

Hiroshima Toyo Carp(Hiroshima)

The Hiroshima Toyo Carp is a baseball team based in Hiroshima . It has a strong community-based feel, and the entire city is known for its supportive team culture . Mazda Stadium (MAZDAZoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima) is also highly acclaimed for its close seating and stadium presentation. The stadium is easily accessible from the station, making it easy to attend a game even if you're only staying for a short time.

Pacific League Teams

The Pacific League has teams based in a wide area, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, making it easy to choose a place to watch games based on the region you are traveling to.

Tickets in Japan sells tickets for the six Pacific League teams through their official websites.

Check the Pacific League 6-Team Game Schedule

Chiba Lotte Marines(Chiba)

The Chiba Lotte Marines are a baseball team based in Chiba . Games held at ZOZO Marine Stadium are easily accessible to tourists from the Tokyo area. The outdoor stadium atmosphere, with the sea breeze, is also an attraction that can only be experienced at a live stadium. On days when the temperature fluctuates, it's a good idea to bring a jacket, as comfort is directly linked to the satisfaction of the spectator.

ZOZO Marine Stadium (Chiba Marine Stadium)

1 Mihama, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 261-0022

ZOZO Marine Stadium is a baseball stadium located in Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, and serves as the home ground for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball’s Pacific League. While its original name is “Chiba Marine Stadium,” the naming rights were acquired by ZOZO, Inc. in December 2016, leading to its current name.

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Saitama SEIBU Lions(Saitama)

The Saitama SEIBU Lions are a baseball team based in Saitama . It's easy to travel to from the Tokyo metropolitan area, making it easy to plan a day trip to watch a game . Watching a game at the Belluna Dome is a memorable experience, including the unique stadium space. Estimating travel time and deciding on your return transportation will allow you to enjoy a night game with peace of mind.

Seibu Dome

2135 Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture 359-1153

A dome stadium that coexists with nature, located in the Sayama Hills. Since 1979, this stadium has been home to the Seibu Lions, where a famous match has been held that will go down in the history of the baseball league. It became a dome stadium since 1999, and major renovations completed in March 2021. It is popular among fans as a ballpark filled with a variety of fun things.

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ORIX Buffaloes(Osaka)

The ORIX Buffaloes are a baseball team based in Osaka . Games are played at the Kyocera Dome Osaka, making it a great viewing spot for sightseeing in the Kansai region . Because it's a dome stadium, there's less worry about rain cancellations. Osaka also has a wide range of accommodation options, making it an easy city to plan a trip with a game at the center.

Kyocera Dome Osaka

3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Nishi Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 550-0023

It is the home stadium of the Japanese professional baseball team, the Orix Buffaloes.

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Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters(Hokkaido)

The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters are a baseball team based in Hokkaido . This is perfect for people who want to incorporate a professional baseball game into their Hokkaido trip . It's easy to create a plan to enjoy a stay that includes the stadium and surrounding facilities. By sightseeing during the day and watching the game in the evening, you can easily make the most of your day while minimizing the burden of travel.

ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO

1 F Village, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido 061-1116

Escon Field HOKKAIDO has a site area of ​​5 hectares and a capacity of 35,000 people. The audience area extends from the dug-in field to the four floors above ground. We put harmony with the surrounding environment first, and have adopted a design that blends in with the local area, such as building multiple terraces in the middle of the building.

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The Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS are a baseball team based in Fukuoka . Games are held at the MIZUHO PayPay Dome FUKUOKA, making it an easy viewing spot to combine with a trip to Kyushu . Another added benefit is that games held at the dome are less affected by weather. The stadium is a perfect match for Fukuoka's food culture, making it easy to plan trips to enjoy local delicacies before and after a game.

MIZUHO PayPay Dome FUKUOKA

2-2-2 Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 810-8660

This multi-purpose dome stadium is located in Jigyohama , Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City . Known as the home ground of the professional baseball team, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities with a retractable roof. In addition to baseball games, it is also a representative facility in Fukuoka, where various events such as concerts are held.

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Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles(Sendai)

The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles are based in Sendai(Miyagi) . This is recommended for those who want to enjoy watching a professional baseball game during their trip to Tohoku . Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi is conveniently located and can be easily combined with sightseeing in Sendai City. It pairs well with a stay around Sendai Station, making it easy to create an itinerary that combines watching a game with enjoying the city's cuisine.

Rakuten Mobile Saikyoku Park Miyagi

2-11-6 Miyagino, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture 983-0045

Since 2005, it has been used as the exclusive stadium (home base) for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Pacific League of professional baseball, and also hosts high school and other amateur baseball games. Naming rights have been introduced, and Rakuten Mobile Saikyoku Park Miyagi is currently used as the preferred nickname.

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Japanese Players Succeeding Overseas and the NPB Leagues They Came From

Many Japanese players who are active in overseas leagues have made their way to the world via the Central or Pacific Leagues of the NPB . While watching a game, knowing which league a player comes from will help you visualize the characteristics of the NPB. If you are watching an NPB game while traveling, learning the regions where the teams are based will also help you understand the sports culture of each region in Japan.

Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtaniplays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB . He is a member of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in the NPB, and hails from the Pacific League. Known worldwide for his two-way style (pitching and batting), he is a symbolic figure who has helped spread Japanese baseball culture overseas . When watching an NPB game, keeping in mind the difference between the roles of pitcher and batter will help you better understand Ohtani's greatness.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yoshinobu Yamamotoplays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB . He is a member of the ORIX Buffaloes in the NPB, and hails from the Pacific League. He uses the pitching techniques he developed in Japan to his advantage in the MLB . Paying attention to the pitch type and control will help you understand the pitcher's strengths beyond speed, making the game even more interesting to watch.

Yu Darvish

Yu Darvish is a pitcher for the San Diego Padres in the Major League Baseball . He currently plays for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in the National Baseball League (NPB), and hails from the Pacific League. The team has reported that he will miss the entire 2026 season due to right elbow surgery . Since his playing status is subject to change, please check the latest information from the team or official MLB announcements before attending a game.

Roki Sasaki

Roki Sasaki is reportedly joining the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB . He currently plays for the Chiba Lotte Marines in the NPB, and is originally from the Pacific League. His overwhelming pitching power in the NPB has attracted attention from around the world . In the NPB, the combination of not only fastballs but also curveballs determines the outcome of a game, so paying attention to pitch selection will help you understand the game better.

Kodai Senga

Kodai Senga plays for the New York Mets in the MLB . He is a member of the Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS in the NPB, and hails from the Pacific League. Official MLB reports on Senga's status, and his use in 2026 will be a point of interest . When watching a game at the stadium, paying attention to his pitching tempo and strikeout rate will give you an idea of ​​how the pitcher is in control.

Check Players from the Central League

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