Samurai Japan opened its spring training camp in Miyazaki this week as preparations ramp up for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Among the notable additions to the staff are Hideki Matsui and Yu Darvish, who are serving as guest advisors and coaches, offering instruction and mentorship to players throughout workouts.
Fans interested in following the team’s preparations can watch daily livestreams on Samurai Japan’s official YouTube channel. The broadcasts feature bullpen sessions, batting practice, scrimmages, coaching instruction, and behind-the-scenes interaction across the field, providing a comprehensive look at the national team’s buildup to the tournament.
Not everything has been going smoothly for Hirokazu Ibata’s squad, however, as the Samurai have already had two relievers withdraw from the tournament with injuries.
Kaima Taira, who tied for the Pacific League lead with 31 saves last season, suffered a left calf strain during camp. Though the injury is not severe, the 26-year-old stepped away from the tournament to avoid aggravating the issue as he prepares to transition back into a starting role with the Saitama Seibu Lions this season.
Daichi Ishii’s withdrawal followed shortly afterward when the Hanshin Tigers right-hander injured his left Achilles tendon while covering first base in practice, ending his WBC hopes despite coming off a historic 0.17 ERA season out of the bullpen. He is expected to miss five to six months.
Ibata filled the openings by drawing from Japan’s designated pitcher pool. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles reliever Shoma Fujihira was first called up to replace Taira after a standout performance at the 2024 Premier12 and a solid 2025 NPB campaign, during which he posted a 2.11 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 59 ⅔ innings. The team then added Saitama Seibu Lions left-hander Chihiro Sumida to replace Ishii, marking the second change within just two days.
Sumida, who was one of NPB’s top starters by WAR last season, earned the nod following a 2025 campaign in which he recorded a 2.59 ERA across nearly 160 innings with a 23.1% strikeout rate. Ibata is very familiar with Sumida from prior international competitions, where the southpaw impressed with strong numbers across various roles. For the WBC, he is expected to serve as a long man or one-inning reliever.
Despite the early disruptions, the overall structure of Japan’s pitching staff remains largely intact. With Sumida’s addition, Japan now carries five left-handed pitchers, while high-leverage duties are still expected to center on established relievers such as Taisei, Yuki Matsumoto, and Yuki Matsui.
Team Japan will wrap up its Miyazaki camp with a two-game exhibition series against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on February 22 and 23. The team will then travel to Nagoya for another two-game set against the Chunichi Dragons on February 27 and 28. Preparations will conclude in Osaka, where Samurai Japan will face the Orix Buffaloes on March 2 and the Hanshin Tigers on March 3, with MLB-based players expected to join the roster for those final two exhibitions. They will then compete in Pool C from March 6-10 at Tokyo Dome against Chinese Taipei, Korea, Australia, and Czechia.
