The Yomiuri Giants hold the NPB Japan Series record with 22 championships since 1950. The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks rank second with 12 titles, recently winning in 2025.
The Central League and Pacific League are tied at 38 championships each across 76 total NPB Japan Series editions. The NPB Japan Series is a best-of-seven playoff between the champions of Japan’s two professional baseball leagues.
All-Time NPB Japan Series Champions
| Rank | Team | Championships | Finals Appearances | Most Recent |
| 1 | Yomiuri Giants | 22 | 37 | 2012 |
| 2 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | 12 | 22 | 2025 |
| 3 | Saitama Seibu Lions | 11 | 14 | 2008 |
| 4 | Orix Buffaloes | 5 | 7 | 2022 |
| 5 | Chunichi Dragons | 4 | 8 | 2007 |
| 6 | Yakult Swallows | 4 | 7 | 2021 |
| 7 | Nishitetsu Lions | 3 | 5 | 1958 |
| 8 | Hankyu Braves | 3 | 5 | 1977 |
| 9 | Chiba Lotte Marines | 2 | 5 | 2010 |
| 10 | Hanshin Tigers | 2 | 8 | 2023 |
The Giants dominated the 1960s with nine consecutive championships from 1965 to 1973. The SoftBank Hawks emerged as a modern dynasty, winning six titles between 2011 and 2020.
Recent Japan Series Champions (2020-2025)
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | Series Result |
| 2025 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | Hanshin Tigers | 4-1 |
| 2024 | Yokohama DeNA BayStars | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | 4-2 |
| 2023 | Hanshin Tigers | Orix Buffaloes | 4-1 |
| 2022 | Orix Buffaloes | Tokyo Yakult Swallows | 4-2 |
| 2021 | Tokyo Yakult Swallows | Orix Buffaloes | 4-2 |
| 2020 | Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | Yomiuri Giants | 4-0 |
The Hawks won four consecutive NPB Japan Series titles from 2017 to 2020, establishing themselves as baseball’s premier franchise. The BayStars’ 2024 victory marked only their third championship since joining NPB in 1993.
Most Dominant NPB Japan Series Dynasties
Yomiuri Giants (1959-1973)
The Yomiuri Giants won eight straight NPB Japan Series from 1959 to 1966 during the “V9” era. This nine-year streak from 1965 to 1973 saw the Giants claim an unprecedented nine consecutive titles. Red Auerbach never achieved this consistency in basketball.
The Giants built this dynasty on pitching strength and disciplined offense. Their success made baseball the dominant sport in postwar Japan. No team has matched their nine-year championship run since.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Dynasty (2011-2020)
The Hawks won six Japan Series championships in ten years during the 2010s. Adding titles by Rakuten and Nippon-Ham, the Pacific League won eight consecutive championships from 2013 to 2020. This marked a complete shift in competitive balance.
The Hawks maintained excellence through player development and strategic signings. Foreign players like Lee Dae-ho and Alfredo Despaigne bolstered their lineups. SoftBank’s winning culture continues influencing modern NPB teams.
Seibu Lions Dominance (1985-1998)
The Seibu Lions won eight Japan Series titles across their dynasty years. They captured consecutive championships multiple times, including three straight (1986-1988 and 1990-1992). The Lions were unstoppable during the 1980s and 1990s.
Kazuhiro Kiyohara and other legendary hitters powered the Lions’ offense. Their stadium became known as one of Japan’s toughest environments for visiting teams. The Lions remain a benchmark for sustained excellence.
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Recent Championship Drought Stories
The Hanshin Tigers ended a 38-year championship drought by winning in 2023. Their last title before that came in 1985, one of the longest droughts in NPB history. The 2023 victory broke what fans called the “Curse of the Colonel.”
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars won their first championship in 26 years in 2024. They achieved this remarkable feat by finishing third in the Central League before winning four consecutive playoff games. This remains one of the biggest upsets in Japan Series history.
The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles won their first championship in 2013, just nine years after their founding in 2004. This represents the fastest championship achievement by an expansion team in NPB history. Rakuten showed that newer franchises could compete immediately.
Teams That Have Never Won a Japan Series
The Hiroshima Toyo Carp remain the only Central League team without a 21st-century title. Their last championship came in 1984, making them the longest-suffering franchise among current NPB teams. The Carp have appeared in the playoffs multiple times but never captured the prize.
Several Pacific League teams also lack championships in their history. The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, however, broke through with their 2006 victory. Most current NPB teams have now won at least one championship in their franchise history.
League Balance and Historical Trends
The Central League won 38 championships through the Pacific League’s 38 titles. This perfect balance in NPB Japan Series history contrasts sharply with the 1950s and 1960s dominance by Central League teams. Modern free agency and the Climax Series have leveled competitive advantage.
The NPB Japan Series format changed dramatically in 2007 with the introduction of the Climax Series. Both leagues now use a three-team playoff before the championship. This system has created unexpected champions and dramatic upset victories.
The longest Japan Series game lasted fifteen innings when Chunichi and Lotte played to a 2-2 draw in 2010. Recent rule changes limit games to twelve innings followed by a tie-breaker format. These changes reflect efforts to protect pitcher health and manage game duration.
Japan Series Prize Money and Recognition
Japan Series MVP awards come with substantial prize money separate from team bonuses. The Series MVP receives significantly more compensation than team bonuses. This emphasis reflects the individual achievement celebrated in Japanese baseball culture.
Team championships garner less prize money than individual awards. The Japan Series champion receives 2.5 million yen in total, split among broadcast sponsors. Individual recognition matters more than team financial rewards in Japanese professional baseball.
FAQs
Which Team Has Won the Most Japan Series Titles?
The Yomiuri Giants hold the all-time record with 22 Japan Series championships. They won nine consecutive titles from 1965 to 1973. No other franchise has approached this dominance level.
How Many Titles Has the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Won?
The Hawks have won 12 Japan Series championships as of 2025. Six of these came between 2011 and 2020. They rank second all-time behind the Yomiuri Giants.
When Did the Hanshin Tigers Last Win the Japan Series?
The Hanshin Tigers won in 2023, ending a 38-year championship drought. Their previous title came in 1985. The 2023 victory broke the famous “Curse of the Colonel” superstition.
What Is the Japan Series Format?
The Japan Series is a best-of-seven playoff between Central and Pacific League champions. Teams must win four games to claim the championship. Games follow a 2-3-2 format with home field advantage alternating between leagues.
Has Every NPB Team Won a Japan Series?
Not every current NPB team has won a championship in their history. The Hiroshima Carp have never won in the 21st century. Most franchises have captured at least one title since NPB began in 1950.
