In March, Brazil will make its return to the World Baseball Classic (WBC) after a 13-year hiatus, aiming to showcase the talent of its baseball players on a global stage. The team will be coached by Yuichi Matsumoto, who also serves as the head coach for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, reflecting a strong connection between Brazilian players and Japanese professional baseball. Key players such as right-handed pitcher Bo Takahashi from Seibu and Vittor Ito, who currently works as an interpreter for the Hanshin Tigers, highlight Brazil's diverse roster, which includes athletes with deep roots in both Brazil and Japan.

At 31, Vittor Ito grew up in Brazil until middle school and developed a passion for baseball influenced by his father and brother. He pursued baseball further in Japan, attending Honjo Daiichi High School and later Kyoei University, before spending years playing in Japan's corporate league for Nippon Life. As a skilled infielder who played until 2022, Ito transitioned into a new role in 2024 with the Hanshin Tigers, where he now combines his love for the sport with his new responsibilities, demonstrating the unique cultural bridge between Brazilian and Japanese baseball.

The participation of the Brazilian national team in this prestigious tournament not only emphasizes the growth of baseball in Brazil but also strengthens its ties with Japan, a country where many Brazilian players have found success. By competing in the WBC, Brazil aims to gain international recognition on the baseball front, encouraging more young talent to pursue the sport and potentially leading to a richer exchange of skills and experiences between the two nations, further enhancing the global baseball community.