His Majesty the Emperor of Japan will attend the WBC match between Japan and Australia on March 8 at Tokyo Dome, marking his third time watching the event.
The Imperial Palace announced on February 27 that His Majesty the Emperor of Japan will be attending the World Baseball Classic (WBC) first-round Tokyo pool match between Japan and Australia on March 8 at Tokyo Dome. This will be the Emperor's third time attending the WBC, having previously watched the event during his time as Crown Prince in 2006 and 2009 alongside Empress Masako.
During the 2009 WBC, the Emperor observed the match between Japan and China with former player Sadaharu Oh, taking part in a notable event that fostered national unity and enthusiasm for baseball. The upcoming match signifies a continuation of the Emperor's personal interest in baseball, as he also watched the final match of the tournament in 2023, celebrating Japan’s victory and expressing joy in the efforts of both Japanese and American players.
The announcement of the Emperor's attendance reflects the significance of the WBC in Japanese culture and sports, showcasing the royal family's engagement with major national events. His presence at such matches reinforces the connection between the monarchy and the public through a shared appreciation of sports, particularly baseball, which is regarded as Japan's national pastime.
