Japan will be heading to the Little League Softball® World Series (LLSWS), Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, for the second year in a row after Kinki Softball Little League (Sangō, Japan) took home the Asia-Pacific Region Championship title with its best-of-three series win over the Philippines.
Tohoku Little League finished 1-2 in the 2025 LLSWS as the inaugural Japan representative, earning its opening win against Canada before dropping its next two games to North Carolina and the Central Region, respectively. Off the field, the team was recognized for their positivity and excitement, earning the honor of the 2025 Girls with Game® Team Sportsmanship Award, as well.
Japan first began chartering softball through Little League® International in 2025, helping bring the excitement of the game to communities across the country while also stepping up to the plate to host the Region Tournament in each of the last two years. Prior to last season, the Philippines have been the sole representative (other than Guam in 2009) for the Asia-Pacific Region at the Little League Softball World Series dating back to 1996, which included a third-place finish at the 2022 LLSWS in Greenville.
Already a major women’s sport in Japan, the sport of softball has continued to grow throughout the country from the grassroots level through the professional ranks, with the nation’s Olympic team taking home the gold medal most recently in 2008 and 2020. Since 2018, the Little League Softball program has also seen rapid global growth driven by the success of the Little League Girls with Game Initiative.
In addition to the fun and excitement of the 2026 Little League Softball World Series, participants at this year’s event will also have the unique experience to spend time with the top athletes in the game as the AUSL heads to Greenville for the 2026 AUSL Pro Game at the LLSWS, Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, featuring Olympic gold medalists Natasha Watley (now an AUSL advisor) and Lisa Fernandez (Utah Talons General Manager) taking the diamond as head coaches.
The official schedule, first-round pairings, and website information for the 2026 LLSWS have been announced as this year’s LLBWS will take place from August 2-9, 2026. For more information about the LLSWS, including visitor resources and more, check back all summer long at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.
Fans can represent their favorite region by visiting ShopLittleLeague.org or stopping at the Little League Flagship Store on-site at the LLBWS Complex. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING on all U.S. orders all summer long.
Team Information:
- Region: Asia-Pacific
- Region Tournament Record: 2-0
- League LLSWS Appearance: 1st
- Country LLSWS Appearance: 2nd
- Little League Charter Since: 2025
- Country Fun Fact: Japan first began chartering softball through Little League® International in 2025, helping bring the excitement of the game to communities across the country while also stepping up to the plate to host the Region Tournament in each of the last two years.