After a 2-2 record during its first trip to Williamsport in 2025, Joto Little League (Tokyo, Japan) will once again represent Japan at the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile (LLBWS), after emerging victorious over Chiba Little League in the Japan Region Tournament championship game.
Joto Little League finished the Region Tournament with a 4-0 overall record in the event, marking the league’s Joto Little League’s trip to Williamsport and the 35th overall for Japan. The 2025 LLBWS was the first trip to Williamsport for Joto Little League after first chartering with Little League International in 2022 as part of a restructuring throughout the country. Prior to the restructuring, players within the community participated in Kitasuna Little League, which was represented in the LLBWS six times, including four World Series titles (2001, ‘12, ‘15, ‘17) and a runner-up in 2007.
Japan sits in third place for the most appearances with 35, trailing just Canada (65) and Mexico (37). Since its first bid in 1962, Japan holds numerous team and individual records at the LLBWS, like completing one of the five perfect games (1976) in LLBWS history. Japan has received direct entry since 2007 and has made the championship game 16 times, winning 11 titles.
In addition to their on-field performance, Japan has also named the recipients of both the 2024 and 2025 Jack Losch Little League Baseball World Series Team Sportsmanship Award based on their display of sportsmanship on and off the field. Just two weeks prior to earning the honor in 2025, Japan was also named the recipient of the 2025 Girls with Game® Team Sportsmanship Award at the Little League Softball® World Series.
Japan will begin in the 2026 LLBWS on Thursday, August 20, at 4 p.m. ET against the Curaçao Region, on ESPN. The 2026 LLBWS will take place from August 19-30, 2026. For more information about the LLBWS, including visitor resources, special guests, and more, check back all summer long at LittleLeague.org/World Series. To start planning your visit to Williamsport, go to LittleLeague.org/Visit.
Fans looking to represent their favorite region can purchase their adidas replica jersey and official New Era cap, as well as other region-specific merchandise, at the official retail location of the Little League World Series by visiting ShopLittleLeague.org or stopping at the Little League Flagship Store on-site at the Little League Baseball World Series Complex. Also, don’t forget to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING on all U.S. orders, all Series long.
Team Information:
- Region: Japan
- Region Tournament Record: 4-0
- League LLBWS Appearances: 2nd
- Country LLBWS Appearances: 35th
- Little League First Chartered: 2022
- Country Fun Fact: Japan has received direct entry since 2007 and has made the championship game 16 times, winning 11 titles.