The NPB’s annual end of season championship, the Japan Series, was previously known as the NPB Nippon Series. This seven-game matchup crowns the victors from the two teams that win the Central League and Pacific League “Climax Series – much like the MLB’s National and American league championships. It features two official game balls every year (and sometimes more). Both the Pacific and Central Leagues’ championship teams have a special baseball for their home games.
These special event commemorative game balls are often branded with a wordmark logo depicting the stadium and/or team name. At times, there is additional artwork and “cheering” phrases as part of the commemorative logo or additional top or bottom stamping. And they’ll always come with the customary hand-stamped commissioner’s approval insignia – unless it has worn off. The first NPB Nippon/Japan Series ball we’ve seen is from 1995. It’s certainly possible that there are earlier versions.
Prior to 2006, there are multiple Nippon Pro baseball manufacturers; it’s often difficult to determine which company made which team’s baseballs. The are no company logos stamped on these baseballs. All balls pictured below after 2006 should be official Mizuno game balls since that’s when the league switch to one uniform 12-team match ball. We’re missing many of these so if you have any that aren’t pictured here, please reach out to us on Instagram, Facebook or X/Twitter. Arigato gozaimas! ありがとう ございます!