The Tokyo Dome pulsed with anticipation on March 6, 2026, as the World Baseball Classic returned for its sixth edition, and all eyes were glued to one man: Shohei Ohtani. Japan’s two-way superstar wasted no time electrifying the crowd, launching a grand slam in the second inning to give the host nation a commanding 4-0 lead over Chinese Taipei. But Ohtani’s show didn’t start with the first pitch—it began hours earlier, during a batting practice that drew thousands of fans and set the tone for a day that would showcase Japan’s baseball dominance and Ohtani’s magnetic appeal.

From the crack of dawn, fans poured into the stadium, eager to witness the spectacle. Among the roughly 40,000 in attendance was Lia Chan, who had traveled from Singapore with her family. “And baseball is not even popular in Singapore,” she confessed, seated a few rows behind home plate. “We know about baseball, we watch it, but when Ohtani came along it’s just gone out of proportions.” Her sentiment was echoed by the sea of supporters who ooh-ed and aah-ed at every swing Ohtani took in batting practice. According to those present, he hit about 10 balls out of the park and several more off the outfield wall during his 25 swings, drawing awe before the game had even begun.

Ohtani, the 2025 National League MVP and a World Series champion with the Dodgers, has become a global phenomenon. The “Ohtani effect” was on full display as he kept the crowd waiting—building suspense by letting his teammates take their turns in the cage while hundreds of reporters jockeyed for position. When he finally stepped up, the stadium buzzed with excitement. After finishing his session, Ohtani jogged out to thank the batting practice pitcher, bowed slightly—a gesture of respect—and gathered a few loose balls, tossing them into the hopper before heading off to prepare for the game. “Who does things like that?” Lia marveled. “He’s in another league.”

It’s not just fans who are captivated. Japan’s roster is stacked with MLB and NPB talent, blending international experience with homegrown power. Alongside Ohtani stands Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP and fellow Dodgers ace, as well as Angels lefty Yusei Kikuchi, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, and slugger Kazuma Okamoto. The 2026 Samurai Japan squad is a formidable mix of MLB stars and veteran Nippon Professional Baseball players—an enviable blend that has made Japan the only nation to win multiple WBC titles (2006, 2009, 2023). As the defending champions, the team is gunning for an unprecedented fourth crown, and with Ohtani leading the charge, confidence is sky-high.

On the other side, Chinese Taipei entered the Tokyo Dome with a well-rounded 30-man roster, featuring seasoned professionals from the Chinese Professional Baseball League and Nippon Professional Baseball, along with overseas-based talent. While Chinese Taipei has struggled historically in the World Baseball Classic—only once advancing past the opening round, in 2013—they arrived determined to make some noise in Pool C. Their tournament began with a tough loss to Australia, and facing Japan in front of a raucous home crowd was always going to be a tall order.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic itself is a global affair, with 20 teams divided into four pools and games staged in Tokyo, Miami, Houston, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Each pool’s top two teams advance to the quarterfinals, with tiebreakers determined by head-to-head records, runs allowed, and other statistical measures. The stakes are high, and the early games have already delivered drama. On March 4, Australia blanked Chinese Taipei 3-0, while Korea and Australia both notched wins over Czechia on March 5. The schedule is relentless, with pool play running through March 11 and the championship set for March 17 in Miami’s loanDepot Park.

For those following from afar, the WBC’s reach has never been broader. Most games in the United States are broadcast on the Fox family of networks—Fox, FS1, FS2—and streamed on the Fox Sports app and Tubi, with additional coverage on FOX Deportes and streaming via Fubo, which even offers a free trial. The accessibility has only fueled the global appetite for the tournament, and Ohtani’s presence has undoubtedly drawn new fans from every corner of the world.

As for the game itself, Ohtani wasted no time making an impact. He doubled in his first at-bat, setting the stage for his second-inning heroics. With the bases loaded, he connected for a grand slam, sending the Tokyo Dome into a frenzy and giving Japan a quick four-run cushion. The offensive onslaught didn’t stop there—Japan ultimately defeated Chinese Taipei 13-0, flexing their muscles in front of a home crowd and sending a message to the rest of the field. The game was broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, ensuring fans across the globe could witness the spectacle as it unfolded.

Japan’s dominance in the World Baseball Classic is no accident. Since the tournament’s inception 20 years ago, the Samurai have reached at least the semifinals every time, building a legacy of excellence that few can match. Their 2026 campaign began with the confidence of champions, but also with a sense of urgency—each edition of the WBC brings new challengers, and the likes of the United States, Dominican Republic, and Korea are all vying for the title. The U.S. roster, for instance, is led by captain Aaron Judge and features both 2025 Cy Young winners in Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, not to mention four former MVPs. The competition is fierce, but Japan’s blend of star power and cohesion makes them a perennial favorite.

For Chinese Taipei, the road ahead remains challenging. With a tough pool that includes Australia, South Korea, and Japan, advancing to the quarterfinals will require resilience and perhaps a few upsets. Still, their roster’s depth and experience could make them a tricky opponent as the tournament progresses.

Back in the Tokyo Dome, as the final outs were recorded and the scoreboard told the story of Japan’s emphatic win, fans lingered, savoring the moment. The Ohtani effect was undeniable—not just in the box score, but in the palpable excitement he brought to the event. For Lia Chan and thousands of others, the journey had been worth every mile. “He’s in another league,” she said, summing up a sentiment shared by baseball fans the world over.

With pool play just getting underway, Japan’s statement victory has set the tone for what promises to be another unforgettable World Baseball Classic. The action continues, and if the opening games are any indication, baseball’s global stage is brighter than ever.