The unlikely and heartwarming bond between the Czech Republic and Japan that was forged at the World Baseball Classic three years ago is still as strong as ever.
The Czech Republic players have felt the love from Japanese fans since arriving in the country last month to prepare for the 2026 WBC. They basked in that support again during their first two games of the tournament on Thursday and Friday, with Japanese fans cheering them on in the stands, some even donning Czech hats and jerseys and others waving signs of support.
Samurai Japan may be No. 1 in the hearts of the local populace, but Czechia, as the nation is sometimes called in English, has been eagerly adopted as Japan’s second favorite team.