Japan profile.
Path to International Championship
Kawaguchi Little League came into the Little League Baseball ® World Series as a favorite to come out of the International Bracket, and now the Japan Region Champions will play in the International Championship Game. Posting a record of 3-1, the Japan team’s only loss is to its opponent, South Korea, 10-0.
Kawaguchi Little League had a challenging path to the World Series, but are now making the most of being Japan’s national Little League champion. Their journey began in the All-Kitakanto Tournament. A victory would earn them a spot in the Region Tournament. Kawaguchi’s Little Leaguers ® lost their first game of the tournament to Omiya Kita Little League, 11-8, but bounced back strong, outscoring opponents, 70-8 for the remainder of the tournament, and compiling a 4-0 record in the Round-Robin playoff.
Continuing to build on momentum during the region tournament, which featured the defending Little League Baseball World Series Champions Tokyo Kitasuna Little League, Kawaguchi went a perfect 4-0, and defeated Nagasaki Minami, 23-2, to earn the Japan Region Title.
Japan has shown a solid team in the early rounds of the World Series, defeating Europe-Africa,11-1, and Latin America, 4-2, behind strong pitching and timely hitting. However, South Korea stifled the Japanese bats, in a 10-0, four-inning loss. Japan rebounded once again, shutting down the Caribbean, 1-0, to earn a rematch against South Korea in the International Championship Game. Japan looks to win the World Series Championship for the fourth straight year and sixth time in the past eight World Series.
Players to Watch
Shisei Fujimoto – Pitcher
Fujimoto anchors Japan’s strong pitching staff. He was the Game 1 starter, going five innings, allowing one run on five hits, while striking out 10, with no walks. Displaying impressive command on the mound, compiling a 65-percent strike rate without walking a single batter in eight World Series innings pitched. His WHIP of 1.000, despite taking the loss against South Korea, allowing four runs in 2/3 of innings. He righted himself against Puerto Rico, pitching 2 2/3 innings of no-hit ball in relief, eventually earning the save. He was instrumental in securing the rematch against South Korea.
Pitching is not the only thing Fujimoto can do, he has also shown pop at the plate, with two extra base hits, including a home run against Latin America that turned out to be the difference in the game. Shisei Fujimoto is a player to watch leading into Japan’s rematch against South Korea.
Shinji Furusawa – Third Baseman
Furasawa provides Japan with a reliable middle of the lineup bat. Starting each game in the three hole, Shinji has produced for his team. He has compiled a .429 batting average, with a .500 on base percentage, and OPS of 1.071. He had two key runs batted against Europe-Africa and Latin America to help lead his team to victory.
Through four games in the LLBWS, Furusawa has also played a solid and error-free at third base. Defense is crucial for any team making a run for the title, and Furusawa has exhibited extraordinary talent in the field.
Finally, Furusawa also adds to Japan’s strong pitching depth. He relieved starter Masato Igarashi in the fourth against Latin America, tied 2-2. He worked three strong, scoreless innings to propel Japan to the victory.