Samurai Japan Breaks Free from the Small Baseball Approach

Japan manager Kuriyama Hideki addresses an umpire at the game against the Czech Republic on March 11, 2023, at Tokyo Dome. (© Jiji)

Murakami Munetaka hits a double to drive home the winning runs in the bottom of the ninth inning against Mexico on March 20, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (© Jiji)

Ohtani Shōhei (at left), chosen as the tournament’s most valuable player for his hitting and pitching, embraces Lars Nootbaar, whose energetic play made him a fan favorite in Japan. Taken on March 21, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (© Jiji)