Japanese youth baseball teams announced for NPB Junior Tournament 2026

Various Japanese baseball organizations have announced the selected rosters for the upcoming NPB Junior Tournament KONAMI CUP 2026, scheduled to take place from December 26 to December 29 at Meiji Jingu Stadium and Giants Town Stadium.

The Baseball Challenge League (Route Inn BC League) has selected 19 members, including three support members, from approximately 380 applicants following a multi-stage selection process. The team will be led by manager Mikunori Kato, with Masumi Hoshino and Kiichiro Takashima serving as coaches.

Separately, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp Junior has finalized its 16-member roster. This year's selection expanded to include players from five prefectures in the Chugoku region, drawing a record 465 applicants. The roster includes Minato Unoka, who previously represented Japan in the BFA U12 Asia Baseball Championship. The team is managed by Soichiro Amaya and aims for its first tournament victory after placing third in the previous two years.