# Samurai Japan prepares for APBC opening matches > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/samurai-japan-baseball-training-camp > Updated: 2026-11-09T06:56:09.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 6. The Samurai Japan national baseball team has concluded its training camp in Miyazaki in preparation for the Luxus Asia Professional Baseball Championship 2026, scheduled for November 12 to 15 at the Tokyo Dome. During the camp, the squad focused on long term development for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and adjusting to new regulations, such as the pitch clock and PitchCom technology. A practice match on November 7 against the Chiba Lotte Marines resulted in a 10-4 victory for Samurai Japan, featuring home runs from Seiya Watanabe and Shinya Hasegawa. Manager Susumu Iguchi expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, noting that a “good team dynamic is being established through cooperation and the execution of tactical plays.” Following the camp, Iguchi awarded Yokohama DeNA BayStars outfielder Takayuki Todo the camp MVP for his role in fostering team unity. While Iguchi confirmed that the starting pitcher for the opening match against Chinese Taipei has been decided, he has declined to disclose the name. As the team prepares for subsequent matchups, including a game against South Korea, South Korean manager Choi Won-ho has identified key Japanese threats. Choi specifically highlighted the power of overage player Koki Yamaguchi, who recorded 38 home runs this season, and Yomiuri Giants left-hander Kazuyuki Takemaru as players to watch. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-09: Japanese athletes prepare for Young Grand Prix and Asia Championship Japanese athletes prepare for major events: nine cyclists are set for the Young Grand Prix 2026, while pitcher Hibiki Shinohara joins the Samurai Japan roster for the Asia Championship. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-athletes-prepare-for-young-grand-prix-and-asia-championship ### 2026-11-09: Samurai Japan concludes Miyazaki training camp ahead of Asia Championship Samurai Japan completed its Miyazaki training camp, with Manager Norichika Iguchi praising team unity and Takaki Watari as camp MVP ahead of the Asia Professional Baseball Championship. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samurai-japan-concludes-miyazaki-training-camp-ahead-of-asia-professional-baseball-championship ### 2026-11-09: Japan Samurai Japan prepares for APBC opening matches Japan's Samurai Japan enters the APBC with high momentum following a successful training camp, preparing for opening matchups against Chinese Taipei and South Korea. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-samurai-japan-prepares-for-apbc-opening-matches ### 2026-11-07: Samurai Japan prepares for Asia Professional Baseball Championship 2026 Samurai Japan players and coaches prepare in Miyazaki for the upcoming Asia Professional Baseball Championship 2026, highlighting rookie Gota Suzuki and manager Motohiro Iguchi. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samurai-japan-prepares-for-asia-professional-baseball-championship-2026 ### 2026-11-06: Samurai Japan wins practice match against Lotte ahead of APBC 2026 Samurai Japan defeated Lotte 10-4 in a practice match in Miyazaki, testing new uniforms and PitchCom technology ahead of the 2026 APBC tournament. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samurai-japan-prepares-for-upcoming-asia-professional-baseball-championship ### 2026-11-03: Samurai Japan begins training camp in Miyazaki Samurai Japan has started its training camp in Miyazaki to prepare for the 2026 Asia Professional Baseball Championship and long-term goals for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samurai-japan-begins-training-camp-in-miyazaki --- Cite as: Samurai Japan prepares for APBC opening matches. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/samurai-japan-baseball-training-camp