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Superstar 'unicorn' Shohei Ohtani ready to defend Japan's WBC title

Published: 04 Mar. 2026, 20:51

Shohei Ohtani of Japan speaks at a press conference at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo ahead of the World Baseball Classic on March 4. [YONHAP]

What's good news for Japan at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) will not be so much for the rest of the competition: Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani said Wednesday he is in good form and he's happy with his preparation for the tournament.

“I'm glad I've come this far without any injuries,” Ohtani said at a pretournament press conference at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on Wednesday. Japan will open its title defense Friday with its first Pool C game against Chinese Taipei.

“I'm quite satisfied at this stage,” the Los Angeles Dodgers star added. “My previous five at-bats, I've faced a variety of pitchers. So far, so good.”

Japan will try to win their fourth WBC title and second in a row, and Ohtani, a two-way unicorn who will not pitch here, predicted a tough road ahead.

“All the competitors are great teams. Looking back at previous tournaments, there were no easy games,” Ohtani said. “Anything can happen. But if we can play well as a team in any situation, and especially since I'm involved in the offense, and stay calm on the offensive side, I think we'll have a lot of good games. I will try to do my best for Team Japan.”

Ohtani also said he was looking forward to facing his Korean Dodgers teammate Kim Hye-seong. The Korea-Japan rival showdown is set for 7 p.m. Saturday.

“Kim Hye-seong is my great teammate, not only as a player but as a human being,” Ohtani said. “We always have a great time together. I wish him the best at the tournament.”

Yonhap