The umpiring standards of the Classic Series MLB have become a focal point, with Hirokazu Ibata expressing concern: the strike zone is called too high.

The Samurai Japan team’s Miyazaki training for the Classic Series has just ended. In the last warm-up match, head coach Hirokazu Ibata highlighted a key problem: the strike zone in MLB is noticeably different from that in NPB, potentially becoming a significant obstacle for Japan’s quest to retain the championship.

Japan was shut out 0-4 by the SoftBank Hawks in the warm-up game, managing only two hits, a stark contrast to the previous day’s 16-hit, 13-run blowout. After the game, Hirokazu Ibata noted, “MLB umpires tend to call high pitches as strikes; we need to study countermeasures quickly.” Both warm-up games were officiated by MLB umpires, and the strike zone proved difficult for Japan’s pitchers and hitters to adjust to.

Seibu Lions pitcher Tomohiro Sumida, selected for Japan, said his low pitches were not being called strikes, “This highlights the difference between Japan and the U.S. Japanese pitchers often unintentionally aim low in the strike zone and must be especially careful.” Chunichi Dragons pitcher Hiroto Takahashi also commented, “High fastballs and breaking balls dropping from a high release point are crucial.” This indicates that Japan must modify pitching strategies to adapt to international play.

Shuhei Darvish, serving as an advisor for Japan, offered a solution. He believes umpires also have preferred strike zone hot spots, and “confirming this information before the game will prevent issues.”

On offense, Japan struggled against SoftBank’s starting pitcher Carter Stewart. Hitting coach Nobuhiro Matsuda analyzed, “Previously, our focus was on handling breaking balls, but now it’s about how to tackle power pitchers. We must develop strategies to avoid being overpowered.”

Japan will open against Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome on March 6. Before that, the team will play two send-off matches in Nagoya and two strengthening games in Osaka. Key MLB-based players Shohei Ohtani, Seiya Suzuki, and Masataka Yoshida are expected to join the team in Nagoya.