Takarazuka Little League of Hyogo, Japan, will head to Williamsport for the first time in its league’s history to represent its country at the 2022 Little League Baseball® World Series (LLBWS), earning the Japan Region Tournament crown with a 12-3 victory over Hiroshima Aki Little League in the championship game.
A chartered league with Little League International since 1975, Takarazuka Little League will be the 31st team from Japan to make the trip to the LLBWS, looking to take home the country’s first title since 2017. With its first appearance back in 1962, Japan has had direct entry into the tournament since 2007 and is second all-time with 11 LLBWS Championship crowns.
During its last appearance at the 2019 LLBWS, Japan’s Chofu Little League finished the tournament with a 4-1 overall record, falling only to Pabao Little League in the international championship game before rounding out the tournament with a 5-0 victory in the consolation game over Central East Maui Little League.
With a first-round bye decided by random draw, Takarazuka Little League will square off in its first game against the winner of Australia vs. Canada for Game 11 of the LLBWS on Friday, August 19, at 5 p.m. ET in Volunteer Stadium.
The 75th Anniversary celebration of the LLBWS will continue through August leading up to this year’s World Series. More information about the 2022 Little League World Series tournaments, including full schedules and downloadable brackets, can be found at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.