Key points

On October 28, 2026, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks defeated the Yokohama DeNA BayStars 4-2 in Game 4 of the SMBC Japan Series 2026, completing a four-game sweep to win the series and claim their 13th Japan Series title and second consecutive championship. The game was held at the Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, and no further games were played after Game 4. Tomoya Masaki received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, while pitcher Kazuki Sugiyama and others earned Outstanding Player awards. Commemorative events and campaigns expressing gratitude to fans are also being held. [1] [2] [6]

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Secure 13th Japan Series Title, Second Consecutive Year

On October 28, 2026, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks won Game 4 of the SMBC Japan Series 2026 against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars by a score of 4-2, sweeping the series 4-0 to claim their 13th Japan Series championship and second consecutive title. The game took place at the Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka. Due to the championship being decided, no games were held beyond Game 4. This marks the Hawks' 13th Japan Series title including their time as the Nankai Hawks, and their ninth since relocating to Fukuoka. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks advanced by winning the Climax Series on October 16, 2026, and began the Japan Series on October 24. They achieved the remarkable feat of winning four straight games from the opening match to clinch the championship. All Japan Series games were closely contested, with Games 1 through 3 setting a record as the first instance of three consecutive Japan Series games going into extra innings. The passionate support of fans served as a driving force for the team. To express gratitude to fans, commemorative events and merchandise sales have been held. A kagami biraki (ceremonial sake barrel opening) event was held at the JR Hakata Station plaza in Fukuoka City, celebrating the victory in grand fashion. [1] [2] [5] [6]

Series Highlights and Game Details

Games 1 through 3 of the 2026 Japan Series all went into extra innings, establishing a new record for three consecutive extra-inning games in the Japan Series. In Game 4, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars took an early lead with a two-run home run by Keita Sano in the first inning. However, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks tied the game in the fourth inning with a two-run triple by Yudai Yamamoto, followed by a go-ahead RBI hit from Yuki Yanagita. The pitching staff held the BayStars scoreless from the seventh inning onward, securing a 4-2 victory. Pitcher Kazuki Sugiyama contributed significantly by recording saves in Games 1, 2, and 4, and earning the win in Game 3. [5] [2]

With the Game 4 victory, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks won the series 4-0, securing their second consecutive Japan Series championship. Consequently, the scheduled Games 5 and beyond were canceled, and tickets for those games were refunded. The intense competition left a lasting impression on fans and stakeholders. Sugiyama's consistent relief pitching was a key factor throughout the series. Both teams engaged in a fiercely contested series overall. Notably, SoftBank also achieved a league three-peat, demonstrating their dominance. [5] [2] [4]

MVP, Outstanding Player Awards, and Championship Commemorative Events and Campaigns

Tomoya Masaki was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the series. Masaki recorded seven hits in four games, posting a .438 batting average with two home runs and two RBIs. He notably hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning of Game 3, greatly contributing to the team's consecutive wins. Outstanding Player awards were given to pitcher Kazuki Sugiyama, Yudai Yamamoto, and Yudai Shoji. The performances of these players were instrumental in securing the championship and received strong support from fans. The enthusiasm of the fanbase was a vital source of strength for the team. [2] [5]

To commemorate their championship, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks are conducting numerous fan-oriented events and campaigns. On November 1, a fan participation kagami biraki event was held at the JR Hakata Station plaza, featuring about eight fans on stage in a grand celebration. Commemorative merchandise has been released, and a campaign offering up to 300,000 yen worth of PayPay points, sponsored by SoftBank Corporation and others, is ongoing. These initiatives express gratitude to fans and strengthen ties with the local community and corporate partners. [1] [3]