<![CDATA[Talking Yakyu]]>Talking Yakyu is a podcast for all things Japanese baseball in English. From the latest developments in Nippon Professional Baseball to Samurai Japan at the World Baseball Classic to the newest stars making the jump to MLB, JapanBall writer Yuri Karasawa and Sports Info Solutions pro evaluator Brandon Tew break it all down.

]]>https://japanball.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:38 GMTFri, 16 Jan 2026 01:16:06 GMT60JapanBall<p>Talking Yakyu is a podcast for all things Japanese baseball in English. From the latest developments in Nippon Professional Baseball to Samurai Japan at the World Baseball Classic to the newest stars making the jump to MLB, JapanBall writer Yuri Karasawa and Sports Info Solutions pro evaluator Brandon Tew break it all down.</p>episodicJapanBallyuri@japanball.comno<![CDATA[NPB Postseason Preview & Predictions]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) preview the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball playoffs.

New Substack: https://yakyucosmopolitan.substack.com/

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com

0:00 - Introduction
3:03 - Fighters vs. Lions Preview
25:33 - Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Preview
36:59 - Giants vs. BayStars Preview
1:02:32 - Hanshin Tigers Preview
1:15:39 - Japan Series Predictions
1:22:28 - Conclusion

]]>ed56700e-f51f-4a9f-b0ab-1d498d13e5c7Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:39:06 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) preview the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball playoffs.<br /><br />New Substack: <a href="https://yakyucosmopolitan.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://yakyucosmopolitan.substack.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://japanball.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a href="https://extrainningstravel.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><br />0:00 - Introduction<br />3:03 - Fighters vs. Lions Preview<br />25:33 - Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Preview<br />36:59 - Giants vs. BayStars Preview<br />1:02:32 - Hanshin Tigers Preview<br />1:15:39 - Japan Series Predictions<br />1:22:28 - Conclusion</p>no01:24:0019NPB Postseason Preview & Predictionsfull<![CDATA[Sato's Triple Crown Chase & Who Wins the Sawamura?]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

New Substack: https://yakyucosmopolitan.substack.com/

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com
https://yakyucosmo.com

00:00 - Introduction & Substack announcement
02:49 - Murakami's White Sox make the playoffs
07:51 - Teruaki Sato's CL Triple Crown chase
27:00 - Home runs are up in NPB
37:17 - 100 RBI for Kurihara & Kondoh
42:39 - Haruto Takahashi for the Sawamura?
54:12 - Kenta Maeda and NPB fastball usage
01:01:19 - Conclusion

]]>3ec95295-1b53-4817-baf6-f8fc487e9975Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:45:00 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br />New Substack: <a href="https://yakyucosmopolitan.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://yakyucosmopolitan.substack.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://japanball.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a href="https://extrainningstravel.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><a href="https://yakyucosmo.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://yakyucosmo.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - Introduction &amp; Substack announcement<br />02:49 - Murakami's White Sox make the playoffs<br />07:51 - Teruaki Sato's CL Triple Crown chase<br />27:00 - Home runs are up in NPB<br />37:17 - 100 RBI for Kurihara &amp; Kondoh<br />42:39 - Haruto Takahashi for the Sawamura?<br />54:12 - Kenta Maeda and NPB fastball usage<br />01:01:19 - Conclusion</p>no01:02:2618Sato's Triple Crown Chase & Who Wins the Sawamura?full<![CDATA[NPB to MLB Posting Rumors, History for Raidel Martinez, Mailbag Questions!]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com
https://yakyucosmo.com

00:00 - SoftBank Hawks win PL pennant
04:26 - NPB to MLB posting rumors
10:28 - Raidel Martinez gets 250th save
20:07 - Kaima Taira contract projection?
36:50 - Worried about Hanshin Tigers?
45:57 - Free Agent compensation changes?
52:51- Will the MLB lockout affect NPB?
56:35 - NPB expansion soon?
01:04:39 - Should Shunpeita Yamashita be a closer?

]]>eadb76d9-7d6f-4e9d-bf0e-21f17961af50Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yakyucosmo.com" target="_blank">https://yakyucosmo.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - SoftBank Hawks win PL pennant<br />04:26 - NPB to MLB posting rumors<br />10:28 - Raidel Martinez gets 250th save<br />20:07 - Kaima Taira contract projection?<br />36:50 - Worried about Hanshin Tigers?<br />45:57 - Free Agent compensation changes?<br />52:51- Will the MLB lockout affect NPB?<br />56:35 - NPB expansion soon?<br />01:04:39 - Should Shunpeita Yamashita be a closer?</p>no01:12:1417NPB to MLB Posting Rumors, History for Raidel Martinez, Mailbag Questions!full<![CDATA[NPB Rookie of the Year Races! Shoki Oda to NPB or MLB?]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com
https://yakyucosmo.com

00:00 - Koshien & Shoki Oda
09:00 - Jackson Rutledge signs with SoftBank Hawks
17:30 - Shota Morishita & Teruaki Sato
34:20 - Central League ROY Race
45:47 - Pacific League ROY Race
54:00 - Checking in on Murakami, Okamoto, Imai
01:12:00 - Conclusion

]]>f67c9e31-f8ec-459c-8803-c636a94ab475Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:41:27 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yakyucosmo.com" target="_blank">https://yakyucosmo.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - Koshien &amp; Shoki Oda<br />09:00 - Jackson Rutledge signs with SoftBank Hawks<br />17:30 - Shota Morishita &amp; Teruaki Sato<br />34:20 - Central League ROY Race<br />45:47 - Pacific League ROY Race<br />54:00 - Checking in on Murakami, Okamoto, Imai<br />01:12:00 - Conclusion</p>no01:12:4316NPB Rookie of the Year Races! Shoki Oda to NPB or MLB?full<![CDATA[Which NPB Teams Are October Ready? Post-All-Star Status Check!]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com
https://yakyucosmo.com

00:00 - Intro + All-Star Talk
02:30 - Yomiuri, Hanshin, DeNA
25:29 - Yakult, Chunichi, Hiroshima
40:13 - Rakuten, Lotte, Orix
57:43 - Seibu, Nipponham, SoftBank
01:17:00 - Conclusion

]]>84668519-1f18-4723-8fc1-405033e4ae8cTue, 11 Aug 2026 11:56:07 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yakyucosmo.com" target="_blank">https://yakyucosmo.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - Intro + All-Star Talk<br />02:30 - Yomiuri, Hanshin, DeNA<br />25:29 - Yakult, Chunichi, Hiroshima<br />40:13 - Rakuten, Lotte, Orix<br />57:43 - Seibu, Nipponham, SoftBank<br />01:17:00 - Conclusion</p>no01:17:5415Which NPB Teams Are October Ready? Post-All-Star Status Check!full<![CDATA["The Decision" for Rintaro Sasaki - Why Miami over SoftBank!? Murakami's Home Run Derby]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com
https://yakyucosmo.com

00:00 - Munetaka Murakami’s home run derby
04:53 - Combined no-hitter for Yakult
10:08 - Rintaro Sasaki signs with Miami over SoftBank
29:39 - Joey Lucchesi to Lotte, Yunior Marte to Rakuten
35:29 - Anderson Severino & Dermis Garcia to Hanshin
41:52- Hiroshima zombie cigarettes scandal
45:21 - NPB Triple Crown leaders
56:03 - Conclusion

]]>c1ea1564-8ceb-4ddd-ae1e-eb5e64bb111fFri, 24 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yakyucosmo.com" target="_blank">https://yakyucosmo.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - Munetaka Murakami’s home run derby<br />04:53 - Combined no-hitter for Yakult<br />10:08 - Rintaro Sasaki signs with Miami over SoftBank<br />29:39 - Joey Lucchesi to Lotte, Yunior Marte to Rakuten<br />35:29 - Anderson Severino &amp; Dermis Garcia to Hanshin<br />41:52- Hiroshima zombie cigarettes scandal<br />45:21 - NPB Triple Crown leaders<br />56:03 - Conclusion</p>no00:57:36114"The Decision" for Rintaro Sasaki - Why Miami over SoftBank!? Murakami's Home Run Derbyfull<![CDATA[Best Hitters & Relievers in NPB Right Now + Mailbag Questions]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com
https://yakyucosmo.com

00:00 - Intro & Takahisa Hayakawa Analysis
11:54 - Top Hitters: Reyes, Kurihara, Kondoh, Morishita, Sato
27:58 - Top Relievers: Martinez, Sugiyama, Others
44:03 - Comparing Shugo Maki to Prime Hideto Asamura
54:28 - Will Ryosuke Tatsumi go to MLB?
58:35 - Is Teruaki Sato better than Munetaka Murakami?
01:05:59 - Will Tyler Nevin return to MLB?
01:10:56 - Pitch Clock in NPB?
01:16:08 - Conclusion

]]>6d5d0f93-3602-419c-8019-efb3c3a8f8dfWed, 08 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yakyucosmo.com" target="_blank">https://yakyucosmo.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - Intro &amp; Takahisa Hayakawa Analysis<br />11:54 - Top Hitters: Reyes, Kurihara, Kondoh, Morishita, Sato<br />27:58 - Top Relievers: Martinez, Sugiyama, Others<br />44:03 - Comparing Shugo Maki to Prime Hideto Asamura<br />54:28 - Will Ryosuke Tatsumi go to MLB?<br />58:35 - Is Teruaki Sato better than Munetaka Murakami?<br />01:05:59 - Will Tyler Nevin return to MLB?<br />01:10:56 - Pitch Clock in NPB?<br />01:16:08 - Conclusion</p>no01:17:46113Best Hitters & Relievers in NPB Right Now + Mailbag Questionsfull<![CDATA[Yamamoto is ELITE, Ogasawara Returns to Japan, Sumida Top 5 in NPB?]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com
https://yakyucosmo.com

00:00 - How good is Yoshinobu Yamamoto right now?
13:00 - Saitama Seibu Lions win interleague
21:33 - Chihiro Sumida is rising
27:05 - Top 5 NPB starting pitchers right now?
40:41 - Shinnosuke Ogasawara signs with Yomiuri
47:26 - Jerar Encarnacion, Osvaldo Bido sign with DeNA
58:30 - Leandro Cedeno signs with Yakult
01:04:13 - Conclusion

]]>869ed42e-052f-4983-9454-af5dcfbbc227Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yakyucosmo.com" target="_blank">https://yakyucosmo.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - How good is Yoshinobu Yamamoto right now?<br />13:00 - Saitama Seibu Lions win interleague<br />21:33 - Chihiro Sumida is rising<br />27:05 - Top 5 NPB starting pitchers right now?<br />40:41 - Shinnosuke Ogasawara signs with Yomiuri<br />47:26 - Jerar Encarnacion, Osvaldo Bido sign with DeNA<br />58:30 - Leandro Cedeno signs with Yakult<br />01:04:13 - Conclusion</p>no01:05:47112Yamamoto is ELITE, Ogasawara Returns to Japan, Sumida Top 5 in NPB?full<![CDATA[Rintaro Sasaki to NPB or MLB? Roki Sasaki Rebounds, Yuudai Yamamoto Trade Recap]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

00:00 - Ohtani’s best season ever?
06:45 - Rikuu Nishida called up to CWS
12:28 - Rintaro Sasaki’s decision looms
25:01 - Roki Sasaki is back
37:47 - Yuudai Yamamoto traded for Shuto Ogata
48:55 - How valuable are defensive catchers?
54:06 - News: Shinnosuke Abe resigns, Zombie cigarette scandal update, Shunpeita Yamashita Tommy John
59:30 - Hiroto Takahashi demoted
1:01:06 - Kaima Taira’s MLB upside?
1:03:56 - Ryosuke Ohtsu’s rise
1:05:50 - Interleague update & conclusion

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com
https://yakyucosmo.com

]]>8a7777fa-3c46-4c22-972d-aa11565905c6Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:34:47 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br />00:00 - Ohtani’s best season ever?<br />06:45 - Rikuu Nishida called up to CWS<br />12:28 - Rintaro Sasaki’s decision looms<br />25:01 - Roki Sasaki is back<br />37:47 - Yuudai Yamamoto traded for Shuto Ogata<br />48:55 - How valuable are defensive catchers?<br />54:06 - News: Shinnosuke Abe resigns, Zombie cigarette scandal update, Shunpeita Yamashita Tommy John<br />59:30 - Hiroto Takahashi demoted<br />1:01:06 - Kaima Taira’s MLB upside?<br />1:03:56 - Ryosuke Ohtsu’s rise<br />1:05:50 - Interleague update &amp; conclusion<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://yakyucosmo.com" target="_blank">https://yakyucosmo.com</a></p>no01:08:08111Rintaro Sasaki to NPB or MLB? Roki Sasaki Rebounds, Yuudai Yamamoto Trade Recapfull<![CDATA[Okamoto Goes Supernova, Griffin Shines, Hsu Struggles]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

00:00 - Kazuma Okamoto & Shota Imanaga
13:40 - Foster Griffin, Peter Lambert, Nick Martinez, Anthony Kay
33:10 - Was Jo-Hsi Hsu tipping pitches?
45:50 - The Takahashis are still dominating
56:00 - Catching value in NPB
01:01:40 - Takayuki Katoh + Conclusion

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com

]]>835bba61-aff4-48fb-940a-66146212d965Mon, 11 May 2026 12:28:37 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br />00:00 - Kazuma Okamoto &amp; Shota Imanaga<br />13:40 - Foster Griffin, Peter Lambert, Nick Martinez, Anthony Kay<br />33:10 - Was Jo-Hsi Hsu tipping pitches?<br />45:50 - The Takahashis are still dominating<br />56:00 - Catching value in NPB<br />01:01:40 - Takayuki Katoh + Conclusion<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a></p>no01:04:1610Okamoto Goes Supernova, Griffin Shines, Hsu Strugglesfull<![CDATA[Munetaka Murakami MANIA, Haruto Takahashi DOMINATION, Hot & Cold NPB Teams]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.

0:00 - Munetaka Murakami Mania
10:47 - Progress for Roki Sasaki?
20:06 - Injuries to Taneichi, Maki, Izuguchi, Duplantier
29:05 - Haruto Takahashi
39:45 - Tokyo Yakult Swallows
48:35 - Yomiuri Giants
58:55 - Chunichi & Hiroshima
1:01:10 - Orix Buffaloes
1:04:58 - SoftBank & Nipponham
1:17:50 - Prospect Check-in
1:19:30 - Rintaro Sasaki & Conclusion

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com

]]>404d552e-a9f9-49c1-92e4-9fcb92894b0bSat, 02 May 2026 09:52:36 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest storylines from Japanese baseball.<br /><br />0:00 - Munetaka Murakami Mania<br />10:47 - Progress for Roki Sasaki?<br />20:06 - Injuries to Taneichi, Maki, Izuguchi, Duplantier<br />29:05 - Haruto Takahashi<br />39:45 - Tokyo Yakult Swallows<br />48:35 - Yomiuri Giants<br />58:55 - Chunichi &amp; Hiroshima<br />1:01:10 - Orix Buffaloes<br />1:04:58 - SoftBank &amp; Nipponham<br />1:17:50 - Prospect Check-in<br />1:19:30 - Rintaro Sasaki &amp; Conclusion<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a></p>no01:21:399Munetaka Murakami MANIA, Haruto Takahashi DOMINATION, Hot & Cold NPB Teamsfull<![CDATA[Best Pitcher in NPB Right Now? Sato & Morishita for MVP? Miyagi Injured...]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss the latest developments in Nippon Professional Baseball from Hiroya Miyagi's injury to Kaima Taira and Haruto Takahashi dominating on the mound to Teruaki Sato and Shota Morishita raking at the plate.

00:00 - Roki Sasaki
05:02 - Tatsuya Imai
10:03 - Shota Imanaga, Kodai Senga, Tomoyuki Sugano
18:25 - Hiroya Miyagi Requires Tommy John Surgery
25:10 - Best Pitcher in NPB Right Now?
29:10 - Haruto Takahashi, Kaima Taira
38:09 - Kosei Shoji, Ryoji Kuribayashi, Kona Takahashi
46:38 - Best Takahashi: Haruto, Hiroto, Kona
50:25 - Hiroto Saiki
1:00:40 - Teruaki Sato, Shota Morishita
1:11:20 - Early Standout Hitters
1:17:50 - Conclusion

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com

]]>037b1154-8970-4586-8d76-8ea49d79d910Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss the latest developments in Nippon Professional Baseball from Hiroya Miyagi's injury to Kaima Taira and Haruto Takahashi dominating on the mound to Teruaki Sato and Shota Morishita raking at the plate.<br /><br />00:00 - Roki Sasaki<br />05:02 - Tatsuya Imai<br />10:03 - Shota Imanaga, Kodai Senga, Tomoyuki Sugano<br />18:25 - Hiroya Miyagi Requires Tommy John Surgery<br />25:10 - Best Pitcher in NPB Right Now?<br />29:10 - Haruto Takahashi, Kaima Taira<br />38:09 - Kosei Shoji, Ryoji Kuribayashi, Kona Takahashi<br />46:38 - Best Takahashi: Haruto, Hiroto, Kona<br />50:25 - Hiroto Saiki<br />1:00:40 - Teruaki Sato, Shota Morishita<br />1:11:20 - Early Standout Hitters<br />1:17:50 - Conclusion<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a></p>no01:19:008Best Pitcher in NPB Right Now? Sato & Morishita for MVP? Miyagi Injured...full<![CDATA[NO-HITTER for Hosono, Near Perfecto for Kuribayashi, Kiyomiya Starts Hot]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) talk about early season Nippon Professional Baseball news and performances, including Haruki Hosono's no-hitter, Ryoji Kuribayashi's near perfect game, Allen Kuri's shutout, Kotaro Kiyomiya's hot start, and much more.

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com

00:00 - Murakami, Okamoto, Imai in MLB

07:28 - Haruki Hosono's No-Hitter
13:19 - Kotaro Kiyomiya's Hot Start
24:15 - Ryoji Kuribayashi's Near-Perfecto
32:14 - Allen Kuri's Shutout
39:45 - Anderson Espinoza, Haruto Takahashi, Kaima Taira Throw CGSO
49:43 - Kenta Maeda's NPB Return
56:01 - NPB vs. MLB Ball Movement
1:03:23 - Worried about Hiromi Itoh?
1:07:10 - Conclusion

]]>c63ae3db-e56a-491f-bdd7-4bcdffebc67bThu, 02 Apr 2026 14:12:25 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) talk about early season Nippon Professional Baseball news and performances, including Haruki Hosono's no-hitter, Ryoji Kuribayashi's near perfect game, Allen Kuri's shutout, Kotaro Kiyomiya's hot start, and much more.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - Murakami, Okamoto, Imai in MLB</p><p>07:28 - Haruki Hosono's No-Hitter<br />13:19 - Kotaro Kiyomiya's Hot Start<br />24:15 - Ryoji Kuribayashi's Near-Perfecto<br />32:14 - Allen Kuri's Shutout<br />39:45 - Anderson Espinoza, Haruto Takahashi, Kaima Taira Throw CGSO<br />49:43 - Kenta Maeda's NPB Return<br />56:01 - NPB vs. MLB Ball Movement<br />1:03:23 - Worried about Hiromi Itoh?<br />1:07:10 - Conclusion</p>no01:08:497NO-HITTER for Hosono, Near Perfecto for Kuribayashi, Kiyomiya Starts Hotfull<![CDATA[2026 NPB Season Preview & Predictions]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) preview each of the 12 teams for the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball season and give their predictions.

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com

00:00 - Introduction
04:32 - Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
13:59 - Hokkaido Nipponham Fighters
22:42 - Orix Buffaloes
32:32 - Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
42:20 - Saitama Seibu Lions
52:18 - Chiba Lotte Marines
1:01:00 - Tokyo Yakult Swallows
1:07:07 - Hiroshima Carp
1:19:21 - Chunichi Dragons
1:32:24 - Yomiuri Giants
1:44:15 - Yokohama DeNA BayStars
1:55:49 - Hanshin Tigers
2:08:56 - Predictions & Conclusion

]]>9b31a250-845d-4aba-8a97-acb2450a2b99Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:45:23 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) preview each of the 12 teams for the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball season and give their predictions.<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - Introduction<br />04:32 - Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks<br />13:59 - Hokkaido Nipponham Fighters<br />22:42 - Orix Buffaloes<br />32:32 - Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles<br />42:20 - Saitama Seibu Lions<br />52:18 - Chiba Lotte Marines<br />1:01:00 - Tokyo Yakult Swallows<br />1:07:07 - Hiroshima Carp<br />1:19:21 - Chunichi Dragons<br />1:32:24 - Yomiuri Giants<br />1:44:15 - Yokohama DeNA BayStars<br />1:55:49 - Hanshin Tigers<br />2:08:56 - Predictions &amp; Conclusion</p>no02:17:1862026 NPB Season Preview & Predictionsfull<![CDATA[Japan WBC Pool Recap & Knockouts Preview]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) discuss how Samurai Japan performed in Pool C at the 2026 World Baseball Classic and preview its potential matchup in the quarterfinals. Can Japan repeat as champions!?

https://japanball.com
https://extrainningstravel.com

00:00 - Introduction
03:00 - Pool C Recap
13:00 - Japan's Hitting
25:00 - Quarterfinals Preview
31:45 - Japan's Pitching
46:30 - Japan's Path to Repeat
1:03:08 - Conclusion

]]>5fd04386-0a6e-42af-abc8-2b7e96122b70Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:45:02 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) discuss how Samurai Japan performed in Pool C at the 2026 World Baseball Classic and preview its potential matchup in the quarterfinals. Can Japan repeat as champions!?<br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://japanball.com" target="_blank">https://japanball.com</a><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://extrainningstravel.com" target="_blank">https://extrainningstravel.com</a><br /><br />00:00 - Introduction<br />03:00 - Pool C Recap<br />13:00 - Japan's Hitting<br />25:00 - Quarterfinals Preview<br />31:45 - Japan's Pitching<br />46:30 - Japan's Path to Repeat<br />1:03:08 - Conclusion</p>no01:04:425Japan WBC Pool Recap & Knockouts Previewfull<![CDATA[Mailbag Questions! Future NPB to MLB Postings? Japan's WBC Chances?]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) answer some listener mailbag questions. Which NPB players will be posted to MLB in the near future? What are Japan's expectations at the 2026 WBC? Can the Fighters beat the Hawks? And many more!

00:00 - Introductions
01:42 - Carter Stewart Jr. 2026 Expectations?
05:50 - Dark Horses to be Posted to MLB?
12:37 - Samurai Japan's Strengths & Weaknesses?
16:42 - Japan's WBC Expectations?
22:08 - How Can DeNA Replace Anthony Kay?
25:25 - Yuudai Yamamoto & Shion Matsuo Platoon?
30:55 - Can the Fighters overtake the Hawks?
36:07 - Realistic Trades for Fighters' Pitchers?
41:58 - Top Prospects to Watch in 2026?
48:15 - Why No More Korean Players in NPB?
55:07 - Dead Ball Impact on Hitters vs. Pitchers?
1:04:09 - Conclusion

]]>3cf3edcb-c1e7-4053-9ab9-71168a93b0dbFri, 27 Feb 2026 00:39:08 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) answer some listener mailbag questions. Which NPB players will be posted to MLB in the near future? What are Japan's expectations at the 2026 WBC? Can the Fighters beat the Hawks? And many more!<br /><br />00:00 - Introductions<br />01:42 - Carter Stewart Jr. 2026 Expectations?<br />05:50 - Dark Horses to be Posted to MLB?<br />12:37 - Samurai Japan's Strengths &amp; Weaknesses?<br />16:42 - Japan's WBC Expectations?<br />22:08 - How Can DeNA Replace Anthony Kay?<br />25:25 - Yuudai Yamamoto &amp; Shion Matsuo Platoon?<br />30:55 - Can the Fighters overtake the Hawks?<br />36:07 - Realistic Trades for Fighters' Pitchers?<br />41:58 - Top Prospects to Watch in 2026?<br />48:15 - Why No More Korean Players in NPB?<br />55:07 - Dead Ball Impact on Hitters vs. Pitchers?<br />1:04:09 - Conclusion</p>no01:06:084Mailbag Questions! Future NPB to MLB Postings? Japan's WBC Chances?full<![CDATA[Top 20 NPB Starting Pitchers in 2026]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) break down their top 20 starting pitchers in Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2026 season. Where do they agree and disagree?

Yuri's Breakdowns: https://www.justbaseball.com/international-baseball/npb-top-15-starting-pitcher-rankings-2026/
Brandon's Scouting Reports: https://www.prospectslive.com/author/brandon-tew/


00:00 - Introduction
02:53 - Shunpeita Yamashita, Hiromi Itoh, Livan Moinelo, Hiroya Miyagi
13:50 - Atsuki Taneichi & Jon Duplantier
21:07 - Kaima Taira & Forrest Whitley
30:32 - Chihiro Sumida & Koki Kitayama
37:36 - Hiroto Takahashi & Shoki Murakami
53:32 - Haruto Takahashi & Hiroto Saiki
01:03:16 - Haruya Tanaka, Kota Tatsu, Yumeto Kanemaru
01:11:38 - Katsuki Azuma & Ryuhei Sotani
01:17:23 - Ruei-Yang Gu Lin & Iori Yamasaki
01:22:59 - Just Outside the Top 20

]]>573a5e71-f374-45f2-b578-16949d3b3253Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:31:32 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) break down their top 20 starting pitchers in Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2026 season. Where do they agree and disagree?</p><p></p><p>Yuri's Breakdowns: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.justbaseball.com/international-baseball/npb-top-15-starting-pitcher-rankings-2026/" target="_blank">https://www.justbaseball.com/international-baseball/npb-top-15-starting-pitcher-rankings-2026/</a><br />Brandon's Scouting Reports: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.prospectslive.com/author/brandon-tew/" target="_blank">https://www.prospectslive.com/author/brandon-tew/</a></p><p><br />00:00 - Introduction<br />02:53 - Shunpeita Yamashita, Hiromi Itoh, Livan Moinelo, Hiroya Miyagi<br />13:50 - Atsuki Taneichi &amp; Jon Duplantier<br />21:07 - Kaima Taira &amp; Forrest Whitley<br />30:32 - Chihiro Sumida &amp; Koki Kitayama<br />37:36 - Hiroto Takahashi &amp; Shoki Murakami<br />53:32 - Haruto Takahashi &amp; Hiroto Saiki<br />01:03:16 - Haruya Tanaka, Kota Tatsu, Yumeto Kanemaru<br />01:11:38 - Katsuki Azuma &amp; Ryuhei Sotani<br />01:17:23 - Ruei-Yang Gu Lin &amp; Iori Yamasaki<br />01:22:59 - Just Outside the Top 20</p>no01:29:373Top 20 NPB Starting Pitchers in 2026full<![CDATA[NPB Foreign Player Signings + Japan's WBC Team]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) break down the offseason foreign player signings in Nippon Professional Baseball. Plus, another look at Samurai Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic team following the full roster reveal.

00:00 - Introduction
02:03 - New MLB Players on Samurai Japan
05:40 - New NPB Players on Samurai Japan
15:56 - Roster Grade?
19:21 - Hanshin/SoftBank: Devanney, Ragsdale, Moreta, Hsu
26:15 - DeNA/Nipponham: Hummel, Duplantier, Ruiz, Reynolds, Cox, Castro, Lao
35:37 - Yomiuri/Orix: Dalbec, Howard, Whitley, Mata, Seymour, Hjelle
44:44 - Chunichi/Rakuten: Sano, Abreu, McCusker, Contreras, Urena
54:54 - Hiroshima/Seibu: Tarnok, Lin, Canario, Winans
01:01:01 - Yakult/Lotte: Jackson, Long, Castillo, Liranzo, Walters, Quijada
01:06:25 - NPB vs. KBO Foreign Players
01:09:45 - Conclusion

]]>e6c5e641-e80c-4044-bbe5-8564cd662756Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:38:36 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) break down the offseason foreign player signings in Nippon Professional Baseball. Plus, another look at Samurai Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic team following the full roster reveal.<br /><br />00:00 - Introduction<br />02:03 - New MLB Players on Samurai Japan<br />05:40 - New NPB Players on Samurai Japan<br />15:56 - Roster Grade?<br />19:21 - Hanshin/SoftBank: Devanney, Ragsdale, Moreta, Hsu<br />26:15 - DeNA/Nipponham: Hummel, Duplantier, Ruiz, Reynolds, Cox, Castro, Lao<br />35:37 - Yomiuri/Orix: Dalbec, Howard, Whitley, Mata, Seymour, Hjelle<br />44:44 - Chunichi/Rakuten: Sano, Abreu, McCusker, Contreras, Urena<br />54:54 - Hiroshima/Seibu: Tarnok, Lin, Canario, Winans<br />01:01:01 - Yakult/Lotte: Jackson, Long, Castillo, Liranzo, Walters, Quijada<br />01:06:25 - NPB vs. KBO Foreign Players<br />01:09:45 - Conclusion</p>no01:10:582NPB Foreign Player Signings + Japan's WBC Teamfull<![CDATA[Murakami, Imai, Okamoto Sign MLB Deals + Samurai Japan WBC Preview]]>Yuri Karasawa (https://x.com/yakyucosmo) and Brandon Tew (https://x.com/brandonteweets) break down the MLB signings of Munetaka Murakami, Tatsuya Imai, and Kazuma Okamoto. Plus, previewing Samurai Japan's chances at the 2026 World Baseball Classic with 19 of the 30 roster spots officially confirmed.

00:00 - Introduction
02:25 - Murakami, Imai, Okamoto Find MLB Homes
07:13 - Okamoto to Toronto
10:07 - Murakami to CWS
15:28 - Imai to Houston
23:51 - Posting System Reform?
29:24 - Can Japan Compete with USA and DR?
37:45 - Japan's Pitching Staff
53:20 - Japan's Catching
56:35 - Japan's Infield
58:36 - Japan's Outfield
01:07:04 - Conclusion

]]>aaf39a70-a1fc-4547-91b7-3c8d1f951036Sat, 17 Jan 2026 16:43:52 GMT<p>Yuri Karasawa (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/yakyucosmo" target="_blank">https://x.com/yakyucosmo</a>) and Brandon Tew (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/brandonteweets" target="_blank">https://x.com/brandonteweets</a>) break down the MLB signings of Munetaka Murakami, Tatsuya Imai, and Kazuma Okamoto. Plus, previewing Samurai Japan's chances at the 2026 World Baseball Classic with 19 of the 30 roster spots officially confirmed.<br /><br />00:00 - Introduction<br />02:25 - Murakami, Imai, Okamoto Find MLB Homes<br />07:13 - Okamoto to Toronto<br />10:07 - Murakami to CWS<br />15:28 - Imai to Houston<br />23:51 - Posting System Reform?<br />29:24 - Can Japan Compete with USA and DR?<br />37:45 - Japan's Pitching Staff<br />53:20 - Japan's Catching<br />56:35 - Japan's Infield<br />58:36 - Japan's Outfield<br />01:07:04 - Conclusion</p>no01:10:271Murakami, Imai, Okamoto Sign MLB Deals + Samurai Japan WBC Previewfull