日本プロ野球 (Nippon Professional Baseball, NPB) is the highest level of professional baseball in Japan. Established in 1950, it consists of two leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. Each league has six teams, and the season typically runs from late March to October, culminating in the Japan Series, where the league champions compete for the championship title. NPB is known for its passionate fan base and unique traditions, such as the use of cheer songs and organized cheering sections. Many players, including notable figures like Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani, have gained international recognition, contributing to the popularity of baseball in Japan and abroad.