The Japanese Independent Leagues are professional baseball leagues in Japan that operate outside the traditional Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) structure. These leagues provide opportunities for players who may not be signed by NPB teams, allowing them to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot in the more prominent leagues. There are several independent leagues in Japan, such as the Shikoku Island League and the Baseball Challenge League. These leagues often feature a mix of local talent and former professional players, contributing to the development of baseball in the country and offering fans an alternative to the mainstream NPB games.