Japanese baseball teams are part of a professional league known as the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), which consists of two main leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. Each league has six teams, and the season typically runs from March to October. The teams compete for the championship title, culminating in the Japan Series. Baseball is a popular sport in Japan, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Many teams have dedicated fan bases and play in large stadiums. Notable teams include the Yomiuri Giants, Hanshin Tigers, and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.