Yakyū is the Japanese word for baseball, a popular sport in Japan. It was introduced in the late 19th century and has since become a significant part of Japanese culture. The game is played between two teams, each consisting of nine players, and involves hitting a ball with a bat and running around bases to score points. In Japan, yakyū is played at various levels, from school teams to professional leagues. The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is the top professional league, featuring teams like the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers. The sport is celebrated for its passionate fans and unique traditions, such as the annual Koshien high school championship.