Press Release

NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS to Sponsor Samurai Japan as Team Sponsor in the 2026 World Baseball Classic™

February 20, 2026

NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. (President: Satoshi Horikiri) will sponsor the Japan National Baseball Team "Samurai Japan" as a Team Sponsor at the 2026 World Baseball Classic™ to be held from Thursday, March 5 to Tuesday, March 17.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic™ is an international tournament featuring 20 countries and regions.
Samurai Japan will play in First Round at Tokyo Dome,Quarterfinals and Championship Round (Semifinals and Finals) in Miami, USA. During the tournament, the NX group brand symbol will be displayed on the sides of helmets worn by players and inside stadiums, helping to energize the event and support Samurai Japan as they compete against the world's top teams in pursuit of a second consecutive championship.

*Insert photo of helmet with group brand symbol

[Samurai Japan Game Schedule]

<<Send-off Games / Warm-up Games>>

• 1. Samurai Japan Series (Send-off Games)
  Sunday, February 22 and Monday, February 23 (holiday), 2026
  vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks at Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki
  Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28, 2026
  vs. Chunichi Dragons at Vantelin Dome Nagoya
• Warm-up Games
  Monday, March 2, 2026
  vs. Orix Buffaloes at Kyocera Dome Osaka
  Tuesday, March 3, 2026
  vs. Hanshin Tigers at Kyocera Dome Osaka

<<WBC Main Tournament>>

• First Round (Tokyo Dome)
  Friday, March 6, 2026: vs. Chinese Taipei
  Saturday, March 7, 2026: vs. Korea
  Sunday, March 8, 2026: vs. Australia
  Tuesday, March 10, 2026: vs. Czech Republic
• Quarterfinals（Miami / loanDepot park）
  Sunday, March 15, 2026
• Championship Round (Miami/ loanDepot park)　
  Monday, March 16 or Tuesday, March 17, 2026: Semifinals
  Wednesday, March 18, 2026: Finals