by In a major crossover between sports and entertainment, cast members from Netflix’s live-action series “One Piece” will throw the ceremonial first pitch at Japan’s opening game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The announcement was made on February 24 by Netflix, which will exclusively stream all tournament games in Japan.
The first pitch ceremony will take place on March 6, when Japan’s national team — widely known as Samurai Japan — faces Taiwan in the tournament’s first round.
A Star-Studded Opening for Samurai Japan
The ceremonial pitch will be delivered by the five actors portraying the Straw Hat Pirates in the live-action adaptation:
- Iñaki Godoy — Monkey D. Luffy
- Mackenyu Arata — Roronoa Zoro
- Emily Rudd — Nami
- Jacob Romero — Usopp
- Taz Skylar — Sanji
This appearance marks a rare collaboration between a global anime franchise adaptation and one of baseball’s most prestigious international tournaments.
About the Live-Action “One Piece” Series
Netflix’s “One Piece” live-action series adapts Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga and anime, following pirate captain Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they search for the ultimate treasure known as the One Piece.
Key elements of the story include:
- High-seas adventure across a fantastical world
- Unique characters with extraordinary abilities
- Themes of friendship, freedom, and dreams
- Epic battles against rival pirates and authorities
The series became one of Netflix’s most successful live-action anime adaptations, praised for its faithful tone and strong casting.
Season 2 Release Timing
The first pitch event also serves as promotion for Season 2, which is scheduled to premiere worldwide on March 10, 2026, just days after the WBC opener.
This timing ensures maximum visibility, as the tournament draws millions of viewers in Japan and around the world.
Netflix’s Exclusive WBC Coverage in Japan
Netflix will stream all 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic live in Japan from March 5 to March 18, with archived replays available afterward.
The WBC is one of baseball’s most prestigious international competitions, featuring national teams from across the globe competing for the championship title.
Japan enters the tournament as one of the strongest contenders, having a rich history of success in previous editions.
Why This Collaboration Matters
This event represents a unique blend of pop culture and sports, appealing to multiple audiences at once:
- Baseball fans following Samurai Japan
- Anime and manga enthusiasts
- Viewers anticipating “One Piece” Season 2
- Casual audiences drawn by celebrity appearances
Such collaborations are increasingly common as streaming platforms seek to create large-scale cultural moments that transcend traditional media boundaries.
A Celebration of Global Japanese Pop Culture
“One Piece” is not just a popular series — it is one of Japan’s most influential cultural exports. Pairing it with the WBC, a globally watched sporting event, highlights Japan’s impact on both entertainment and athletics.
For fans attending the game or watching at home, the ceremonial first pitch promises to be a memorable kickoff to the tournament.
Key Dates at a Glance
- March 5, 2026: WBC tournament begins (Japan streaming on Netflix)
- March 6, 2026: Japan vs. Taiwan opener + ceremonial first pitch
- March 10, 2026: “One Piece” Live-Action Season 2 premieres worldwide
- March 18, 2026: WBC tournament concludes
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