DeNA vs SoftBank 2026: Japan Series Game 1 Live Updates, Rain Delay, Prediction and Tickets

DeNA and SoftBank are opening the 2026 Japan Series at Yokohama Stadium on Saturday, October 24, with first pitch threatened by steady rain. As of 6:00 p.m. JST, the tarp remained on the field and organizers had not confirmed a start time, according to Nikkan Sports. NHK is carrying live coverage of the opener, which pits the Central League champion BayStars against the Pacific League champion Hawks.

What is the current status of DeNA vs SoftBank Game 1?

Game 1 is in a rain delay with the tarp still covering the infield as of 6:00 p.m. JST, and no official first pitch has been announced. The scheduled 6:30 p.m. JST start is in doubt, and a postponement would push the series schedule back by at least one day. The Japan Series is a best-of-seven format, and a washout in Game 1 would compress travel days between Yokohama and Fukuoka.

According to NHK's live blog, both teams submitted lineup cards before the rain intensified, and SoftBank manager Hiroki Kokubo was seen inspecting the outfield grass with grounds crew members around 5:45 p.m. JST. DeNA manager Daisuke Miura has not named a Game 2 starter, a decision that becomes more complicated if Game 1 is pushed to Sunday.

What is the prediction for DeNA vs SoftBank in the 2026 Japan Series?

SoftBank enters the series as the betting favorite, with most sportsbooks pricing the Hawks around -145 to win the championship, according to odds compiled by Japanese sports media on October 24. DeNA is priced around +125, reflecting the BayStars' home-field advantage at Yokohama Stadium but also SoftBank's deeper rotation and superior regular-season run differential.

SoftBank finished the 2026 Pacific League season with the best record in Japanese professional baseball, winning 84 of 143 games (.587), according to NPB standings. DeNA finished second in the Central League at 76-62-5 (.551) but upset the Yomiuri Giants in the Climax Series Final Stage. The Hawks have won the Japan Series in four of their last seven appearances, including 2020 and 2024.

How much are DeNA vs SoftBank Japan Series tickets?

Tickets for Game 1 at Yokohama Stadium are sold out on primary channels, with resale prices ranging from about 12,000 yen for standing-room seats to over 80,000 yen for infield box seats, according to listings on Ticket Pia and resale platforms on October 24. SoftBank home games at Mizuho PayPay Dome for Games 3 through 5 are also sold out, with resale premiums running 30 to 50 percent above face value.

The Japan Series typically draws over 30,000 fans per game at Yokohama Stadium, which has a capacity of 34,046 for baseball. According to NPB, the 2025 Japan Series averaged 33,100 fans per game across all venues, and the 2026 series is expected to match or exceed that figure given the BayStars' first appearance since 2017.

Where can fans watch DeNA vs SoftBank live?

Fans in Japan can watch Game 1 live on NHK General TV, TV Asahi and BS Asahi, with streaming available through NHK Plus and TVer. International viewers can access the Japan Series through DAZN in most markets, and through MLB.TV in the United States and Canada, according to NPB's international broadcast agreements.

NHK's live blog is providing real-time updates on the rain delay, and the network confirmed it will carry the game regardless of the start time. According to NHK, the broadcast will begin at 6:00 p.m. JST with pregame coverage, and the network has not announced a contingency plan if the game is postponed.

Why is SoftBank considered a strong favorite despite DeNA's home-field advantage?

SoftBank is favored because of its superior pitching depth, led by 2026 Pacific League ERA leader Kodai Senga (2.14) and 18-game winner Nao Higashiyama, according to NPB statistics. The Hawks also led Japanese professional baseball in runs scored (612) and team OPS (.742), outpacing DeNA's .718 mark.

DeNA's path to an upset runs through its bullpen, which posted a 2.98 ERA in the second half of the 2026 season, the best in the Central League. Closer Yuki Kuniyoshi saved 38 games with a 1.87 ERA, and setup man Hiromu Ise has not allowed an earned run in his last 14 appearances. The BayStars also have home-field advantage, having gone 42-27-2 at Yokohama Stadium in 2026.

What does the rain delay mean for the series schedule and pitching plans?

A postponement of Game 1 would push the entire series back by one day, with Game 2 moved to Sunday, October 25, and Games 3 through 5 at Mizuho PayPay Dome shifted accordingly. NPB rules require a travel day between Games 2 and 3, so a washout would likely eliminate the off day on Monday, October 26.

For SoftBank, a delay would allow Senga to start Game 1 on full rest and potentially return on normal rest for a potential Game 5. For DeNA, a delay would give ace Shota Imanaga an extra day of rest, but it would also force Miura to use his bullpen in a more compressed window if the series goes seven games.

Is SoftBank a good investment or a good company?

SoftBank Group (TSE: 9984) is a publicly traded technology conglomerate, not the baseball team, and its investment case is separate from the Japan Series. SoftBank Group shares have risen about 18 percent in 2026 through October 23, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data, driven by its stake in Arm Holdings and its Vision Fund portfolio. The company reported net income of 1.2 trillion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2026.

SoftBank Group is not the same entity as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, which are owned by SoftBank Corp. (TSE: 9434), the telecommunications subsidiary. SoftBank Corp. shares have gained about 6 percent in 2026 and offer a dividend yield of roughly 4.1 percent, according to TSE data. Investors looking for exposure to the baseball team should note that the Hawks are a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank Corp. and do not trade separately.

What is the history between DeNA and SoftBank in the Japan Series?

DeNA and SoftBank have never met in the Japan Series before 2026, according to NPB records. The BayStars won their only Japan Series title in 1998 as the Yokohama BayStars, defeating the Seibu Lions in six games. SoftBank has won 11 Japan Series titles, most recently in 2024 against the Hanshin Tigers.

The two teams have met in interleague play 24 times since 2005, with SoftBank holding a 14-9-1 advantage, according to NPB interleague records. The most recent interleague series in 2026 saw SoftBank take two of three games at Mizuho PayPay Dome in June.

What are the key matchups to watch in Game 1?

The key matchup is SoftBank's Senga against DeNA's lineup, which features 2026 Central League MVP candidate Tyler Austin. Austin hit .312 with 34 home runs and 98 RBIs in 2026, according to NPB statistics, and he is 3-for-11 with two home runs against Senga in his career.

Another key matchup is DeNA's Imanaga against SoftBank's Kensuke Kondoh, who led the Pacific League with a .331 batting average in 2026. Imanaga has held left-handed hitters to a .218 average in 2026, but Kondoh is 4-for-9 against him in interleague play.

What is the weather forecast for Game 1 in Yokohama?

The forecast calls for rain to continue through Saturday evening, with a 90 percent chance of precipitation at 6:00 p.m. JST, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Rain is expected to taper off around 8:00 p.m. JST, which could allow a delayed start if the grounds crew can prepare the field in time.

Yokohama Stadium does not have a retractable roof, so the game cannot proceed until the rain stops and the field is playable. According to NPB rules, the home team's grounds crew has discretion over whether the field is playable, and the umpires make the final decision on whether to start or suspend play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does DeNA vs SoftBank Game 1 start?

Game 1 was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. JST on Saturday, October 24, 2026, but the start is delayed by rain. No official first pitch time has been announced as of 6:00 p.m. JST.

Is the DeNA vs SoftBank game postponed?

As of 6:00 p.m. JST, the game has not been officially postponed, but the tarp remains on the field and a delay is likely. NHK is providing live updates.

Who is favored to win the 2026 Japan Series?

SoftBank is favored at around -145, with DeNA at +125, according to odds compiled on October 24, 2026.

How can I buy tickets for DeNA vs SoftBank?

Tickets are sold out on primary channels, but resale listings are available on platforms like Ticket Pia and StubHub Japan, with prices ranging from 12,000 yen to over 80,000 yen.

What is the history between DeNA and SoftBank in the Japan Series?

2026 marks the first Japan Series meeting between the two teams. SoftBank has 11 titles, while DeNA has two (1960, 1998).

Is SoftBank a good investment?

SoftBank Group (TSE: 9984) is up about 18 percent in 2026, driven by Arm Holdings and Vision Fund gains. SoftBank Corp. (TSE: 9434) offers a 4.1 percent dividend yield. Neither is a direct play on the baseball team.

What happens if Game 1 is rained out?

The series would be pushed back by one day, with Game 2 moved to Sunday and travel days compressed. NPB rules require a travel day between Games 2 and 3.