Japan's pro baseball season to start on June 19

May 26, 2020 | News On Japan

May 26, 2020 (NHK) - Japan's professional baseball teams will start the 2020 season on June 19 after a three-month delay due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Representatives from the 12 teams made the decision during an online meeting on Monday afternoon.

The decision comes as the government is expected later Monday to lift the state of emergency which has remained in place for Tokyo and four other prefectures.

Games will be played without spectators for the time being to prevent the spread of the virus.

Each team will play 120 games, 23 fewer than originally planned.

Nippon Professional Baseball Commissioner Saito Atsushi said he is sorry that the sport's governing body had to change the schedule several times and kept players and fans waiting.

Saito said he hopes that starting the baseball season will cheer up people who have had to stay at home, and also serve as a guideline for other sports.

He added that the most important thing is to proceed with caution to ensure the safety of players, staff and their families.

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