Major League Baseball brings its 3-on-3 baseball event to Japan for the first time

Major League Baseball today announced that it will bring MLBx, its innovative, fast-paced 3-on-3 baseball competition, to Japan for the first time on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka, home of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). MLBx: Fukuoka will begin at 3 p.m., with gates opening at 1 p.m., and will bring together former MLB and NPB players alongside live music, interactive fan experiences and entertainment. Delivered in partnership with the US Embassy, it forms part of the Embassy’s program of America 250 celebrations.

Created by Major League Baseball, MLBx is a dynamic, mixed 3-on-3 baseball competition that combines power hitting, athletic defensive plays and fast-paced gameplay. Appearing this year already during MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia and at Truist Park in Atlanta as part of the Braves’ Alumni Weekend, the competition has taken place at 15 U.S. venues over the past three years, as well as internationally in London, Seoul and Mexico City, with its upcoming debut in Mumbai. MLBx: Fukuoka will mark the first time the competition is held in Japan.

MLBx: Fukuoka will feature a mix of former Major League Baseball and NPB players. Confirmed participants include five-time MLB All-Star Adam Jones and 13-year veteran Jonny Gomes, as well as former MLB and NPB legends Daisuke Matsuzaka (‘07 World Series champion), Kazuo Matsui (‘07 National League champion), Akinori Iwamura (‘08 American League champion), Lee Dae Ho (formerly of the Seattle Mariners and Fukuoka Softbank Hawks), and Wladimir Balentien, holder of the NPB single-season home run record. Full team lineups will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Tickets for MLBx: Fukuoka will go on pre-sale beginning Friday, September 25, 2026, followed by the general sale beginning, Thursday, September 29, 2026.

Official Event Website: [mlb.com/fukuoka]

MLBx: Fukuoka is a partnership between Major League Baseball and the U.S. Embassy in Japan, celebrating the longstanding relationship between the United States and Japan through baseball as part of the America 250 celebrations.

"MLBx showcases the energy, excitement and culture of baseball. Bringing this event to Japan for the first time is a tremendous opportunity to deepen our relationship with baseball fans in the country," said Jeremiah Yolkut, Major League Baseball, Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Events. “Japan and the United States share a deep and enduring connection through baseball, and we're excited to celebrate that relationship in Fukuoka alongside the U.S. Embassy in Japan, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and an incredible group of players and legends from both countries."

“Since baseball was introduced to Japan more than 150 years ago, America’s national pastime has connected the United States and Japan like no other sport. Welcoming MLBx to Japan in America’s 250th birthday year is a chance to pay tribute to Japan’s immense contributions to baseball while celebrating the game that captivates and inspires millions on both sides of the Pacific. MLBx: Fukuoka promises to be an unforgettable occasion that will thrill fans and deepen the bond between our two nations,” said U.S. Ambassador to Japan George E. Glass.

MLBx: Fukuoka reflects MLB’s commitment to creating new ways for fans around the world to connect with baseball while highlighting the deep ties between the United States and Japan. Additional programming, participants and event details will be announced in the coming weeks.