JAPAN – Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) is seeking a one-game showdown between the league champions from Japan and South Korea. The proposed matchup, which will replace the Asia Series, will be held at a regional stadium in southern Japan in mid-November.

The Asia Series (officially known as the Konami Cup until 2008) was an international baseball tournament in East Asia that was first held between November 10 and November 13, 2005, in Tokyo. It was played among the champions of the Japan Series, the Korean Series, the Taiwan Series, and the championship of China Baseball League of the People’s Republic of China. Prior to last year, the China Stars – an all-star team of China Baseball League – participated in the series instead of the champion from China.

The Asia Series reportedly lost US$2 million last year.

Both Asian baseball powers used to battle in an All-Star series similar to the NPB-MLB All-Star series back in the 90’s. However, due to a lack of fan interest, the series was shelved.

NPB will ask the Korean Baseball Organization to hold the game after the conclusion of both countries’ seasons.

2005
Lotte Marines (Japan) 5, Samsung Lions (S. Korea) 3

2006
Nippon Ham Fighters (Japan) 1, La New Bears (Taiwan) 0

2007
Chunichi Dragons (Japan) 6, SK Wyverns (S. Korea) 5

2008
Seibu Lions (Japan) 1, Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions (Taiwan) 0

Photo courtesy of isplus.joins.com

Tags: China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan