UPDATED FOR 2024!

Our 2023 release of Japan Stars has been Expanded to this Deluxe version. Everyone who purchased this set since its release last year can use that same code for this Windows roster.

The 2023 release incorporated the very best of Japan pro baseball since it started in 1936. Offered as a 6 “team” set of 156 players which showcased Star careers by Sadaharu Oh, Hideki Matsui, Hideo Nomo, Shigeo Nagashima, Eiji Sawamura, and so many more top level talents, the release was a worthy addition to Strat-O-Matic’s compelling universe of Baseball Heroes. For 2024 we take this one step further. We have enhanced the package by starting to assemble an historical selection of each actual NPB teams’ best All-Time rosters, a.k.a our new Japan’s Franchise Best. These are large team rosters, 33 players per team, set up with Computer Managers and ready for you to play out of the box.

In this year’s release we include the first 3 teams compiled by our authorities: the iconic Yomiuri Giants (89-65), the Hanshin Tigers (79-75, the Red Sox to the Giants Yankees), and the Chunichi Dragons (79-75, styled after the Dodgers).

Six era teams with of Japan’s greatest retired stars will offer unlimited thrills and the chance to learn so much about Nippon baseball with a single set of 156 players, including many who played in America’s Major Leagues.

Like Strat-O-Matic’s Baseball Heroes, Negro Stars and Cuba Stars sets, these players are rated on their best seven seasons, often blending their MLB and Nippon stats, using SOM’s acclaimed Major League Equivalencies that adjust non-MLB stats to MLB norms.

Even casual fans of Japanese Baseball will recognize such all-time greats as slugger Sadaharu Oh, MLB batting champ Ichiro Suzuki, former Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui and pitchers Hideo Nomo, Daisuke Matsuzaka and the likes of outfielder Warren Cromartie, who had solid MLB careers before going to Japan and starring there. One of the six all-star teams in this set is assembled of such ex-MLB players who later starred in Japan – do you remember Randy Bass, Leron Lee and Tuffy Rhodes?

And here’s the chance to learn the value of other Japanese baseball luminaries such as Mr. Baseball Shigeo Nagashima. Here’s Eiji Sawamura, the player whose name is used for the Japan version of the Cy Young award. And outfielder Kaoru Betto who gave his shirt to be featured in The Big Lebowski. Also learn of stars from around Asia who achieved great success in Japan:  Dong-Yol Sun, maybe the greatest pitcher born in South Korea; Chang-Zheng Wu (Shosei Go), a Taiwanese-born speedster,  and Wally Yonamine, Hawaiian-born son of Japanese immigrants who had a massive effect on the way baseball grew in Japan.

Requires Version 2023 or higher to play

This Product is now available via E-Delivery. After purchase is completed, your product registration code can be found on your account page under License Keys as well as on your order invoice in your account page.

If you need technical assistance regarding E-Delivery products please contact techsupport@strat-o-matic.com. Please read the information for E-Delivery products carefully before purchasing as these items are non-refundable.