The "Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026" will begin on May 26th. Last season, the six Pacific League teams dominated the top spots, winning the series with a record of 63 wins, 43 losses, and 2 ties.

Currently, in Pacific League Saitama Seibu Lions is in first place, with Orix Buffaloes in second place, 0.5 games behind. Following them are Fukuoka Softbank in third place, 2.5 games behind; Hokkaido Nippon-Ham in fourth place, 2 games behind; Chiba Lotte Marines in fifth place, 0.5 games behind; and Tohoku Rakuten Eagles in sixth place, 1.5 games behind. standings could change significantly depending on the interleague games, so it will be interesting to watch each team's battle.

Highlights of each match on May 26th

The Giants vs. Fukuoka Softbank (Tokyo Dome)
Ryosuke Otsu who is currently on a three-game ERA and has the second-best ERA in Fukuoka Softbank, will be the starting pitcher.

Tokyo Yakult vs. Saitama Seibu Lions (Jingu Stadium)
The opening of the interleague series for the Pacific Seibu Lions Pacific League will feature Kaima Taira ERA of 0.80.

Yokohama DeNA vs. Orix Buffaloes (Yokohama Stadium)
Alen Kuri will start the first game of the interleague series for the second year in a row. Ryoma Nishikawa has a good track record at Yokohama Stadium

Chunichi vs. Tohoku Rakuten Rakuten Eagles (Vantelin Dome)
Tohoku Rakuten Eagles 's Itsuki Murabayashi, looking to make a comeback in the interleague series, has recorded hit in 11 consecutive games.

Hanshin Tigers vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (Koshien)
Can Hiromi Ito shut down the powerful Hanshin Tigers lineup? Yuki Nomura 's batting average with runners in scoring position is .423.

Hiroshima vs. Chiba Lotte Marines (Mazda Stadium)
Jackson Misho Nishikawa facing Hiroshima for the first time in a year, is currently on a nine-game hit streak.