Japan is currently in the midst of the National High School Baseball Championship Tournament, a major annual event. First held in 1915, and—with the exception of a few interruptions (such as during World War II)—it has taken place every year; this year marks the 108th tournament. Qualifying tournaments have been held since June across all 47 of Japan's prefectures (equivalent to the 50 U.S. states)—with a total of 3,363 high schools participating nationwide. The 49 high schoo