It remains to be seen if Japan can score back-to-back victories in the World Baseball Classic, but there is no doubt the attitude of the Japanese side is a complete reversal from 2006 when the first WBC was played.
Flash back three years ago, and you may recall Japan was a reluctant participant in the inaugural WBC; not sure of what it was getting into and concerned about the timing of the event where the championship game was played just three days before the start of its own Pacific League season opener.
It will be different this time.