Japan returned home to a heroes' welcome Wednesday after successfully defending its World Baseball Classic title.
The team was greeted with loud cheers from around 1,200 fans as Japan manager Tatsunori Hara led his team through a packed arrivals lobby at Narita airport.
"We are able to come back to Japan as the No. 1 team in the world. We battled to the best of our ability," Hara told a press conference.
"We showed Japan's strength through tenacity and mental toughness, especially in the final against South Korea. The players are able to come home with their heads held high. I am extremely proud to be manager of the world's No. 1 team," added the Yomiuri Giants skipper.