The MLB-Japan All-Star Series is sort of a deceiving event, because it's uncertain what kind of physical condition the players are in and how close they are to their top level.
And some may wonder why the Japan team is pushing so hard like it plays during the season in this exhibition series. It insists that this series is part of its developmental activities for the 2017 World Baseball Classic and its mission to reclaim the title. But obviously you are not going to seriously tune up three years in advance.
So does the Japan national team have to be that earnest?