For Japan, the preparation has finally come to an end.
The Japanese baseball apparatus has had the 2017 World Baseball Classic circled on its calendar almost from the moment Japan's run in the 2013 tournament ended two wins shy of a third straight title. Now, the Japanese are back and hoping to bring to fruition a revival that's been four years in the making.
Manager Hiroki Kokubo and his team put the finishing touches on their preparations for the WBC during a practice session on Monday at Tokyo Dome. Japan will play its opening game against Cuba on Tuesday at the Big Egg.