Western League (Japanese baseball)

The Western League is one of the two minor leagues that constitute Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Japan's major professional baseball organization. Along with the Eastern League, it serves as a developmental league for NPB's Central League and Pacific League teams. The teams in the Western League are primarily affiliated with Central League and Pacific League teams located in western Japan.

The Western League provides a competitive environment for young players, reserve players, and players recovering from injuries to gain experience and improve their skills. It allows teams to evaluate talent and prepare players for potential promotion to the major league roster.

The season schedule for the Western League typically runs concurrently with the NPB regular season, though it is shorter. Games are generally played in smaller stadiums and ballparks compared to those used by NPB teams. Attendance is lower, providing a more intimate atmosphere for fans who wish to follow the development of up-and-coming players.

At the conclusion of the Western League season, the league champion participates in the "Farm Championship" (also called the "Junior Series") against the champion of the Eastern League. This championship series provides a final opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and compete for a league title.