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Hirokazu Ibata Set to Leave Samurai Japan After Early WBC Exit

“Results are everything,” Ibata said after Samurai Japan’s quarterfinal exit to Venezuela, signaling he plans to step down after the WBC. Japan, carrying eight Major Leaguers, missed the semifinals for the first time. Ibata took over in October 2023, won the Asia Professional Baseball Championship, and then lost the 2024 Premier12 final. He said Japan will get even stronger.