Sendai, Japan – The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles are set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic video game Super Mario Bros. with a special collaboration event during their May 15th home game against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. The game, scheduled for 13:00 JST (05:00 UTC), will feature a series of unique elements honoring the beloved Nintendo franchise.
This isn’t just a local event; it’s part of a larger initiative. Nintendo Co., Ltd. Announced on March 10th that it will be sponsoring 12 games across all 12 professional baseball teams in Japan to commemorate the four decades since the original Super Mario Bros. debuted on the Family Computer.
The highlight of the Rakuten Eagles’ celebration will be a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Mario himself. Beyond the opening pitch, the game will feature a unique twist to the baseball diamond: the bases from first to third will be specially designed with a “Question Block” motif, a nod to the game’s signature power-ups. According to the team, this marks the first time in Japanese professional baseball history that specially designed bases will be used in an official game.
The collaboration between Nintendo and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) aims to bring a touch of nostalgia and fun to the ballpark experience. While details regarding additional events and merchandise are still forthcoming, the Eagles have promised to share more information as it becomes available. Fans interested in attending the game can purchase tickets through the Eagles’ official ticketing website: https://eagles.tstar.jp/seat260515?scid=wi_egl_newEgl_spo_1033901. General ticket sales for May games are scheduled to begin on March 22nd at 10:00 JST.
This event is part of a broader trend of collaborations between sports teams and popular entertainment franchises, aiming to attract modern audiences and enhance the fan experience. The Super Mario Bros. 40th-anniversary celebration is expected to draw significant attention, blending the worlds of gaming and baseball in a unique and exciting way.
Full Schedule of “Super Mario Bros. 40th Anniversary × 12 Professional Baseball Teams” Games:
- April 29, 2026: Chiba Lotte Marines vs. [Opponent not specified] at ZOZO Marine Stadium
- May 6, 2026: Yokohama DeNA BayStars vs. [Opponent not specified] at Yokohama Stadium
- May 9, 2026: Hanshin Tigers vs. [Opponent not specified] at Hanshin Koshien Stadium
- May 15, 2026: Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi
- May 31, 2026: Saitama Seibu Lions vs. [Opponent not specified] at Belluna Dome
- June 7, 2026: Hiroshima Toyo Carp vs. [Opponent not specified] at MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima
- June 14, 2026: Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters vs. [Opponent not specified] at Escon Field HOKKAIDO
- June 20, 2026: Orix Buffaloes vs. [Opponent not specified] at Kyocera Dome Osaka
- June 21, 2026: Tokyo Yomiuri Giants vs. [Opponent not specified] at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium
- August 8, 2026: Yomiuri Giants vs. [Opponent not specified] at Tokyo Dome
- August 11, 2026: Chunichi Dragons vs. [Opponent not specified] at Banter Lindome Nagoya
- August 16, 2026: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks vs. [Opponent not specified] at Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka
The initiative by Nintendo and the 12 NPB teams is a testament to the enduring legacy of Super Mario Bros. and its continued cultural impact. For fans of both baseball and gaming, these games promise a memorable experience. The Rakuten Eagles’ May 15th matchup against the SoftBank Hawks is shaping up to be a particularly special event, blending the excitement of professional baseball with the nostalgia of a classic video game.
Fans can stay updated on further details regarding the event, including any additional planned activities and merchandise releases, by visiting the Rakuten Eagles’ official website. The team’s news section can be found here: https://www.rakuteneagles.jp/news/list/202603/00000015/
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles is their game against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on May 15th. Be sure to check back for further updates as the event draws closer.
What are your thoughts on this unique collaboration? Share your excitement in the comments below!
