SoftBank, a well-known team in Japan's professional baseball league, is one step closer to clinching the championship with the illumination of the magic number, 18. This development implies that any combination of SoftBank wins and losses by the second-place team totaling 18 will secure SoftBank's league leadership. This pivotal moment marks a potentially big win for SoftBank in the ongoing season.

Baseball is the most popular sport in Japan and a strong part of its culture. The concept of the "magic number" in baseball is widely recognized in Japan, symbolizing a team's march towards securing championship status. Fans are especially passionate and devoted, with each victory or progress like this highly celebrated, reflecting the value of teamwork, persistence, and the national love for the sport.

Just like in the U.S., where baseball also holds a special place, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the road to a league championship is palpable. The magic number is equally significant in MLB, symbolizing hope and potential for teams & their fans. It is a universally understood sign of progress in the baseball world.