The coveted high school baseball tournament, "Sembatsu" (Invitational), saw the introduction of the "Ohtani Rule" for the first time. Named after Major league star Shohei Ohtani, the rule aims at protecting young athletes from overexertion and reducing potential injuries. Specifically, it limits the number of pitches a player can throw in a single game, reflecting the growing concerns about youth sports safety in Japan.

Baseball is a national obsession in Japan, with high school tournaments attracting immense attention. The "Ohtani rule" is significant as it is seen as a progressive change in the fiercely traditional world of Japanese baseball, balancing between the competing values of rigorous competition and player safety.

In the US and EU, child safety in sports has long been an important issue. Many youth sports leagues have put rules in place to limit the amount of playtime and ensure proper rest and recovery for the youths. The introduction of the "Ohtani Rule" puts Japan in line with these more safety-focused measures.