A Fan’s Manifesto: Why NPB Must Rethink Its Social Media Ban

An Outdated and Misguided Regulation

On February 1, NPB introduced a new regulation titled the “Guidelines on Photography, Video Recording, and Online Distribution.”
From the beginning, I have criticized this policy as a deeply flawed rule — one that is outdated, disconnected from the real experience of fans, and rooted in theoretical thinking with no basis in reality.

Since then, fans have launched petitions calling for its revision, and even former professional players have voiced their doubts.
Yet, there is still no sign of change.
NPB appears determined to stick with its original stance: strictly prohibiting individuals from posting photos or videos taken during live play on social media or online platforms.

What the Current Regulation Actually Says

• Photos or videos of players taken during live play may not be posted on social media.
• Only content taken during “dead ball” situations may be posted after the game — limited to still photos and videos of up to 140 seconds.

A Rule Ignored — And Barely Understood

So far this season, TORA-NEKO has attended five games at three different stadiums. And at every one of them, people were still holding up their phones and filming during live play — just like before.

And not once have I seen staff, security, or NPB officials warn or stop them.

In other words, this is yet another impractical rule — one that’s completely disconnected from the actual fan experience, and already functionally meaningless.

Sure, social media posts may have slightly decreased. But if you scroll through X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or YouTube, you’ll still find plenty of in-game photos and videos being uploaded from stadiums across Japan.

No surprise there — NPB hasn’t even managed to properly inform fans about the new rule in the first place.

Address the Real Problem — Not Everyone at Once

To be clear: yes, there has been a noticeable increase in people posting game footage for profit — especially through platforms like YouTube. In those cases, NPB is absolutely right to raise concerns about broadcast rights violations, and action is warranted.

But what’s deeply flawed is this new blanket policy — restricting everyone, regardless of intent or impact.

Many fans have pointed out the obvious: “Of course this is going to cause confusion.”

And they’re right. There’s no stopping that criticism now — because the policy punishes the entire fanbase instead of targeting the actual problem.

A Slap on the Wrist — and Silence

Among the teams, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters had continued to follow their previous, more flexible policy — one that respected fans and reflected the realities of the ballpark.

But NPB, perhaps aiming to “make an example” (a classic misuse of authority), quickly issued a formal warning to the Fighters. Let’s be clear — this wasn’t just a gentle reminder. It was a top-down rebuke.

The Fighters, after receiving the March 26 directive, issued an apology and stated,

“We hope to continue discussions with NPB and other relevant parties regarding the appropriate direction of this regulation.”
Still, it seems they’ve chosen not to escalate matters — quietly falling in line with NPB’s wishes.

The result? More fans feel unheard.
And yet, the Fighters were the only ones acting in good faith — trying to respect the voices of the very people who make this sport matter.

Silenced by Confusion — Fans Left in the Dark

In my own circle, more and more fans are saying things like,

“I don’t really understand the rule… so I’ve just stopped posting altogether.”
And on social media, the criticism has been sharp but accurate:
“NPB is only focused on TV networks and sponsors who pay broadcast fees.”
“By imposing blanket restrictions, they’re throwing away a major business opportunity.”

And those voices are right.

At this rate, NPB risks falling behind not just MLB — but even other domestic sports leagues.

In a Streaming Era, NPB Remains Stuck in the Past

These days, sports broadcasting has shifted decisively from traditional TV to online streaming. Likewise, fans increasingly discover and engage with various sports through social media. To impose restrictions in an era where social media is essential only highlights how outdated NPB’s thinking truly is.

It’s not just sports — all forms of entertainment now rely on SNS. Big movements are born not just from official promotions, but from fans and users spreading the word on their own.

And here lies a growing disconnect — between NPB and the teams, players, and fans.
While individual clubs are beginning to understand the value of SNS and have started hiring experts to boost their online content (albeit imperfectly), NPB’s mindset hasn’t caught up.

In fact, in the world of sports management, it’s common knowledge that fan-generated content — once it hits social media — can take on a life of its own, reaching new audiences and expanding the fanbase.

Global Standards: How Other Leagues Embrace Social Media

In Major League Baseball (MLB), fans are effectively allowed to film and share moments on social media. During big plays, it’s now a familiar sight: spectators across the stadium raising their phones to capture the action. It’s part of the fan experience.

In fact, some other sports in Japan actively encourage it — making announcements like, “Don’t forget to post with the official hashtag!” That’s how powerful social media has become in spreading content and building excitement around a sport.

Even in the Music Industry, Openness Wins

Even in the music industry—where copyright and publicity rights are taken very seriously—many international artists now allow smartphone recording at their live shows. Why? Because they understand the value of openness. When fans share their experiences on social media, the reach and impact can be immense.

It’s a brilliant form of organic promotion. Instead of spending huge sums on marketing, organizers benefit from fans spreading the word for free—boosting visibility and growing the fanbase naturally.

Clearer Rules in Other Leagues — Encouraging Fan Engagement

Other professional sports leagues in Japan have implemented clearer, more practical rules to actively encourage social media use. For example, in the B.League (basketball), fans are allowed to post up to 15 seconds of video footage during a game. In the SV.League (volleyball), fans may share one rally per set.

As a result, social media is filled with in-game footage from these events — clips that spotlight great plays, exciting moments, and the players themselves in ways that are cool, endearing, or simply irresistible to cheer for. It’s exactly the kind of content that builds emotional connection and attracts new fans.

A Systemic Disconnect — And the Roots of Decline

In Japanese professional sports, newer leagues like the B.League (basketball) and V.League (volleyball) have rapidly gained popularity, especially among younger fans. Why? Because they’ve embraced social media and adapted to modern communication strategies.

Even though some NPB teams are making small efforts to modernize, the league’s leadership—the organization meant to oversee it all—remains hopelessly outdated. More than outdated: it has fossilized into a regressive bureaucracy clinging to obsolete authority.

This disconnect between the front lines and those at the top reflects a deeper structural issue in Japanese society—one that has stalled the nation’s growth for over 30 years. It is the consequence of self-preservation, rigid conservatism, and top-down authoritarianism driven by entrenched interests.

The Players Speak — And NPB Must Listen

As covered in an earlier article, the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association (JPBPA) has issued an official statement to NPB regarding the new regulations. This action by the players’ union reflects a grounded and forward-thinking perspective that acknowledges both the future of professional baseball and the voices of fans. NPB must respond with sincerity.

While it’s true that NPB continues to draw strong attendance and remains Japan’s most popular sport, there are mounting challenges: MLB’s growing presence in Japan, the rising popularity of other sports, and the ongoing decline in youth baseball participation. It’s clear that maintaining the status quo is not a viable long-term strategy.

For NPB to prioritize the preservation of outdated privileges while disregarding the concerns of both fans and players is not just shortsighted — it’s unacceptable. Among the many systemic issues facing NPB, the current policy on social media and in-stadium content sharing deserves urgent and serious reconsideration.

A Call from Both Sides of the Pacific

On April 11 (JST 12th), Kato — a former Nippon-Ham Fighters player now working in the front office of the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays — voiced his concern on X (formerly Twitter):

“Until now, NPB has relied on fans’ posts to promote its own value for free. But now they won’t even allow that? It just doesn’t sit right with me.”

Born and raised in the U.S. and deeply familiar with both American and Japanese baseball systems, Kato’s words hit the mark. His statement reflects what many in and around the game have been thinking but hesitant to say out loud.

We urge NPB to reflect — and to change.