Overview
- NPB and NPB Enterprises said he will leave the role when his contract expires.
- Japan's title defense ended with a quarterfinal loss to Venezuela, which marked the team's first WBC without a semifinal berth.
- Ibata said the players fought hard and that it was his responsibility that he could not make them win.
- He took charge in autumn 2023 and guided Japan to second place at the 2024 Premier12 tournament.
- A new manager is undecided, a choice that will shape preparations for future international events.