When it finally gets under way, this is going to be what one fan has called a "patchwork" baseball season in Japan.
We already know starting times will be changed for many games during the month of April, and the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles will not be able to play at home in Sendai until Golden Week.
Many, many other uncertainties will have to be cleared up as well — from ticket sales and refunds to TV coverage, team travel and special rules which will have an impact on game strategies, performances and statistics. Right now, there are more questions than answers.