The Yomiuri Giants don't have an unassailable lead in the Central League, but they've got a pretty big cushion.
After winning six games last week, the Kyojin have a 9½-game lead over the second-place Hanshin Tigers with fewer than 50 games remaining for each team in the CL.
Barring a total collapse, or the players deciding they don't actually like baseball that much, the Kyojin are probably going to win the pennant. Which is great for the Giants and their fans, but has probably set the stage for an at least somewhat unsatisfying finish.