From a constructionist perspective, this study analysed the extent to which sports coverage arouses public identity of belonging to a specific nation, focusing specifically on newspaper coverage of the 2023 World Baseball Classic in Japan, and clarified the type of ‘discourses of nationalism’ were evoked in the coverage. Three types of nationalistic discourse were identified: those centered around ‘us’ (1), discussions concerning the ‘other’ (2), and dialogues involving the ‘internal other’ (3).
　First, regarding (1) the ‘us’ discourse, we focused on comments about the style of play of Japanese players and the Japanese national team, which was dominated by the term ‘small baseball’ prior to the WBC 2023. ‘Small baseball’ is an offensive style of play based on the assumption that Japanese players are physically weak and that they score runs by hitting singles and aggressive base running rather than hitting home runs. As the tournament progressed, however, commentary on ‘small baseball’ diminished and the ‘power’ of the Japanese players was emphasised instead. At the same time, ‘togetherness’ was emphasised, and many episodes reinforcing this were reported.
　Next, with regard to (2) the ‘other’ discourse, we looked for comments that stereotyped the opposing nation. However, we did not find symbolic boundary-drawing expressions of self and other, or overtly hateful expressions towards the ‘other’, as is the case in British newspapers. However, this does not mean that there was no bias against the ‘other’ in the Japanese press. Japanese coverage of the WBC 2023 easily stereotyped certain nations by bringing in characteristics of other sports, and naively stereotyped nations such as Italy and Mexico based on the very broad regional characteristics of Latin culture. Such stereotypical commentary was more common in the sports press than in the general press.
　Finally, with regard to (3) the ‘inner other’ discourse, we focused on the representation of Lars Nootbaar, who was selected for the Japanese national team for the WBC 2023. Before and during the tournament, his dedication, courage and ‘uniquely Japanese’ style of play, as well as his attempts to assimilate into Japanese culture in various aspects, were positively reported. Such commentary was intended to underline his moral qualifications for the national team, and the term ‘samurai’ was used to bestow upon him a symbol of approval.

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