Answer
The Orix Buffaloes are the reigning champions entering the 2023 season. They won the Pacific League pennant in 2022 and defeated the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in the Japan Series. This was their first championship since 2012. The Buffaloes are a popular team in Japan and have a large fan base. They are one of the most successful teams in NPB history, with 12 championships to their name.