Climax Series was firstly introduced in this season.
It was inspired by the playoff system introduced by Pacific League between 2004 and 2006, in which the top three teams of the league will play in a stepladder knockout to decide the team to play in the Japan Series.
This is also the Central League's first participation in playoff system since 1949.
Climax Series does not affect the team's standings, nor individual's record in the Regular Season.
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