Note: All of the games that are played in the first two rounds of the Climax Series are held at the higher seed's home stadium.
The team with the higher regular-season standing also advances if the round ends in a tie.
The regular season league champions, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (PL) and the Yomiuri Giants (CL), received byes to the championship round.
Hanshin Tigers (1) vs. Hiroshima Toyo Carp (0) Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (2) vs. Orix Buffaloes (1) The regular season league champions, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (PL) and the Yomiuri Giants (CL), received a one-game advantage.
Hanshin Tigers (4) vs. Yomiuri Giants (1) Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (4) vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (3)