An early type of baseball was thought up by Abner Doubleday in the United States of America in 1839, and it was first played in Cooperstown, New York State. Later, Alexander Cartwright invented the same diagram as we see now and thus the basic baseball style was established. Since then, baseball became popular as a town sport and spread across the country, which led to the birth of professional baseball. Especially after the Major Leagues were established, baseball has become growing popular, gaining the status of "national pastime". The baseball history in Japan began in 1873, when the game was introduced to the country by the name of "Yakyu". Before World War Two, "Yakyu" spread across the country mainly as a student sport. "Yakyu", however, is considered more as an educational tool rather than pure sport, because it is expected to contribute to build students' character. After the War, with the foundation of Japanese professional baseball leagues, it has recovered its original status as a sport. Today, "Yakyu" has gained prosperous status as the nation's sport.
 This study has examined the differences between the development of baseball in the U.S.A and that of "Yakyu" in Japan through historical and cultural backgrounds of both countries. It then proceed to examine the present situation of baseball in the U.S.A. and "Yakyu" in Japan both in professional and amateur team level.