The 1978 Japan Series was the championship series of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the 1978 season. The 29th edition of the Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff that matched the Central League champion Yakult Swallows against the Pacific League champion Hankyu Braves. The Braves entered the series looking to win their fourth consecutive title, while the Swallows were making their first-ever Japan Series appearance. The Swallows defeated the Braves in seven games to claim their first championship.