News On Japan

Last-gasp try sees Fiji edge Japan 40-39 at Pacific Nations Cup

canadianpress — 2009-07-03 13:19:26

Netani Talei scored a try in the dying seconds as Fiji edged Japan 40-39 on Friday in the last match in rugby's Pacific Nations Cup, clinching second place for its best finish in the tournament's four-year history. (canadianpress)

Japan happy with 2019 rugby WCup support

etaiwannews.com — 2009-07-01 11:47:55

Japan has welcomed a vital recommendation that it host the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Rugby World Cup Limited, which owns all rights associated with the tournament and is under the control of the International Rugby Board, recommended on Tuesday that England host in 2015 and Japan in 2019. (etaiwannews.com)

Three Russians in Ishikawa for skating show get swine flu

Japan Times — 2009-06-28 23:38:40

Three Russians taking part in a figure skating show have come down with the swine flu, it was confirmed Sunday. The municipal government in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, said that a woman in her 20s and a man and woman in their 30s were in stable condition and resting at their hotel. (Japan Times)

Japan set to pick World Cup base

Japan Times — 2009-06-28 23:38:40

Japan looks set to pick George as its base camp for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa, it was learned Saturday. A FIFA official familiar with the move said George had emerged as the favorite among three potential venues Japan has been looking at to set up camp. (Japan Times)

Japan rugby continue winning ways against Tonga

AFP — 2009-06-28 23:57:43

Japan stretched their Pacific Nations Cup winning streak against Tonga in a tight 21-19 victory after a last-minute Tongan conversion attempt went astray. Tonga scored three tries to two, including winger Tevita Halaifonua's finish in the corner from a rare sweeping backline movement in the final minutes, but his own conversion attempt was wide, to the relief of the Japanese. (AFP)

This could be my last Wimbledon, says Sugiyama

AFP — 2009-06-28 23:57:43

Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama has admitted this could be her last Wimbledon. The 33-year-old, who made her All England Club debut in 1993, says she is now playing for the sheer fun of it -- and could be on her 17th and final visit. Though the Japanese number one is finding it harder to stay in peak fitness, she is still having the time of her life on the tennis court -- and her performances this year have motivated her to carry on. (AFP)

Sumo: Ozeki Harumafuji eyes yokozuna promotion at Nagoya meet

AP — 2009-06-29 00:00:32

Ozeki Harumafuji, who captured his first career title at the summer meet, will sit on the prestigious east position as the Japan Sumo Association on Monday released the new rankings for the upcoming Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. (AP)

Ishikawa headed to British Open

ESPN — 2009-06-29 07:34:17

Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa closed with a 1-over 73 on Sunday to win the Mizuno Open on the Japan Golf Tour and qualify for the British Open next month. It was the first victory this year for the 17-year-old Ishikawa, and it came at the right time. The top four players not already exempt for the British Open earned a spot in the field July 16-19 at Turnberry. (ESPN)

Rugby: Australia, New Zealand to square off in Japan this year

AP — 2009-06-24 23:57:39

Australia and New Zealand are set to battle at Tokyo's National Stadium on Oct. 31 for the Bledisloe Cup, organizers said Wednesday. Japan will be only the second overseas venue for their annual series held since 1903, after Hong Kong hosted one match last year. (AP)

Beach sumo attracts young, barefoot following

Japan Times — 2009-06-24 23:33:03

No choking, eye gouging, hair pulling or kicks to the stomach are allowed. And of course, no throwing sand in your opponent's face, either. This is all in the name of fun. Beach sumo, for the uninitiated, is gaining recognition as an outdoor recreation to promote the healthy development of children. (Japan Times)

Sugiyama finds form to beat Schnyder

guardian.co.uk — 2009-06-23 00:34:16

Japan's old-timer Ai Sugiyama ended a miserable run of recent first-round defeats with an impressive 6-4 6-4 win over Swiss 21st seed Patty Schnyder at Wimbledon on Monday. The 33-year-old has endured one of the worst runs of her long career this year, failing to win a tour match since the second round of the Australian Open, but proved once again her liking for the All England Club grass. (guardian.co.uk)

Japan regrets FINA rejection of Irie's 'world record'

AFP — 2009-06-23 11:35:24

The Japan Swimming Federation has expressed regret over a decision to strip a Japanese swimmer of his 200-metre backstroke world record because of his controversial high-tech suit. FINA, the sport's international governing body, finalised its ruling after Japan had already accepted Ryosuke Irie's record, set on May 10 in Australia while wearing a suit developed by Japanese maker Descente. (AFP)

Japan's Tiger in the tank?

Reuters — 2009-06-22 13:34:22

What goes up must at some point come down. The world of sports is full of examples of bright lights who shone briefly before crashing back down to earth. Japanese sports fans are hoping teenage golfer Ryo Ishikawa does not join the growing list, just two months after making his major debut at April's U.S. Masters. (Reuters)

Colored golf balls brightening up greens

Yomiuri — 2009-06-21 22:05:43

Though pristine white golf balls have been de rigueur since time immemorial, professional and amateur golfers alike are increasingly turning to colored balls in a bid to enhance their fashion credentials--and their score cards. This trend was especially marked among female amateur golfers, with 75 percent of female respondents saying they had been teeing off with the more vivid balls in 2008--an increase of 65 percent from 2007. (Yomiuri)

Sumo is Willie Mason's only chance in Japan

Herald Sun — 2009-06-19 22:51:37

Stop the presses right freakin' now! Today, we can exclusively reveal that Willie Mason is being courted by Japanese . . . sumo. Okay, the mail is dodgy but what isn't are the whispers out of the Land of the Rising Sun that there's more chance of him running at walls of flab than into the teeth of Japanese rugby defences. (Herald Sun)

What Do American Players Make in Japan?

bleacherreport.com — 2009-06-19 22:50:50

One of my regular readers (yes, there are few of them) asked me what American players make in Japan. Here's my response: The short answer on what U.S. players make in Japan is that it varies. Scott McClain, the 37 year old former Fresno Grizzly, signed a contract with the Hiroshima Carp that will pay him $210,000 (approximately, depends on exchange rates). I don't know if that's for the rest of the season or pro-rated, but I would guess the former. (bleacherreport.com)

Olympics: Tokyo uses high tech to lure IOC members in 2016 bid

AP — 2009-06-18 23:24:23

Tokyo stepped up its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games on Thursday by using high-tech devices to promote the Japanese capital as the best stage for the competitors. According to Tokyo officials, about 70 International Olympic Committee members visited the Japanese booth, which featured virtual-reality goggles and a high-tech ticketing system, when all four bid cities had opportunities to make their pitch to voters for the second day in a row, following Wednesday's technical presentations. (AP)

Cahill double consigns Japan to loss; Socceroos victorious in group

Japan Times — 2009-06-17 22:58:27

Tim Cahill inflicted more World Cup misery on Japan with a second-half double as Australia came from behind to claim a 2-1 win in their final qualifier for next year's World Cup finals on Wednesday. Both teams had already secured berths in South Africa but Cahill, who scored twice as Australia went on a late three-goal rampage in their opening 3-1 win against Japan at the 2006 World Cup, struck in the 59th and 76th minutes to ensure the Socceroos claimed bragging rights in Asian Group A. (Japan Times)

Foreign wrestlers take on ancient Japanese tradition

AFP — 2009-06-17 12:16:37

Sumo may be as Japanese as samurai and sushi, but foreign-born wrestlers have entered the ring to steal the show in the 2,000-year-old national sport. Sumo hasn't had a home-grown champion in more than three years, and in the latest national tournament more than one third of competitors were foreigners, including the Mongolian who won the title. (AFP)

Willie Mason all set for Japan rugby move

news.com.au — 2009-06-16 13:20:26

First it was boxing, then NFL, and now Willie Mason wants to quit the NRL to play rugby union in Japan. The controversial career of Mason is poised to fade away in the Land of the Rising Sun with Brad Fittler last week giving the 115kg behemoth permission to negotiate with Japanese rugby clubs. (news.com.au)

US Congress hails pioneer sumo wrestler Azumazeki

AFP — 2009-06-15 22:47:02

The US Congress on Monday saluted Hawaiian-born sumo wrestler and stablemaster Azumazeki, a foreign pioneer in the ancient Japanese sport who is retiring after a 45-year career. Azumazeki -- who was born Jesse Kuhaulua and changed his name to Daigoro Watanabe after taking Japanese nationality in 1980 -- won hearts in Japan for his devotion to the ritualistic sport and polite, cheerful manner off the ring. (AFP)

Tour de France first: Two Japanese cyclists expected to compete

examiner.com — 2009-06-15 22:47:02

The Tour de France has an ever-expanding international scope. In recent years, cycling's most prestigious event has started in England, Ireland and Luxembourg. And this year, Japan will have its largest presence in the three-week spectacle. (examiner.com)

Golf: Ikeda claims maiden victory at Japan PGA Championship

AP — 2009-06-14 22:41:45

Up-and-coming Yuta Ikeda emulated idol Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki to clinch his first career title Sunday with victory at the Japan PGA Championship, the second major of the season. Ikeda began the day with a four-shot cushion and the 23-year-old stood firm to card a 69 and a 65 in steady rain in Sunday's final two rounds, finishing seven strokes clear of Mitsuhiro Tateyama on 14- under 266 at the par-70 Eniwa Country Club in Hokkaido. (AP)

Baseball: Yakult sets Japanese record for consecutive hits

AP — 2009-06-14 22:41:45

The Yakult Swallows set a Japanese baseball record by getting hits in 11 consecutive at-bats during a 10-run fifth inning in their 14-10 win over the Orix Buffaloes on Sunday. With the game tied 2-2, Norichika Aoki led off the big inning with a single up the middle. The next eight batters all had base hits before a walk to Aoki loaded the bases for Aaron Guiel in interleague play at Kyocera Dome. (AP)

Pro wrestler Misawa dies from blow to head during match

AP — 2009-06-14 07:41:22

Japanese professional wrestler Mitsuharu Misawa died Saturday night after receiving a blow to his head when he was backdropped by his opponent during a match in Hiroshima. He was 46. (AP)