News On Japan
Sports

Sumo: July champ Ichinojo rejoins elite in new rankings

Aug 29 (Kyodo) - First-time champion Ichinojo was rewarded for his July triumph Monday by earning re-promotion to komusubi in the Japan Sumo Association's ranking published ahead of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament from Sept. 11 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.

The 1.92-meter 211-kilogram Mongolian, a former sekiwake who wrestled as a No. 2 maegashira in Nagoya, will move up two spots as he returns to the three "sanyaku" ranks below yokozuna for the first time since last November.

In an alignment sumo hasn't seen for 23 years, the JSA has opted to go with three wrestlers at sekiwake, the sport's third-highest rank, and three at komusubi, one rung below. ...continue reading

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Imperial Family Pays Tribute to War Victims

The Emperor, Empress, and their daughter Princess Aiko visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Memorial Hall in Sumida Ward on Thursday afternoon, marking their first visit to the site as Japan observes the 80th year since the end of World War II. They were greeted upon arrival by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and other officials.

First Snow Caps Mount Fuji, 15 Days Earlier Than Last Year

The Kofu Local Meteorological Observatory announced on October 23rd that the season’s first snow had been observed on Mount Fuji, which stands 3,776 meters tall. Around 6 a.m., an official visually confirmed that snow had clearly accumulated near the summit.

Tokyo’s Aging Expressway Reborn After Major Overhaul

After nearly a decade of construction, the newly rebuilt Haneda Line of the Metropolitan Expressway, one of Tokyo’s key arteries linking the city center with Haneda Airport, has been unveiled to the media ahead of its official switch to a new road on October 29th.

New Cabinet Takes On 'Takaichi Color'

The newly launched Takaichi Cabinet moved into full operation on October 22nd, with early personnel decisions revealing a clear conservative tone. Satsuki Katayama was appointed as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as minister in charge of foreign resident policy, underscoring what observers are calling the emergence of a distinct “Takaichi color.”

Hokkaido Launches Mass Culling After Bird Flu Detected

Authorities in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, have begun culling approximately 460,000 laying hens after a poultry farm in the region’s Iburi area confirmed infections of highly pathogenic avian influenza, marking the first confirmed outbreak of the season in Japan.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         
MORE Sports NEWS

Sadaharu Oh Receives Order of Culture,

Baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, 85, chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, has been awarded this year’s Order of Culture, while voice actress Masako Nozawa, 88, known for voicing the protagonist Son Goku in the anime "Dragon Ball," has been named a Person of Cultural Merit — the first voice actor ever to receive the distinction.

Sumo Fever Returns to London After 34 Years

The first grand sumo tournament in London in 34 years opened on October 15th, transforming the iconic Royal Albert Hall into a little corner of Japan and drawing more than 5,400 spectators for a spectacular night of traditional wrestling.

Yokozuna Stroll Through London Eating Hotdogs

Two yokozuna preparing for a special sumo exhibition in London spent the day exploring the city’s famous landmarks before the event’s opening.

Sumo Returns to London After 34 Years

Preparations for the first Grand Sumo performance in London in 34 years were shown to the media on October 13th, as workers began building the dohyo using soil sourced from within the United Kingdom.

All-Japan Ninja Championship Held in the Birthplace of the Shinobi

Dozens of self-proclaimed ninjas from across Japan gathered in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, known as one of the historic homes of the shinobi, to compete in a unique national championship testing their stealth, agility, and skill.

Half of Former Sports Club Members Exercise Weekly

People who belonged to a school sports club or athletic circle are significantly more likely to maintain regular exercise habits after graduation than those who did not, according to a new survey by the Japan Sports Agency.

MUFG to Acquires Naming Rights for National Stadium

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is set to acquire the naming rights to Japan’s National Stadium starting in January 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Expo Osaka Showcases Basketball With Cutting-Edge Technology

A special event was held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue where visitors could experience a professional basketball game broadcast in real time using advanced technology.