Sports

Ohtani wins All-MLB Team awards for 2nd straight year

Dec 07 (NHK) - Japanese Major Leaguer Ohtani Shohei of the Los Angeles Angels has been chosen as a starting pitcher and designated hitter for the All-MLB Team.

Officials announced on Monday that Ohtani was one of the five starting pitchers on the first team. As designated hitter, he was selected to the second team, finishing behind first-team selection Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros.

Fans, members of the media, former players and others cast their votes for the awards, which the MLB introduced in 2019. The All-MLB Team is split into a first team and a second team. Players who win the higher number of votes make it onto the first team. ...continue reading

Moths Threaten Kyoto’s Famous Bamboo Shoots

Kyoto’s prized bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy that graces dining tables each spring, are facing an unprecedented crisis this year. The culprit is the Chinese bamboo moth (Sinachiku nomeiga), whose larvae feed on bamboo leaves, weakening the plants and severely reducing harvest yields.

Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito have reached an agreement on the framework for Japan’s new free high school tuition program, which will begin in fiscal 2026. Under the plan, tuition support for private full-time high schools will be capped at 457,000 yen, while correspondence courses will have an upper limit of 337,000 yen.

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Kokoku Wins in Penalty Shootout for Second Osaka Title in Six Years

The Osaka final of the 104th All Japan High School Soccer Championship, which drew entries from around 200 schools in one of the country’s toughest qualifying blocks, was held on November 1st, with Kokoku defeating Riseisha on penalties to book their place at the national tournament for the first time in six years.

World-Renowned Okinawan Karate Traces 90-Year Legacy

Okinawa’s traditional karate, now practiced by more than 130 million people across 190 countries, marked 90 years since the martial art’s name was formally adopted. On October 25th, over 3,000 participants gathered along Naha’s Kokusai Street for a mass performance commemorating “Karate Day,” celebrating the legacy of a discipline born in the Ryukyu Kingdom that continues to unite people around the world.

Japan Claims Gold in New International Climbing Event

Japan became the first champion in the newly established international team climbing competition held in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, after securing a decisive victory in the bouldering finals on October 25th.

[SoftBank vs. Hanshin] Japan Series Game 1

The Hanshin Tigers opened the 2025 Japan Series with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on October 25th.

Japan Series Opens on Saturday as Hawks Aim for First Championship in Five Years

The Japan Series will open on October 25th, with the Pacific League champion Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks facing off against the Central League champion Hanshin Tigers. As the Hawks seek their first championship in five years, not only the players but also the people of Fukuoka are charged with excitement.

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.

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