TOKYO, Dec 15 (Kyodo) - The J-League first division will feature 20 teams from the 2024 season, an increase from the current 18, as part of a plan to enhance its level and competitiveness, a source familiar with the matter said Wednesday.
The league is moving to reward clubs who finish high in the standings with greater prize money that will give them more financial muscle and appeal, and wants more teams competing in the division to raise its profile, the source said. ...continue reading
Japan tightened its "Business Manager" visa requirements in October 2025, prompting growing concern among foreign restaurant owners who fear the changes could force them out of business.
A citizens’ group advocating the preservation of Japan’s pacifist constitution held a large-scale rally in front of the National Diet on April 8th, drawing approximately 30,000 participants according to organizers, while similar events and street demonstrations were held across the country.
A modern training facility equipped with two natural grass pitches sits about a 25-minute drive from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, where Japan’s national soccer team will establish its base camp for the World Cup set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A third vessel linked to Japan has been confirmed to have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, where a de facto blockade remains in place following heightened tensions in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Japan over its response to a military operation involving Iran, stating that Japan "did not help" during the campaign.
A modern training facility equipped with two natural grass pitches sits about a 25-minute drive from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, where Japan’s national soccer team will establish its base camp for the World Cup set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Japan Shogi Association is considering new rules to address concerns raised by female players who have effectively been forced to forfeit matches due to pregnancy and childbirth, with a review committee presenting its interim report on March 31st.
Japan’s national football team secured a historic 1-0 victory over England in an international friendly held on March 31st in London, marking their first win in four encounters against the traditional powerhouse known as the “home of football,” and providing valuable momentum ahead of the FIFA World Cup set to begin in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Japan’s national soccer team completed final preparations on March 30 ahead of an international friendly against England, scheduled to kick off at 7:45 p.m. on March 31 (3:45 a.m. on April 1 Japan time) at Wembley Stadium in London, marking their last match before the squad announcement for the World Cup set to begin in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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A unique sledding competition using repurposed rice bags was held in Sapporo, drawing about 390 participants ranging from elementary school children to adults, all competing in a high-energy race for a prize equivalent to 60 kilograms of rice.
Today, English football is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The Premier League brings together the best players from around the world, sets current trends and attracts the attention of hundreds of millions of fans across the globe.
Kirishima has been reinstated to the rank of ozeki, declaring his ambition to reach even greater heights, as the Japan Sumo Association unanimously approved his promotion during a rankings meeting and extraordinary board session held on March 25th at Edion Arena Osaka in Naniwa Ward, Osaka, ahead of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, which opens on May 10th at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
