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
A massive outbreak of insects is causing serious problems at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site, prompting alarm both on the ground and online.
A passenger jet arriving from Hokkaido made an unexpected stop on Wednesday after entering a restricted construction area at Hiroshima Airport, running over a concrete base and coming to a halt on the taxiway.
"I was stabbed in the chest with cooking chopsticks." That’s how A, a man in his 40s living in Shikoku, describes the abuse he endured from his ex-wife about 15 years ago. "Things like that happened all the time. It felt like hell," he recalls.
The Israeli military has fired warning shots at a diplomatic delegation visiting the West Bank, including a Japanese official, during a tour of the Jenin refugee camp on May 21st. Although no one was injured in the incident, the move has drawn sharp criticism from several countries.
A seven-year-old mare named Padmarwat, based at Saga Racecourse, extended her losing streak to 114 races on May 18th, setting a new national record for consecutive defeats in Japanese horse racing.
Former professional soccer player Shiho Shimoyamada, who once played in Japan’s Nadeshiko League and for international teams, is turning her personal struggles with menstruation during sports into a push for change.
A seven-year-old mare named Padmarwat, based at Saga Racecourse, extended her losing streak to 114 races on May 18th, setting a new national record for consecutive defeats in Japanese horse racing.
The "Red Bull 400," billed as the world's toughest 400-meter race, was held on May 17th at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo. The venue, known for hosting international ski jumping competitions, challenged participants to climb a 37-degree slope under intense physical strain.
The opening race of the Kyojo Cup, a women-only motorsport competition, was held on May 12th at Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture, where Okinawa-born driver Ongane Miki claimed a podium finish.
The Sano International T20I Tri-Series 2025 concluded on May 11 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Japan, with Thailand emerging as the tournament champions.
A founding member of Kyushu Pro Wrestling and one of its most recognizable stars, Mentai☆Kid, is preparing to retire after 17 years in the ring.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, who is set to retire in June, gave an interview in Tokyo on May 8th, where he expressed a positive stance toward Japan’s potential bid to host future Olympic Games, saying such a move would be "highly welcomed" if the conditions are right.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the national tournament, a high school softball game was held for the first time at Hanshin Koshien Stadium.
