Sports

Australia's baseball aces suffer the power of Ohtani

Mar 12 (The West) - Australia's breakthrough baseball men have finally been brought down to earth, crushed by the power of Japan's super-slugging sports hero Shohei Ohtani in Tokyo.

Dave Nilsson's Australian team had opened the World Baseball Classic with two terrific victories over world No.4 team Korea and China but they met their match on Sunday, being hammered 7-1 by the hosts and favourites at the Tokyo Dome.

Their defeat was effectively sealed from the spectacular moment in the first inning when Ohtani, one of the MLB's biggest stars and a Japanese icon, smacked a massive three-run home run to right field which landed over 136m away, landing just below his vast image on an video advertising board.

It was the prelude to a terrific display from the Los Angeles Angels superstar, who went on to have four RBIs which leaves Australia's hopes of advancing in the global tournament on a knife-edge in group B.

Australia, though, can still seal an historic first match in the knockout stages in Wednesday's last-eight by clinching second place in the group with victory over Czech Republic on Monday afternoon. ...continue reading

New Russian Structures Appear on Disputed Northern Islands

Russia has expanded its facilities on Suisho Island in the Habomai group of the Northern Territories, which it continues to occupy illegally.

Why Are Foreign Criminals Targeting Japan?

Crimes committed by foreign visitors to Japan are on the rise, in particular, a growing trend of short-term visitors who commit crimes and immediately flee to their home countries, a pattern referred to as 'hit-and-run' crimes. Why is Japan being targeted?

Japan's H3 Rocket Successfully Lifts Off Carrying 'Michibiki 6' Satellite

The H3 Rocket No. 5 was launched at around 5:30 p.m. on February 2nd from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The rocket carries the government’s 'Michibiki 6' satellite, known as the Japanese version of GPS.

Footage Shows Moment Truck Falls Into Sinkhole

A massive sinkhole swallowed a truck in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, on January 28, with dramatic footage capturing the moment the road suddenly gave way.

Tourists Flock to Hokkaido for Lunar New Year

Hokkaido is taking steps to address overtourism issues as large numbers of foreign visitors arrive during the Lunar New Year holiday.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Can eSports Save Sapporo's Struggling Dome?

A major international eSports tournament has kicked off in Sapporo, drawing significant attention as a potential economic boost for the city. The five-day event, held at the Daiwa House Plemist Dome in Toyohira Ward, is expected to attract around 30,000 spectators.

Sumo wrestler Hoshoryu becomes yokozuna grand champion

Mongolian-born sumo wrestler Hoshoryu has been promoted to the sport's top rank of yokozuna grand champion. He became the first newly promoted grand champion in three and a half years. (NHK)

Kobayashi Shines at Osaka International Women's Marathon

A new heroine was born at the 2025 Osaka International Women's Marathon, as Kana Kobayashi made a stunning performance in the final 800 meters. Kobayashi overtook Yuka Suzuki, who placed sixth at the Paris Olympics, to claim the title of top Japanese finisher.