Sports

Shohei Ohtani is in TROUBLE!? Cubs Sign Japanese Pitcher!

Jan 14 (Fuzzy) - Via MLB Trade Rumors: The Cubs are in agreement with NPB left-hander Shota Imanaga on a deal, as first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The contract is pending a physical, which is scheduled for Wednesday.

Imanaga’s deal must be finalized before his 45-day posting window closes at 5:00 pm EST on Thursday. Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported the deal will pay around $15MM annually over multiple seasons. That surprisingly takes the form of a two-year guarantee in the $30MM range, reports Jim Bowden of the Athletic. Bowden and Jon Heyman of the New York Post each suggest the contract contains various team/player options and escalators and could max out around $80MM.The Yankees have held “productive” discussions with free agent right-hander Marcus Stroman recently, reports Jon Morosi of MLB.com. There’s no indication that a deal is close at this time, but USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend that the Long Island native had expressed interest in pitching for the Yankees (though the team hadn’t made an offer at the time). Julio Urias and Wander Franco updates as well

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

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Ohtani wins 3rd MLB Silver Slugger Award

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2025 EWC Esports World Cup-China Exchange successfully concluded in Shanghai

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Japan v Australia | Highlights | FIFA World Cup 2026 Third Round Qualifier

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