Sports

Naomi Osaka Knocked Out in First Round of Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Jan 16 (News On Japan) - Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka made her return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open following the birth of her first child last July, but exiting the stage in straight sets to French player Caroline Garcia, ranked 19th in the world.

This was Osaka's first Grand Slam appearance since the 2022 US Open, and she showed her signature strength with a strong serve from the beginning of the first set. However, she was broken in the fifth game due to unforced errors, losing the set 4-6.

In the second set, Osaka continued to build her game around her serve and scored with her forehand on crucial points, but Garcia matched her intensity, leading to a tiebreak. Osaka took the lead with a service ace, but she couldn't maintain the momentum and was eventually overpowered by Garcia, losing the tiebreak 6-7 and the set.

by Brian Dentry

Source: NHK

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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.

Architect’s 20-Year Dream Nears Completion

The relocation of Arimasu Tobiru, a distinctive architectural landmark on Hijirizaka in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, was carried out between August and October after nearly two decades of construction.

From Drug Raids to Visa Violations: Inside Japan’s Night Patrol Operations

A police officer approaches a parked car in a dark city parking lot — and what emerges from inside is shocking. How do professionals detect crimes that hide in the night? This investigation looks into the work of officers on the front line.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Sumo Fever Returns to London After 34 Years

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.

Sumo Returns to London After 34 Years

Preparations for the first Grand Sumo performance in London in 34 years were shown to the media on October 13th, as workers began building the dohyo using soil sourced from within the United Kingdom.

All-Japan Ninja Championship Held in the Birthplace of the Shinobi

Dozens of self-proclaimed ninjas from across Japan gathered in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, known as one of the historic homes of the shinobi, to compete in a unique national championship testing their stealth, agility, and skill.

Half of Former Sports Club Members Exercise Weekly

People who belonged to a school sports club or athletic circle are significantly more likely to maintain regular exercise habits after graduation than those who did not, according to a new survey by the Japan Sports Agency.

MUFG to Acquires Naming Rights for National Stadium

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is set to acquire the naming rights to Japan’s National Stadium starting in January 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Expo Osaka Showcases Basketball With Cutting-Edge Technology

A special event was held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue where visitors could experience a professional basketball game broadcast in real time using advanced technology.

Ohnosato Defeats Hoshoryu in Decider to Capture Autumn Sumo Crown

Ohnosato claimed his fifth career championship at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on September 28th at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, prevailing in a playoff against fellow yokozuna Hoshoryu after both finished with 13 wins and 2 losses.

< 2 3 4 5 >