Sports

Ohtani Debuts at Dodgers' Fan Fest, Eyes World Series Title

TOKYO, Feb 04 (News On Japan) - Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, 29, made a highly anticipated appearance at the team's Fan Fest, receiving a warm welcome amidst loud cheers from a stadium adorned in Dodger blue. Ohtani shared his feelings on donning Dodgers' colors: "Seeing the blue, it feels like a stark contrast to the Angels' red. It’s finally hitting me that I’ve made the move."

In his first public appearance since joining the team, Ohtani responded to questions about his dog Decopin and his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. "Mizuhara and I have a professional relationship, not friends per se, but we get along well within that context," Ohtani remarked. When asked about his pet's favorite activities, Ohtani said, "Decopin reacts a lot to lights. So, I often play with him by moving a light around while I’m lying down." Choosing between pizza or burgers, Ohtani decisively preferred "Burgers!"

Discussing his objectives for the season, Ohtani emphasized, "The only goal is truly to win the World Series. I believe the fans share this sentiment, and it would be great if we could fight through the season together."

Ohtani is set to start the camp on February 10th, Japan time, with high hopes and clear targets for the upcoming season.

Source: FNN

Japan Troops Begin Bear Countermeasures

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

What Is Sanaenomics?

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Cost of Asian Games in Nagoya to Triple

The cost of hosting the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games, to be held mainly in Nagoya, is expected to exceed three times the original estimate, according to officials familiar with the matter.

Kokoku Wins in Penalty Shootout for Second Osaka Title in Six Years

The Osaka final of the 104th All Japan High School Soccer Championship, which drew entries from around 200 schools in one of the country’s toughest qualifying blocks, was held on November 1st, with Kokoku defeating Riseisha on penalties to book their place at the national tournament for the first time in six years.

World-Renowned Okinawan Karate Traces 90-Year Legacy

Okinawa’s traditional karate, now practiced by more than 130 million people across 190 countries, marked 90 years since the martial art’s name was formally adopted. On October 25th, over 3,000 participants gathered along Naha’s Kokusai Street for a mass performance commemorating “Karate Day,” celebrating the legacy of a discipline born in the Ryukyu Kingdom that continues to unite people around the world.

Japan Claims Gold in New International Climbing Event

Japan became the first champion in the newly established international team climbing competition held in Iizuka, Fukuoka Prefecture, after securing a decisive victory in the bouldering finals on October 25th.

[SoftBank vs. Hanshin] Japan Series Game 1

The Hanshin Tigers opened the 2025 Japan Series with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on October 25th.

Japan Series Opens on Saturday as Hawks Aim for First Championship in Five Years

The Japan Series will open on October 25th, with the Pacific League champion Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks facing off against the Central League champion Hanshin Tigers. As the Hawks seek their first championship in five years, not only the players but also the people of Fukuoka are charged with excitement.

Sadaharu Oh Receives Order of Culture,

Baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, 85, chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, has been awarded this year’s Order of Culture, while voice actress Masako Nozawa, 88, known for voicing the protagonist Son Goku in the anime "Dragon Ball," has been named a Person of Cultural Merit — the first voice actor ever to receive the distinction.

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.

< 2 3 4 5 >