Sports

Japan Claims First-Ever Women's Breakdancing Gold

PARIS, Aug 10 (News On Japan) - In a historic moment for the sport, AMI, a 25-year-old dancer from the Good Foot Crew, secured the gold medal in the women's breakdancing event, which was newly introduced in this year's competition. This victory crowns her as the first-ever Olympic champion in the event.

AMI, whose real name is Ami Yuasa, has previously won the world championship titles in 2019 and 2022. She advanced smoothly through the preliminary rounds with three straight wins, followed by dominant performances in the quarterfinals and semifinals, earning her spot in the final.

In the final, AMI faced 17-year-old NICKA from Lithuania in a three-round battle. In the first round, AMI showcased seamless footwork and powerful spins. The second round saw her using the space creatively, freezing her moves with precision, drawing applause from the audience. By the third and final round, AMI displayed rapid footwork transitions leading into dynamic spins, sealing her victory with a perfect 3-0 score.

After the battle, AMI reflected on her performance, saying, "I just wanted to enjoy the final and give it my all." She added with a smile, "It still feels surreal; I’m kind of floating right now." Expressing her gratitude, AMI acknowledged the support she received, stating, "The cheers from everyone, the support from my family who came to watch, and the backing of Team Japan really made this possible."

Breakdancing, which originated from the hip-hop culture of New York in the 1970s, is known for its high degree of freedom in performance. In this competition, dancers faced off in one-on-one battles, improvising to music played by a DJ. The judges assessed the performances based on five criteria: technical skill, variety, execution, originality, and musicality.

With this victory, AMI has not only etched her name in history but has also elevated the profile of breakdancing on the global stage.

Source: TBS

Baby Boom at North Safari Sapporo Despite Eviction Plans

Spring has brought a wave of newborn animals to North Safari Sapporo, a privately run zoo in Minami Ward, Sapporo City, even as the facility remains under pressure to remove illegal structures and relocate its animals.

Spectators Soak Up Rainy Sanja Festival

The Sanja Festival at Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo, a signature early-summer tradition of the downtown area, reached its peak on Saturday as groups of local carried mikoshi through the streets in the main 'Rengo Togyo' procession despite the rain.

Southern Kyushu Enters Rainy Season Earlier Than Okinawa for First Time in 49 Years

Southern Kyushu has entered the rainy season, marking the first time in 49 years that it has done so earlier than Okinawa. It is also the earliest rainy season start for any region in Japan since the Meteorological Agency began keeping records. Authorities are warning of heavy rainfall not only in Kyushu but across other parts of the country as well.

Saitama Road Collapse Recovery to Take 5-7 Years

A road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture is expected to take five to seven years to fully restore, local officials said on Friday, following the recovery of a truck cab that had remained lodged in the sewer system since the January accident.

Eighty Years On, Okinawa Remembers the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill

Eighty years have passed since the end of World War II, yet the memories of its fiercest battles continue to echo in the heart of Okinawa. The district of Omoromachi in central Naha, now a lively urban hub filled with people, was once the site of one of the bloodiest clashes of the Battle of Okinawa—the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Thousands Take On Grueling Uphill Sprint in Japan

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.

Podium Finish for Local Driver in Revamped Women’s Formula Race

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.

Men's Sano International Tri-series 2025 (T20)｜Japan vs Thailand FINAL

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.

Veteran Wrestler Set for Retirement After 17-Year Run

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.

IOC President Bach Welcomes Japan’s Future Olympic Bids

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.

Softball Teams Light Up Koshien in Historic First Match

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the national tournament, a high school softball game was held for the first time at Hanshin Koshien Stadium.

Hokkaido Horse Races Canceled for Third Straight Week as Equine Influenza Spreads

Horse races at the Banei Racecourse in Obihiro, Hokkaido, have been canceled for the third consecutive week due to a widespread outbreak of equine influenza among racehorses.

German Adventurers Run Across Japan in Grueling 70-Kilometer Daily Challenge

A group of German adventurers have launched an ambitious trek across Japan as part of what they call "Cybox Season 25," documenting their journey from the northernmost tip of the country in a vlog-style diary rich with cultural observations, physical endurance, and personal reflection.

< 2 3 4 5 >