Sports

Kitaguchi Secures First Gold for Japan in Women's Javelin

Aug 11 (News On Japan) - Haruka Kitaguchi won the gold medal in the women's javelin at the Paris Olympics with a throw of 65.80 meters on Saturday, making her the first Japanese woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event.

Haruka Kitaguchi was born and raised in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan. From a young age, Kitaguchi demonstrated a natural talent for athletics, particularly in throwing events. Her early training was marked by dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence, which quickly set her apart from her peers.

Kitaguchi first gained national attention during her high school years when she broke several records in the javelin throw, establishing herself as one of Japan's most promising young athletes. She continued to hone her skills at Nihon University, where she studied while competing at the collegiate level. Her performances during this period solidified her reputation, leading to her selection for international competitions.

Source: Kyodo

Aoi Festival Kicks Off in Kyoto

The Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major traditional festivals, began on May 15th with a vibrant procession of around 500 people dressed in elegant Heian-period garments making their way through the streets of the ancient capital.

Japan Marks 150 Years of Meters

Japan’s prototypes of the kilogram and meter, which once served as national standards for weight and length, were presented to the press this week ahead of the 150th anniversary of the Meter Convention, the international treaty that standardized global measurement systems, to be marked on May 20th.

Bluefin Tuna Season Starts Earliest Since 1982 Due to Ocean Warming

The season’s first bluefin tuna catch landed in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture, on Wednesday morning, marking the earliest start to the summer fishing season since records began in 1982.

Japan's Teachers to Receive Higher Pay and Shorter Hours

A bill to revise the Kyūtoku Law, aiming to improve the treatment of Japan's public school teachers by gradually raising the salary supplement in place of overtime pay from 4% to 10%, was approved by the Lower House Committee on Education on Wednesday after ruling and opposition parties agreed on revisions.

Student Fights for the Right to Be Taught in Japanese Sign Language

A lawsuit over the right to education in Japanese Sign Language concluded at the Sapporo High Court on May 13th, with a junior high school girl using the language in court to state that "Japanese Sign Language is my identity."

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

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Veteran Wrestler Set for Retirement After 17-Year Run

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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.

Rising Stars Debut in Top Division Ahead of Summer Basho

The Japan Sumo Association announced the rankings for the Summer Tournament, which will open at Ryogoku Kokugikan on May 11th. Ozeki Oonosato, who secured his third championship during the Spring Tournament, will aim for his first promotion to yokozuna, starting from the top position on the East side.

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