Sports

The Hidden History Behind Japan’s First Olympic Marathon Gold: A Glimpse from the Film 'Boston 1947'

TOKYO, Aug 29 (News On Japan) - In 1936, during the Berlin Olympics, Japan set a new world record in the marathon, securing both a gold and a bronze medal, igniting national euphoria. However, these two medals carried a hidden story.

The Japanese representatives, Sohn Kee-chung and Nam Sung-yong, stood on the podium under the names Son Kitei and Nan Shoryu, respectively. Despite the end of World War II and their homeland's liberation from Japan, the official records still list these medals under Japan's name. In 1947, at the Boston Marathon, the two athletes teamed up to guide a talented young marathoner into the prestigious race, aiming to reclaim their country's rightful place in history.

Source: シネマトゥデイ

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.

First 'Rose of Versailles' Manhole Covers Appear in Chiba’s Kashiwa

Manhole covers featuring characters from Riyoko Ikeda’s popular manga The Rose of Versailles were unveiled on November 11th at three locations within Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.

USJ to Open 'Donkey Kong Country' in December

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced that the new 'Donkey Kong Country' area will open on December 11th, expanding the 'Super Nintendo World' by 1.7 times.

Japan Plans to Raise Teacher Pay

Japan's Finance Ministry presented a plan on November 11th during the Fiscal System Council to gradually increase the 'teacher adjustment allowance' --currently awarded as a substitute for overtime pay -- from its current 4% of monthly salary to 10% over a span of five years.

Satellite Malfunction Leaves Japan Weather Images Unavailable

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is currently experiencing issues displaying images from the Himawari weather satellite on its official website. Efforts are underway to identify the cause and restore normal service, but the timeline for recovery remains unclear.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Brazilian Players Allege Sexual Harassment in Japan

Two players from Japan’s Nadeshiko League have taken the rare step of publicly accusing their club of harassment, naming Diossa Izumo FC as the site of alleged sexual and power harassment by the team’s head coach.

Dodgers hold World Series victory parade, excite fans in Los Angeles

Major League Baseball World Series winner the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their championship with a victory parade in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. City officials estimate that more than 200,000 people attended. (NHK)

Paris Olympians Enjoy 'Autumn Garden Party'

The Autumn Garden Party hosted by the Emperor and Empress on Wednesday saw lively conversations and laughter, especially with Haruka Kitaguchi, the javelin throw gold medalist.

Dodgers say Ohtani has partially dislocated shoulder

Shohei Ohtani suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder during an attempted steal of second base Saturday night, potentially putting his availability for the rest of this World Series in jeopardy. (ESPN)

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

This June, Tencent E-sports officially launched the “Empower Esports Worldwide Series.”

Japanese Archer to Retire After Six Straight Olympics

Archery athlete Takaharu Furukawa, who competed in six consecutive Olympic Games and won a silver medal in the individual event at the 2012 London Olympics, announced on October 21st that he would retire from competition after the All-Japan Championships, which begin on October 25th at Tokyo Yumenoshima Park Archery Field.

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

FIFA World Cup 2026 Third Round AFC Asian Qualifier, Australia v Japan, at Saitama Stadium 2002 on Tuesday 15 October. (Football Australia)

Golf Star Ai Miyazato Gives Inspiring Talk

Professional golfer Ai Miyazato hosted the 5th Ai Miyazato Invitational Supported by SUNTORY, a junior girls' tournament held in her hometown of Okinawa.

< 2 3 4 5 >