Sports

Former Japan Midfielder Ends Career

TOKYO, Dec 05 (News On Japan) - Junichi Inamoto, a former midfielder for the Japan national soccer team and a player for Nankatsu SC in the Kanto League Division 1, announced his retirement on December 4th during a press conference held in Tokyo.

Inamoto, 45, gained fame for scoring two goals in the 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, where Japan reached the Round of 16 for the first time. He also represented Japan in the 2006 Germany World Cup and the 2010 South Africa World Cup. Over his career, Inamoto played 82 international A matches for Japan, scoring five goals.

Source: Kyodo

Japan's Academics Demand Independence

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

Inside Japan’s Failing Sewers

Across Japan, road collapses have been occurring with increasing frequency, often blamed on aging infrastructure. In one recent incident in Ashioshi, Saitama Prefecture, a truck was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole.

Two Men Arrested for Breaking Into Tokyo School

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained.

Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

Lack of Sleep After Golden Week May Signal Sleep Disorder, Experts Warn

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

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.