Sports

Sports and Leadership Skills Linked to Higher Earnings

TOKYO, Dec 18 (News On Japan) - Keio University professor Nakamura highlighted research showing that participation in sports and leadership activities during childhood could lead to higher future earnings. Studies found that boys involved in high school sports earned 4.2% to 14.8% more than their peers 11 years after graduation, while similar research indicated that women benefited even more.

Nakamura emphasized the importance of non-cognitive skills such as perseverance, self-control, and curiosity. These traits, he explained, are essential for long-term success in a job market increasingly impacted by AI and automation.

Leadership experience also boosts income, with studies suggesting a 4% to 33% premium for those who held leadership roles in school. Nakamura called on schools to rotate leadership opportunities among students, helping them develop critical interpersonal and organizational skills.

While praising Japan’s high educational standards, Nakamura urged policymakers to incorporate more scientific evidence into education strategies. He believes this will better prepare children for future challenges in the workforce.

Source: ABEMAニュース【公式】

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

How Japan CONQUERED the Marathon World... then lost it!

If you were to ask a random person on the street, “Who are the best marathoners on Earth?”, you’d almost certainly hear one answer… The East Africans. Nowadays, they’re synonymous with distance running but until quite recently there was another powerhouse on the global scene… The Japanese. (Ran To Japan)

IG Arena Completed Ahead of July Sumo Debut and 2026 Asian Games

The IG Arena, a new venue that will host events for the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games in Aichi and other areas, has been completed, with a handover ceremony held on March 29th, 2025.

I Rejoined My Team In Japan

Trevor Bauer, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, has rejoined his team in Japan, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. In his latest video titled "I Rejoined My Team In Japan," Bauer shares his experiences and the journey back to playing baseball in Japan. (Trevor Bauer)