Sports

One of Kansai’s Largest Multipurpose Arenas Opens in Kobe

KOBE, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - A new multipurpose arena, one of the largest in the Kansai region, has opened at Kobe Port, with an official opening ceremony held to mark the occasion.

The GLION Arena Kobe, a seven-story structure capable of holding up to 10,000 people, is equipped with one of Japan’s largest LED displays. The screen is expected to be a key feature in enhancing live performances such as music concerts.

The area surrounding the arena includes restaurants and an open plaza that is freely accessible even on non-event days. Annual visitors are expected to reach around 3 million.

Actress Norika Fujiwara, who attended the ceremony, commented: "I’m really happy as a Hyogo resident. I feel like we now have a place that can lift people’s spirits and energize them."

On the night of April 5th, professional basketball team Kobe Storks will play their first home game at the new venue.

Source: KTV NEWS

Four Dead in 24 Mountain Accidents in Nagano During Holiday Period

At least 24 mountain climbing accidents have occurred in Nagano Prefecture since the start of the Golden Week holidays in late April, resulting in four fatalities.

Head Lice Are Spreading Again in Japan's Schools

Head lice, small parasitic insects that feed on blood from the scalp, are once again spreading among children in Japan as physical contact increases following the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sapporo, where outbreaks have been reported in schools, local officials are urging caution.

Wooden Church in Gifu Collapses Following Creaking Sounds

A wooden church in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture collapsed on Saturday evening, after years of delayed demolition plans due to financial constraints.

Japan Ranks 66th in Global Press Freedom, Lowest Among G7

Reporters Without Borders has released its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, ranking Japan 66th out of 180 countries and regions surveyed, just behind Timor-Leste (65th) and Fiji (64th).

Trump Raises Tariffs 25% on Imported Auto Parts

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% additional tariff on imported auto parts, including engines and transmissions, with the measure taking effect at 1:01 p.m. Japan time on May 3rd.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

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.