Sports

Shigeo Nagashima, Symbol of Japan’s Golden Age of Baseball, Dies at 89

TOKYO, Jun 04 (News On Japan) - Shigeo Nagashima, one of Japan’s most iconic postwar figures and known as "Mr. Pro Baseball," has died at the age of 89, it was learned on June 3rd. A native of Chiba Prefecture, Nagashima helped define an era of professional baseball and became a national hero.

After graduating from Sakura First High School (now Sakura High School) in Chiba and Rikkyo University, he joined the Yomiuri Giants in 1958. In the 1959 "Emperor's Game" attended by Emperor Hirohito, he hit a dramatic walk-off home run that became one of the most memorable moments in Japanese baseball history. Known for his clutch hitting and fiery personality, he earned the nickname "The Burning Man."

Nagashima played a pivotal role in turning professional baseball into Japan’s most popular sport during the high-growth period. Alongside slugger Sadaharu Oh, he led the Giants through a golden era that symbolized postwar recovery and optimism.

Source: Kyodo

Fujii Becomes Youngest Lifetime Triple Crown Holder in Shogi History

Shogi champion Sota Fujii, who defended his title in the prestigious Ryuo Tournament, expressed his joy on November 11th after becoming the youngest player in history to qualify for the lifetime title of "Eisei Ryuo" (Lifetime Ryuo).

Japan Plans to Triple Departure Tax to 3,000 Yen

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy committee has drafted a resolution calling on the government to raise the “departure tax” to secure funds for overtourism countermeasures. The proposal seeks to increase the current 1,000 yen per-person levy to 3,000 yen, and to set the rate at 5,000 yen for travelers using business class or higher.

Tokyo Issues Influenza Epidemic Warning for First Time in 16 Years

Tokyo Metropolitan Government issued an influenza epidemic warning on November 13th after the number of reported cases reached the alert threshold, marking the first such announcement in November in 16 years.

Russia Bans 30 More Japanese Nationals

Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on November 11th that it has decided to impose an indefinite entry ban on 30 Japanese nationals as a countermeasure against what it called Japan’s “hostile policies” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Mother of 12-Year-Old Thai Girl Caught In Prostitution Gets Arrest Warrant

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for the mother of a 12-year-old Thai girl who was illegally employed at a massage parlor in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, on suspicion of violating the Child Welfare Act.

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Okinawa’s traditional karate, now practiced by more than 130 million people across 190 countries, marked 90 years since the martial art’s name was formally adopted. On October 25th, over 3,000 participants gathered along Naha’s Kokusai Street for a mass performance commemorating “Karate Day,” celebrating the legacy of a discipline born in the Ryukyu Kingdom that continues to unite people around the world.

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