Sports

Hoshoryu Celebrates Yokozuna Promotion

TOKYO, Jun 23 (News On Japan) - Hoshoryu, who was promoted to the 74th yokozuna after the January Grand Sumo Tournament, held a celebration party on Sunday in Tokyo to mark his official promotion.

The event drew about 1,100 guests, including Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku (former yokozuna Hokutoumi) and fellow new yokozuna Onosato.

Speaking at the event, Hoshoryu expressed his mindset as the sport's top-ranked wrestler, saying, "I will become even stronger," as he looked ahead to the responsibilities and expectations of sumo's highest title.

Source: Kyodo

Japan's Population Declines for 16th Straight Year

Japan’s population of Japanese nationals has decreased for the 16th consecutive year, according to demographic data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As of January 1st, 2025, the Japanese population stood at 120.65 million, a drop of roughly 910,000 from the previous year—marking the largest annual decline on record.

Dangerous Heat Leaves Cows Exhausted and Summer Crops Failing

A severe and prolonged heatwave is taking a widespread toll across Japan, affecting everything from traditional summer events to vegetable harvests and dairy farms.

Officials Investigate Fireworks Fiasco

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the fire that broke out during the Minato Mirai fireworks festival in Yokohama, where five workers had to be rescue from an exploding barge.

Japan's Rice Strategy Fails

Japan’s government plan to flood the market with stockpiled rice to lower prices is facing setbacks, as demand slumps and cancellations from retailers increase. Initially popular, the rice is now piling up on shelves, prompting calls to extend the end-of-August sales deadline. Even discounted imported rice is struggling to sell. Meanwhile, rice prices have unexpectedly risen for the first time in 10 weeks.

Australia to Jointly Develop New Warships with Japan

Australia has selected Japan’s proposal for the joint development of next-generation naval vessels, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation.

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Yamashita Wins British Women's Golf Open

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The world’s largest obstacle race took place on July 19th at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The Spartan Race, held in the city of Susono in Shizuoka Prefecture, brought together participants from across Japan to compete on a 5-kilometer course packed with 20 obstacles. Racers pushed their physical limits as they raced against the clock.