Sports

Carp Player Released on Bail Over Use of Zombie Tobacco

HIROSHIMA, Feb 19 (News On Japan) - Ryutaro Hazuki, a player for the Hiroshima Carp who has been indicted on charges of using a designated drug known as “zombie tobacco,” was released on bail on February 18th.

Shortly before noon, Hazuki appeared wearing a brown long jacket, stopped in front of reporters and bowed his head. When asked by a reporter to offer a message to fans who continue to support him, he remained silent.

Hazuki was indicted on February 17th on charges of using the designated drug etomidate at his home in Naka Ward, Hiroshima, around December 16th, 2025.

According to the Hiroshima District Court, Hazuki’s lawyer filed a request for bail on February 17th, and the court granted bail on February 18th. Bail of 3 million yen has been paid.

At the time of his arrest, Hazuki denied using the designated drug, saying he had no recollection of doing so, but later changed his statement and admitted to using it.

Source: FNN

Japan to Tighten Age Verification Rules for Social Media

Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on April 22 presented a draft outline of key issues to an expert panel examining protections for minors on social networking services, taking a cautious stance toward blanket age-based access restrictions that have been increasingly introduced overseas.

Japan's Bus Driver Shortage Deepens

Japan is turning to foreign workers to address a deepening shortage of bus drivers that has led to route suspensions and reduced services nationwide, including in Tokyo. With the industry projected to face a shortfall of 36,000 drivers by 2030, operators are beginning to recruit and train overseas talent as a short-term solution to keep public transport running.

Four Japanese Crew Members Disembark in Persian Gulf, 16 Remain

Four more Japanese crew members have disembarked from Japan-related vessels staying in the Persian Gulf, reducing the number of Japanese nationals still aboard ships in the area to 16.

Japan's Answer to Dangerous Sewer Pipes

Road cave-ins are occurring one after another across Japan. According to a survey released on April 22 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, so-called dangerous sewer lines requiring urgent countermeasures now total 748 kilometers nationwide.

Japan to Allow Overseas Sales of Lethal Weapons

The Japanese government on April 21 revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and related guidelines, in principle allowing the export of weapons with lethal capabilities. The move marks a major turning point in Japan's postwar security policy.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Teen Sumo Prodigy Chases National Glory

An enormous appetite that brings joy just to watch, paired with an irrepressibly cheerful spirit. Konosuke Shigemura, 18, is regarded as a leading candidate to become a future yokozuna, sumo's highest rank.

16 Okinawan Karate and Kobudo Experts Receive Cultural Heritage Status

The Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Properties Protection Council has submitted a recommendation to the prefectural board of education to newly recognize 16 individuals as holders of the intangible cultural property "Okinawan Karate and Kobudo," aimed at preserving the region’s traditional martial arts.

Ichiro Statue Unveiled at Mariners' Seattle Home Stadium

A bronze statue of Ichiro, who built a stellar career with the Seattle Mariners and became the first Asian player inducted into the U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame, was unveiled at the team’s home stadium in Seattle on April 10th, marking a tribute to his enduring legacy.

Five most promising players of Japan B.League 2026

The betting company 1xBet presents five basketball players for whom the B.League could become a springboard to achieving greater heights.

Japan Soccer Team Chooses Nashville as World Cup Base Camp

A modern training facility equipped with two natural grass pitches sits about a 25-minute drive from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, where Japan’s national soccer team will establish its base camp for the World Cup set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Shogi Federation Considers Special Status for Pregnant Players

The Japan Shogi Association is considering new rules to address concerns raised by female players who have effectively been forced to forfeit matches due to pregnancy and childbirth, with a review committee presenting its interim report on March 31st.

Japan Beats England 1-0 for First-Ever Win

Japan’s national football team secured a historic 1-0 victory over England in an international friendly held on March 31st in London, marking their first win in four encounters against the traditional powerhouse known as the “home of football,” and providing valuable momentum ahead of the FIFA World Cup set to begin in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Japan National Team Fine-Tunes Ahead of England Friendly at Wembley

Japan’s national soccer team completed final preparations on March 30 ahead of an international friendly against England, scheduled to kick off at 7:45 p.m. on March 31 (3:45 a.m. on April 1 Japan time) at Wembley Stadium in London, marking their last match before the squad announcement for the World Cup set to begin in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

< 2 3 4 5 >