Japan Stuns Brazil as Baseball Team Reaches Final and Sumo Title Race Tightens

Nov 14, 2026 | News On Japan

Japan enjoyed a dramatic day of international sporting success on November 14, with the national soccer team defeating Brazil 3-2 in Singapore and the country's baseball squad advancing to the Asia Professional Baseball Championship final, while the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament developed into a seven-way contest for the lead.

Japan's soccer team secured a memorable victory over Brazil when substitute Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scored a stoppage-time winner in Singapore, giving Hajime Moriyasu's side a 3-2 triumph in an international friendly. Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring before Keito Nakamura doubled Japan's advantage inside the first 20 minutes. Brazil responded through Vinicius Junior and equalized in the second half, but Sakamoto struck late to settle the contest. The match ended in controversy after Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and forward Raphinha were sent off following protests over the winning goal. The result provided Japan with revenge for its elimination by Brazil in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

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Japan's baseball team continued its unbeaten run at the Asia Professional Baseball Championship, overwhelming Australia 16-1 at Tokyo Dome in a game shortened by the mercy rule. The victory completed a perfect three-game preliminary round following earlier wins over Taiwan and South Korea, securing Japan's place in the November 15 final against South Korea. The tournament brings together emerging professional players from Japan, Australia, South Korea and Taiwan, providing an opportunity to assess the next generation of international talent.

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At the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, yokozuna Onosato defeated new komusubi Churanoumi to improve to 6-1 after seven days, keeping himself among seven wrestlers tied for the lead. Ozeki Kirishima and sekiwake Atamifuji also maintained 6-1 records, while yokozuna Hoshoryu recovered from his earlier difficulties to defeat Yoshinofuji and move ahead at 4-3. Ozeki Aonishiki suffered his third defeat, losing to Fujiseiun, leaving the championship race unusually crowded as the tournament approached its halfway point.

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