Revered Japanese distance race relays idea of peace
taipeitimes.com -- Jan 04
The long-distance road-running relay sport of ekiden is a national institution in Japan, where New Year’s races command massive TV audiences and turn unknown athletes into overnight stars.
Now ekiden’s greatest modern coach believes it can also become a global event on the Olympic stage — and even contribute to world peace.
Ekiden involves teams of runners covering long-distance relay stages of varying lengths, and has been held in Japan for more than a century.
The event took its inspiration from the samurai-era couriers who carried messages between Tokyo and the former imperial capital, Kyoto.
Ekiden is virtually unknown outside of Japan, but Susumu Hara, head coach of the all-conquering Aoyama Gakuin University team, believes it can become popular around the globe.
Japan wins Judo Junior World Championships Team Event
Judo Highlights - Aug 16
Brilliant performance by the youngsters. Tanaka Ryuga is something special.
Japanese teenager wins US Women's Amateur golf championship
NHK - Aug 15
Japanese teenager Baba Saki has won the 122nd US Women's Amateur golf championship.
Japan star Kubo gets winner on Real Sociedad debut
besoccer.com - Aug 15
Japan star Takefusa Kubo marked his Real Sociedad debut by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win away to Cadiz in their opening game of the season in La Liga on Sunday.
Ohtani Shohei matches Babe Ruth with double-digit wins and homers
NHK - Aug 11
In Major League Baseball, Japanese two-way star Ohtani Shohei has become the first player in 104 years to achieve double-digit wins and home runs in a single season -- a feat not seen since Babe Ruth.
Kyrgios beats Yoshioka to win Citi Open
Japan Today - Aug 08
Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios ended a three-year title drought by claiming the trophy at the site of his last triumph, saving the only break point he faced in the Citi Open final Sunday along the way to a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Yoshihito Nishioka.
Ohtani stays with Los Angeles Angels
NHK - Aug 03
In Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Angels have decided not to trade Japanese two-way star Ohtani Shohei this season.
Sumo: JSA targets overseas audience with English YouTube channel
Kyodo - Aug 02
The Japan Sumo Association on Tuesday announced the launch of an official English-language YouTube channel aimed at drawing a wider international audience to the sport.
Ayaka Furue Shoots Course Record To Claim Maiden LPGA Tour Title
golfmonthly.com - Aug 01
On a calmer day at the Trust Golf Women's Scottish Open, it was Japan's Ayaka Furue who constructed a relentless display over Dundonald Links, as the 22-year-old carded 10 birdies and eight pars in an unbelievable performance.
Japanese Olympic triathlete hopeful killed by driver while riding in France
cyclingmagazine.ca - Jul 30
25-year-old Tsudoi Miyazaki was killed by a motorist on Wednesday near the city of Orlans, France, according to a statement from the Japan Triathlon Union (JTU).
Japan's National High School Baseball Championship allows girls as ball children
nationworldnews.com - Jul 30
The National High School Baseball Championship, also known as Koshin, is about to begin in Japan. The tournament is considered one of the most important sporting events in the country and this year has seen some innovations. Now girls are allowed to work as ball children.
Ichinojo wins first sumo title
NHK - Jul 25
Rank-and-filer Ichinojo won his first title on Sunday at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament with 12 wins and three losses.
Ohtani Shohei hits 20th homerun of season
NHK - Jul 25
Japanese two-way baseball star Ohtani Shohei of the Los Angeles Angels has hit his 20th homer of the season.
Japanese figure skating icon Hanyu to retire from competition
Nikkei - Jul 19
Japanese figure skating superstar Yuzuru Hanyu on Tuesday announced that he will retire from competitive skating, though suggested will continue to perform at ice shows.
MLB Ohtani bats 1st in All-Star Game
NHK - Jul 19
In Major League Baseball, Ohtani Shohei of the Los Angeles Angels will not be a two-way player in this year's All-Star Game as he will be the leadoff hitter for the American League.
10-year-old Japanese golfer closing in on 12th sponsor
voanews.com - Jul 18
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA — Miroku Suto of Japan looks like a professional golfer with logos of 11 sponsors splashed across her polo shirt, cap, bag and even her belt.
Japan's world athletics team hit with 11th coronavirus case
Kyodo - Jul 18
Marathon runner Hitomi Niiya has become the 11th member of the Japanese team at the World Athletics Championships to test positive for the coronavirus, the Japan Association of Athletics Federations said Sunday.
