Who is Munetaka Murakami? 22-year-old Japanese phenom could be next NPB star to draw MLB attention
The crack of the bat when a home run is launched into orbit is a sound like no other. No one has heard that sound more in MLB than Yankees star Aaron Judge. Judge has smacked 47 homers over the wall in just 119 games.
There is another baseball star posting similar numbers across the pond, however. Japanese phenom Munetaka Murakami is the latest NPB batter to drum up MLB interest, crushing 44 dingers in 109 games. That's a pace of 58 homers in a full season. A slight uptick in homers and Murakami can quite easily pass the 60-home run plateau, a mark that has only been hit one other time in NPB history (Wladimir Balentien, 2013).
Munetaka Murakami is a 22-year-old third baseman who plays for the Yakult Swallows in Japan's Central League. Murakami has prodigious power; since being selected in the first round of the 2017 NPB Draft, Murakami has swatted 148 homers in NPB, widely considered the second-best baseball league in the world. For comparison, Shohei Ohtani cleared the fence 48 times over the course of his five-year NPB career. ...continue reading
Baseball great Ichiro Suzuki throws shutout against a high school girls’ team in Japan
CNN - Nov 23
He may have retired from professional baseball four years ago, but Ichiro Suzuki certainly hasn’t lost his appetite for the game.
Sumo: Ozeki Kirishima moves into share of Kyushu lead
Kyodo - Nov 21
Ozeki Kirishima picked up his eighth win on the 10th day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, leaving him in a four-way tie for the lead Tuesday.
Fatal crash at Suzuka circuit: One dead in four-motorbike collision
News On Japan - Nov 20
An accident involving four motorbikes while racing on the Suzuka Circuit in central Japan on Sunday has left one rider dead.
Japan men and women secure Olympic qualification in Osaka
asiarugby.com - Nov 20
There was double delight for Japan as both the men’s and women’s team became the final regional qualifiers for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with victory in the Asia Rugby qualification tournament in Osaka.
Final Day Highlights | WRC FORUM8 Rally Japan 2023
FIA World Rally Championship - Nov 20
Toyota 1-2-3 victory at home! Watch full highlights and exclusive onboard footage
WWE Interested In Top New Japan Star
itrwrestling.com - Nov 18
Having accomplished everything there is to achieve in NJPW multiple times and being widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world today, there would certainly be a lot of buzz generated if The Rainmaker joined the largest wrestling promotion in the world.
Carnage in Japan: WRC FORUM8 Rally Japan 2023
Red Bull Rally - Nov 18
Torrential rainfall, thick fog and roads covered with damp leaves were just some of the challenges faced by crews at the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the season finale.
Bahlul MUSTAFAZADE: It will be better if Karabakh plays with Molde to win
newsonjapan.com - Nov 15
Defender of Agdam “Qarabag” and the Azerbaijani national football team Bahlul Mustafazadeh answered questions from an azerisport.com correspondent.
Naomi Osaka launches latest Nike collection inspired by New York and Japan
tennis.com - Nov 14
Naomi Osaka's latest Nike collection is paying tribute to her heritage and experiences. The former world No. 1's latest Nike collection is inspired by New York and Japan, two places near and dear to her heart.
Who are the New Wrestlers in Top Division? | Sumo Wrestler Spotlight Ep. 10
Sumostew - Nov 12
There are a lot of new wrestlers in Grand Sumo Wrestling to get to know this year. This November Kyushu Basho 2023, there are 4 sumo wrestlers in Makuuchi (sumo top division) that are making their debut.
Ohtani Shohei heads into free agency
NHK - Nov 08
Japanese baseball superstar Ohtani Shohei has officially become an unrestricted free agent and is capable of signing with any Major League team.
Baseball: Hanshin wins Japan Series for first time in 38 years
News On Japan - Nov 05
In the first matchup between two Kansai teams in 59 years, Hanshin Tigers beat Orix Buffaloes 7-1 in game 7 of the Japan Series, claiming their second championship since 1985 and the first in 38 years.
Baseball: Shohei Ohtani named AL's most outstanding in Players Choice Awards
Kyodo - Nov 03
Shohei Ohtani was selected as the American League's Outstanding Player by his peers for the second time in this year's Players Choice Awards announced Thursday.
Surfing Japan's Futuristic Wave Pool
Ben Gravy - Nov 01
Right now we're in Japan at one of the best wave pools in the world.
Baseball: Mune, Tongu lead Buffaloes to 2-1 Japan Series lead
Kyodo - Oct 31
Yuma Mune doubled in two runs and Yuma Tongu hit a solo home run as the Orix Buffaloes edged the Hanshin Tigers 5-4 in Tuesday's Game 3 to lead the best-of-seven Japan Series two games to one.
Japan teenage 'Go' player Nakamura says she needs more competitive environment
NHK - Oct 31
Teenage Japanese "Go" player Nakamura Sumire says she has decided to shift her base of professional activity to South Korea as she finds it necessary for her to study the game in a more competitive environment.
