Sports

JBC says cannabis found in boxer Ioka's December doping test sample

Jun 23 (Japan Today) - The Japan Boxing Commission has revealed that boxer Kazuto Ioka's urine sample taken on Dec 31 showed traces of cannabis.

The announcement came three days before Ioka's rematch against WBA super flyweight champion Joshua Franco of the United States. Their title fight in Tokyo will go ahead as scheduled because the amount of cannabis found was below the World Anti-Doping Agency's detection limit.

"Ioka hasn't taken or used any banned substance," his Shisei Gym said in a statement. "We'll prove his innocence. We wonder why they needed to announce that at this time."

Senior JBC official Tsuyoshi Yasukochi emphasized Thursday that the result did not constitute a doping violation, while saying, "We didn't want to be suspected of a cover-up by revealing it after the match. The Ioka side is cooperative and there is no friction between us."

The sample was taken on the day of the previous match between the two boxers, a two-belt unification fight that ended in a 12-round draw with Ioka fighting as WBO super flyweight champion. ...continue reading

Japanese Lunar Lander Resilience Launched From Kennedy Space Center

A rocket carrying the lunar lander developed by Japanese space venture ispace was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in the United States.

Foreign visitors to Japan hit record high in 2024

The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit an all-time high last year, topping the annual record set before the coronavirus pandemic. Spending by tourists also reached a record high. (NHK)

Yomiuriland’s Ferris Wheel Makes Final Spin

Yomiuriland’s iconic Ferris wheel, cherished by visitors for over four decades, marked its final day of operation on Monday, as fans flocked to bid farewell to the beloved attraction and relive old memories.

Michelin-Star Chef's Exclusive Film Menu

Last month, Chef Kei Kobayashi, the first Asian to earn three Michelin stars in Paris, supervised dishes for the film "Grand Maison Paris." His restaurant in Paris, as well as five branded establishments in Japan, was featured in a special interview. Kobayashi proposed 20 to 30 menu items for the movie, with several dishes now being offered in Japan for a limited time, including a 5,500-yen course at his Gotemba restaurant.

Chiba Celebrates 'Coming of Age' with Mickey

Chiba's Urayasu City hosted a '20-Year Celebration' event at Tokyo DisneySea on Monday, marking the transition to adulthood for local residents.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

Day in the Life of a Car Guy in Japan!

In today's episode, we start out getting some car parts from APIT Super Autobacs. (Dustin Williams)

Interview with Oonosato: 'A New Era of Sumo'

Taking advantage of his blessed physique and quick attack, Oonosato reached the rank of Ozeki in just nine tournaments from his debut, the fastest time since the Showa era, and in his speech at the Ozeki promotion ceremony he vowed to become "the one and only wrestler." He is aiming to reach the same top rank as his master, Oyakata Nishonoseki (former Yokozuna Kisenosato).

Matsuyama Hideki clinches 11th career victory in PGA Tour opener

Japanese golfer Matsuyama Hideki clinched his 11th career PGA Tour victory at the season-opening event on Sunday in the US state of Hawaii. Matsuyama finished with a PGA Tour record total of 35-under par.

Fukuoka Daigaku Ohori Secures Winter Cup Title

In the boys’ final, Fukuoka Daigaku Ohori, last year’s runner-up, dominated the game with captain Yukawa Yuto and 2.06-meter-tall Watanabe Reon leading the scoring efforts.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, expecting their first child

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child, the player announced Saturday. (CBS)

Analyzing NRL Player Pre-Game Routines: Rituals, Superstitions, and Other Such Aspects

The concentration and commitment are two of the most valued aspects of NRL players. However, there is more to them than meets the eye – their superstitions and pre-match rituals.

Guide Runner and Visually Impaired Athlete Aim for World Stage Together

Shinya Wada, a visually impaired world-class para-athlete in track and field, and his guide runner, Takumi Hasebe, strive for the pinnacle of global competition. Their partnership exemplifies trust and communication as essential elements in overcoming challenges.

Former Ozeki Konishiki Reveals Kidney Failure, Receives Transplant From Wife

Konishiki, a former sumo wrestler and current television personality, held a press conference at a hospital in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, on December 23rd, revealing that he had been suffering from kidney failure.

< 2 3 4 5 >