Japan secured its third mixed team judo title at the Asian Games on December 3, defeating Kazakhstan 4-0 in the final at the Aichi International Arena to capture the nation’s ninth gold medal in the sport. Kazakhstan Final Sweep Caps Four-Win Run The mixed team event served as the final judo competition of the Games. … Read more
Kei Nishikori closed the chapter on his 19-year professional tennis career on October 1, 2026, falling 4–6, 4–6 to second-seeded Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Kinoshita Group Japan Open at Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo. Nishikori, a former world No. 4 and a central figure in Asian tennis history, shed tears on the … Read more
The South Korean national football team suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Uruguay in an international friendly match, leaving domestic media outlets starkly contrasting their current rebuilding phase with Japan’s established organization under head coach Hajime Moriyasu. Soccer media in South Korea reported widespread gloom following the result, pointing directly to a widening competitive gap … Read more
Japan’s medal total at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya reached 217 on October 1, driven by a surge of five medals in judo and four in wrestling, according to reporting by topics.smt.docomo.ne.jp. By the 22:00 announcement on the 12th day of competition, the Japanese delegation captured nine gold, two silver, and six bronze medals, … Read more
The U-21 Japan national football team advanced to its fourth major Asian tournament final on September 30, defeating U-21 Uzbekistan 9–8 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in the Asian Games semifinals, according to tournament reports. Under head coach Go Oiwa, the squad has managed rigorous tournament schedules by utilizing sweeping roster changes throughout the … Read more
Uruguay secured a 4–1 victory over South Korea in an international friendly on September 28, reversing a 3–1 defeat to Japan just four days prior. The decisive win in Seoul ended an eight-match winless run and marked the first victory for manager Diego Forlán in his debut stint. Darwin Núñez scored twice to break a … Read more
Yasuhiro Yamashita, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic judo gold medalist and former head of the Japanese Olympic Committee, sat in a Tokyo green room wearing a blond hairstyle that starkly contrasted with his public image. Confined to an electric wheelchair and with his upper body secured by a belt and harness, Yamashita discussed his physical … Read more
At the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japanese athlete Ken Daikichi claimed a bronze medal in the men’s 81kg Kurash competition at the Aichi Budokan on August 28. Marking a high-profile transition from elite judo to the traditional Central Asian wrestling discipline, Daikichi overcame early tactical battles and aggressive throw techniques to reach the tournament's … Read more
FIFA Rankings Update: Croatia Surpasses Germany as Italy’s Defeat Narrows Gap With Japan The latest FIFA world ranking updates following recent UEFA Nations League fixtures and international friendlies have introduced significant shifts at the top, highlighted by Croatia overtaking Germany and the Ivory Coast climbing into the top 30. For the Japan national team, positioned … Read more
Twenty-three supporters from Shimizu S-Pulse and JEF United Chiba gathered at the IAI Stadium Nihondaira tennis courts for a special walking football exchange event. Held ahead of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Matchday 8 fixture between the two clubs, the gathering brought together 12 S-Pulse fans and 11 Chiba supporters for an afternoon centered on … Read more