As Sunday Morning host Takako Zenba chuckled on air over a televised judo clip, social media erupted with public criticism over her reaction to an athlete being bitten on the arm during the 20th Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan. Takako Zenba Laughs on Air During Sunday Morning Broadcast In the quarterfinal match, Japanese … Read more
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
At the Asian Games judo tournament in Nagoya, Japan, Huh Mimi claimed the gold medal in the women’s 57-kilogram division at the Aichi International Arena, standing atop the podium to hear the South Korean national anthem play as she held back tears. Tears on the Podium at Aichi International Arena The 2002-born judoka, representing the … 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
The Hiroshima Carp announced the release of four players—infielder Kaito Kozono, infielder Masaya Yano, outfielder Shunsuke Tamura, and infielder Seita Maekawa—following a series of legal and disciplinary controversies involving controlled substances and prohibited activities. Contract Terminations Announced by Hiroshima Front Office On Oct. 1, 2026, Hiroshima Carp general manager Kiyoaki Suzuki informed the four players … Read more
At the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on September 30, Japanese judoka Hayato Kondo and his younger sister Mizuki Kondo achieved a rare sibling golden double, capturing titles in their respective weight classes at the IG Arena. Hayato Kondo, 25, secured the men’s 60-kilogram division gold, while Mizuki Kondo, 21, claimed the top podium spot in the … Read more
The Japan Basketball Association has entered into a growth partnership with Dentsu Inc., formalizing an agreement designed to accelerate the commercial and competitive expansion of the sport nationwide. Announced on Oct. 1, 2026, the collaboration tasks the Tokyo-based firm with assisting the governing body across multiple operational fronts under the banner of “ONE Basketball.” The … Read more