During a guest appearance on an ABEMA broadcast covering Rally Paraguay—a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) that concluded on August 30—Olympic gold medalist and prominent Japanese judoka Uta Abe discussed her passion for American automobiles, highlighting a high-performance vehicle equipped with over 300 horsepower that she purchased despite its manufacturer having already exited … Read more
Paris Olympic silver medalist Sanshiro Murao celebrated his 26th birthday surrounded by celebratory cake and glowing sparklers, sharing a message of resilience with supporters as he looks ahead to the next phase of his competitive judo career. The 90-kilogram judoka, competing for JES Elevator, marked his milestone birthday by posting updates to his personal social … Read more
Japanese-born judoka Kosuke Mashiyama announced an unprecedented career shift on October 28, confirming via Instagram that he has acquired Mongolian citizenship and will compete under the Mongolian flag in upcoming international events, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. Mashiyama, a 27-year-old former member of the Japanese national judo team, shared a photograph of a … Read more
After a life-altering accident in an open-air bath, 1984 Los Angeles Olympics judo gold medalist Yasuhiro Yamashita has opened up about the physical reality of his recovery. In a television interview, he explained that a sudden loss of consciousness caused a two-meter fall. The Hakone Hot Spring Fall That Changed Everything Yamashita, the 69-year-old former … Read more
Kei Nishikori has resumed high-intensity training sessions, including early morning practices with 20-year-old world No. 16 Holger Rune, as he prepares for a return to the ATP Tour. The veteran Japanese star is utilizing these sessions to regain match fitness and timing after a prolonged absence from competitive play due to injury. Nishikori’s Preparation for … Read more
The Mitsui Fudosan Cup: A Catalyst for the Japan Women’s National Basketball Team’s Global Ascent The Mitsui Fudosan Cup has served as a critical developmental bridge for the Japan women’s national basketball team, providing a high-stakes competitive environment that has helped the squad transition into a consistent global contender. By hosting elite international opponents on … Read more
The Japan men’s national basketball team is facing a critical evaluation of its tactical consistency and player management following a volatile stretch of performances, highlighted by a dominant victory over China and a subsequent comeback loss to South Korea. The team’s ability to maintain intensity across different opponent profiles remains the primary hurdle as they … Read more
Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) announced on Wednesday that Yoko Tanabe, a judo Olympic medalist, has been appointed as its new president, according to an official statement from the organization. The 60-year-old former judoka, who won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, will assume the role effective immediately, marking a significant shift in the … Read more
The Japan Professional Tennis Association (JPTA) and the Japan Stringing Association (JSA) have formalized a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing the quality of tennis infrastructure and expanding the sport’s reach across Japan. This initiative focuses on standardizing equipment maintenance and improving the technical environment for players at all levels, from grassroots enthusiasts to competitive professionals. … Read more
Hoshoryu Encounters Judo Legend Teddy Riner After Paris Exhibition Ozeki Hoshoryu, currently one of the most prominent figures in professional sumo, recently crossed paths with French judo icon Teddy Riner during his return from a promotional tour in Paris. The meeting, which took place following the conclusion of Japan’s recent cultural exhibition events in the … Read more