Hachimura Eyes Aggressive Approach for Lakers-Rockets Playoff Clash The intensity of the NBA postseason is returning, and for Rui Hachimura, the stakes have never felt more immediate. As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to tip off their first-round series against the Houston Rockets on April 18 (April 19 Japan time), the 28-year-old forward is signaling … Read more
Taira Junior Judo Class Kicks Off Fresh Season in Iwaki City The Taira Judo Association has officially launched its youth program for the year, welcoming a new cohort of students to the mats in Fukushima Prefecture. On April 9, the organization held the opening ceremony for the Taira Junior Judo Class at the Iwaki City … Read more
Bracket Set for 98th Spring Prefectural High School Baseball Tournament The road to Nagano has officially begun. The draw for the 98th Spring Prefectural High School Baseball Tournament took place on April 14, 2026, establishing the path for 37 teams competing for a coveted spot in the regional championships. For the athletes and coaches involved, … Read more
Ryuju Nagayama Announces Birth of Second Child Following World Championship Success Japanese judo star Ryuju Nagayama is celebrating a major victory off the tatami. The Paris 2024 Olympic medalist and current world champion announced the birth of his second child on April 12, sharing the news and a photo of the recent sibling with his … Read more
Wolf Along Defends 10 Million Yen Prize, Dominating Six Challengers in ABEMA Special In a high-stakes display of athletic dominance, Wolf Along successfully defended a 10 million yen prize on April 11, 2026, by defeating six consecutive challengers during a special event hosted by the internet television platform ABEMA. The challenge, titled “Get 3 Counts … Read more
Legacy of Grit: Waseda University Baseball Legend Toru Nomura Dies at 89 The Japanese baseball community is mourning the loss of Toru Nomura, the former head coach of the Waseda University baseball team, who passed away on April 8, 2026. Nomura was 89. According to reports, he died from pneumonia, and funeral services will be … Read more
Ibaraki Robots Snap Losing Skid with Narrow Victory Over San-en NeoPhoenix The Ibaraki Robots found their rhythm at the right moment Sunday, securing a hard-fought 84-82 victory over the San-en NeoPhoenix at the Adastria Mito Arena. The win serves as a critical turning point for the East District squad, effectively halting a three-game losing streak … Read more
Balancing the Tatami and the Office: Inside the High-Stakes World of Park24 Judo In the specialized ecosystem of Japanese sports, few structures are as distinct as the corporate team. For the elite athletes of the Park24 judo club, the challenge is not merely defeating an opponent in the dojo, but mastering the dual identity of … Read more
Japan Finalizes National Judo Roster for 2026 World Championships in Baku The All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF) has officially completed its selection process for the individual event representatives heading to the World Judo Championships this October in Baku, Azerbaijan. Following a high-stakes selection tournament in Fukuoka, the federation’s strengthening committee met on April 5 to … Read more
San-en NeoPhoenix Secure Victory as Ibaraki Robots Fall to Three-Game Losing Streak The Ibaraki Robots continue to struggle in the B.League B1 landscape, sliding to a three-game losing streak following a 71-89 defeat against the San-en NeoPhoenix on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The contest, held at the Adastria Mito Arena, saw Ibaraki struggle to maintain … Read more