Barbara Bayer - The Japan Times

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Barbara Bayer

For Barbara Bayer's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

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May 21, 2001

Desormeaux first foreign rider to win a Japan classic

American Kent Desormeaux, aboard Lady Pastel, made racing history Sunday in the Oaks by becoming the first foreign jockey to win a Japanese classic.

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Apr 30, 2001

T.M. Opera O wins third straight Emperor's Cup

KYOTO -- Back in form, T.M. Opera O again ran like the champion he is, winning his third consecutive Emperor's Cup on Sunday by a half-length over Irish-bred Meisho Doto. The crowd was behind the 5-year-old chestnut, pushing him to the fore at the betting window as the odds-on favorite despite a disappointing fourth-place finish in his last race, the April 1 Hanshin Cup (G2). This time there was no holding him back. Easily flipping up a gear in the stretch, T.M. Opera O pulled to the front with 300 meters left in the 3,200-meter marathon and resumed his spot in the winner's circle. His winning time was 3 minutes 16.2 seconds.

COMMUNITY

Apr 29, 2001

Gimme shelter: animals in need

Picking out an adorable puppy from a pet-shop window, plunking one's money down and carrying the furry bundle home is fun. It's easy. It's gratifying. Literally warm and fuzzy, it's a feel-good situation.

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Apr 16, 2001

Agnes Tachyon claims first leg of Triple Crown

FUNABASHI, Chiba Pref. -- Overwhelming race favorite Agnes Tachyon captured the Japanese Triple Crown's first leg with a 11/2-length victory in the Satsukisho on Sunday at Nakayama Race Course.

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Feb 19, 2001

Nobo True pockets year's first G1

American-bred Nobo True was right on the mark Sunday as he extended his winning streak to three with a 1 1/4-length victory over race favorite Wing Arrow in the February Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse.

COMMUNITY

Dec 28, 2000

Rescue center flies in the face of despair

Passersby are sure to do a double take when they see the wooden building on the corner of the busy intersection in Kawasaki, 15 minutes walk from Musashi Nakahara Station.

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Dec 25, 2000

T.M. Opera caps record year with Arima victory

FUNABASHI, Chiba Pref. -- It was a fitting end to a century. A fitting end to a year. This year's best horse took the honors from start to finish.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY

Dec 14, 2000

Network crusades for dogs in distress

If the pope were to visit Yokohama, he would have to consider Kiyoto Kitaura for sainthood, for the modern-day St. Francis is nothing short of a godsend to animals in need.

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Nov 27, 2000

T.M. Opera O wins Japan Cup

International company failed to stop Japan's champion, as the record favorite T.M. Opera O bested the competition yet again, this time for his seventh race straight, with a neck win of the 20th running of the Japan Cup at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY

Nov 23, 2000

Nurturing respect for all creatures great and small

For anyone with a passing knowledge of animal rights, or even a concern for the humane treatment of animals, Japan can seem a cold and uncaring place.

Japan Times

COMMUNITY

Nov 9, 2000

Dignity and happiness in the final stretch

Hokkaido, specifically the southern coastal area -- Hidaka, Niikappu, Shizunai, Urakawa -- comprises the breeding and training center of Japanese racing. Farms filled with stallions and broodmares, foals and youngsters dot the area.

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Oct 30, 2000

T.M. Opera O wins Emperor's Cup

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May 29, 2000

Agnes Flight triumphs in Japan Derby thriller

It was a dream race, the 67th Japan Derby, the kind of race you'll always remember.

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May 22, 2000

Silk Prima Donna wins Oaks

Race favorite Silk Prima Donna held off the field for a neck win of the 61st running of the Japanese Oaks (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday.

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May 1, 2000

T.M. Opera O races to Emperor's Cup win

KYOTO -- The competition was high but the return rock-bottom on Sunday as the four top picks crossed the finish line in exact order of their popularity in the spring Emperor's Cup. Race favorite T.M. Opera O topped the field of 12 by three-quarters of a length in the 3,200-meter Grade I classic followed by Rascal Suzuka, Narita Top Road and Stay Gold in that order. Jockey Ryuji Wada said he more or less let the 4-year-old colt run his own race. "He was feeling good, almost too good so I let him go. I just kind of showed him the way," the 22-year-old said. Wada held T.M. Opera O to a position forward of midfield and just off the pace behind frontrunners Tamamo Inazuma and Leo Ryuho until the final turn. Into the straight the "three powers" moved to the front with T.M. Opera O on top and Narita Top Road close behind. Yutaka Take and Rascal Suzuka made their bid on the outside and succeeded in catching Top Road in the final stride.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.

Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

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