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 Kaz Nagatsuka

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Kaz Nagatsuka
Kaz Nagatsuka is a staff writer covering Japanese sports, including Japanese professional baseball, basketball, American football and individual sports. He has covered big sporting events such as the World Baseball Classic, the NFL Super Bowl and soccer's World Cup.
For Kaz Nagatsuka's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 18, 2021
Golden Kings left to carry Western Conference in B. League playoffs
The Ryukyu Golden Kings defeated the Toyama Grouses 86-77 in the decisive third game of their B. League playoff quarterfinal series at Okinawa Arena on Monday night.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 17, 2021
Linebacker Les Maruo ready to prove himself with CFL's Blue Bombers
Maruo understands that he needs to do anything he is asked by the coaches and that he will need to show his do-what-it-takes attitude anywhere, including on special teams.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
May 14, 2021
Japan names 20-man provisional basketball roster for Tokyo Olympics
NBA players Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe were among those named to the provisional roster.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 13, 2021
B. League playoffs kick off with plenty of things to watch
After being forced to cancel the playoffs last season, eight B. League teams are ready to vie for the title this year.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 12, 2021
Rise tap former BayStar Takehiro Ishikawa for gridiron conversion
The longtime infielder will attempt to earn a spot on Sagamihara's roster as a wide receiver for the 2021 X League season.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 12, 2021
Nick Fazekas says Brave Thunders are the 'team to beat' in playoffs
The naturalized power forward believes that the team's 'Big Lineup' has what it takes to capture their first-ever B. League championship.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
May 10, 2021
Protesters call for Tokyo Olympics to be canceled
Some members of the protest group delivered speeches criticizing the International Olympic Committee, Tokyo 2020 organizers and the government for pressing ahead with the games.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
May 9, 2021
Former rugby player calls on athletes to speak out on Tokyo Games
Tsuyoshi Hirao, now a professor of sports education, believes that it's time for Olympic participants to take a stand on whether they want the event to go on.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
May 8, 2021
Nako Motohashi not letting injury shut door on Olympic hopes
Motohashi is nearly back to the level she was at before damaging ligaments in her knee.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 3, 2021
Tomoya Machino prepared to embark on new challenge in Canadian Football League
He was one of six Japanese players who had their names called during the league's inaugural Global Draft, going to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the second round.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 2, 2021
Brave Thunders' 'Big Lineup' driving push for first league title
Head coach Kenji Sato has built a dominating on-court presence centered around naturalized center Nick Fazekas and the team's three import players.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Apr 29, 2021
Powerhouse Alvark on verge of missing B. League postseason
While the league has said an Alvark title this year would be considered part of a three-peat, the team's window to even reach the postseason is closing fast.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Apr 27, 2021
Yuki Kawamura hopes to emulate idol Isiah Thomas with Asics deal
The 19-year-old Tokai University point guard is the latest to join Asic's roster of advisors, which includes Japan stars Ryusei Shinoyama and Ramu Tokashiki.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Apr 25, 2021
Tom Hovasse's Akatsuki Five focusing on small ball ahead of Olympics
With star forward Ramu Tokashiki still rehabbing from an ACL injury, Japan will need to find ways to make up for its height disadvantage against group opponents France and the United States.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Apr 23, 2021
Tokyo 2020 organizers stage rugby sevens test event
Thursday's event focused mostly on logistics and measures to cope with COVID-19.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Apr 22, 2021
Injured Ramu Tokashiki not ready to give up on hopes of competing at Tokyo Olympics
Despite suffering a severe knee injury, Ramu Tokashiki has not yet abandoned her hopes of competing at the Summer Olympics.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / NBA
Apr 20, 2021
Hard-working Yuta Watanabe draws praise from Toronto media
The guard/forward's efforts this season have been rewarded after the Raptors signed him to a general NBA contract.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Apr 19, 2021
J. League and NPB not moving behind closed doors
Despite a rise in new COVID-19 cases across Japan, neither Nippon Professional Baseball nor the J. League are considering going back to playing behind closed doors.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Apr 18, 2021
Hideki Matsuyama's Masters win a potential boost for Japan's golf industry
The 29-year-old's triumph at Augusta National, achieved with clubs produced by Japanese manufacturers, could raise sales and bring younger participants to ranges and courses.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Apr 17, 2021
Daiya Seto emerges from scandal with focus on preparing for Tokyo Games
Regardless of what has gone on outside the pool, Daiya Seto has remained one of swimming's top stars and an athlete capable of representing Japan at the highest level.

Longform

Rows of irises resemble a rice field at the Peter Walker-designed Toyota Municipal Museum of Art.
The 'outsiders' creating some of Japan's greenest spaces