Kaz Nagatsuka - The Japan Times

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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:

BASKETBALL

Apr 20, 2007

OSG to defect from JBL: report

Kyodo News reported Wednesday that JBL Super League team OSG Phoenix intends to move to the league's opposing faction, the bj-league, for the 2008-09 season.

BASKETBALL

Apr 18, 2007

Veteran Hasegawa confident Albirex can make bj-league final

Even at age 36, Makoto Hasegawa is still on fire.

MORE SPORTS

Apr 17, 2007

Team Japan takes big steps

KAWASAKI -- There was anxiety and issues quickly piled up. But a first step is always like that in sports, especially when you build a team that represents a country.

Japan Times

BASKETBALL / ONE-ON-ONE WITH ...

Apr 15, 2007

Okabayashi bridges communication gap for HeatDevils on, off court

The Japan Times will be featuring periodic interviews with figures in the bj-league -- Japan's first professional basketball circuit -- which is in its second season. Kyoko Okabayashi of the Oita HeatDevils is the subject of this week's profile.

MORE SPORTS

Apr 8, 2007

Big plans for hockey during centennial year in Japan

Those who follow the sport of hockey in Japan will be as enthusiastic as ever from now on.

MORE SPORTS

Mar 20, 2007

Japan coach runs the rule at camp ahead of IFAF worlds

Through his signature big jet-black sunglasses, head coach Toshiaki Abe looks at the gridiron contemplating on which players he may have to call upon this coming summer.

BASKETBALL

Mar 16, 2007

Veteran sharpshooter Orimo hopes to fire Japan into Olympics

YOKOHAMA -- No matter how many years have gone by and how many young talents have appeared, one fact has not changed a bit since 14 years ago: swingman Takehiko Orimo can shoot a basketball better than any one in Japan.

BASKETBALL / ONE-ON-ONE WITH ...

Mar 11, 2007

Takamatsu's Nakagawa reaped benefits from time spent playing pro ball overseas

The Japan Times will be featuring periodic interviews with players in the bj-league -- Japan's first professional basketball circuit -- which is in its second season. Kazuyuki Nakagawa of the Takamatsu Five Arrows is the subject of this week's profile.

MORE SPORTS

Mar 6, 2007

Minagawa stays upbeat despite season-ending knee injury

He goes into the dining room, glances at the names of various dishes on the menu and selects one meal without hesitation.

BASKETBALL / ONE-ON-ONE WITH ...

Feb 25, 2007

Suzuki takes pride in heady play

The Japan Times will be featuring periodic interviews with players in the bj-league -- Japan's first professional basketball circuit -- which is in its second season. Yukinori Suzuki of the Oita HeatDevils is the subject of this week's profile.

BASKETBALL

Feb 20, 2007

Guard Kusaka is 89ers' point of light

This guy's first name tells exactly what he exhibits for himself on the floor -- if not brightest, Hikaru Kusaka gives off light for the Sendai 89ers.

MORE SPORTS

Feb 15, 2007

Thomas walks away a winner, maybe not a Raven

HONOLULU -- After the game, there was a beaming smile on Adalius Thomas' face. No wonder -- he had just returned a Marc Bulger fumble for a touchdown in the AFC's 31-28 win over the NFC in the Pro Bowl on Sunday.

MORE SPORTS

Feb 5, 2007

Friendship comes before history

MIAMI -- Today's Super Bowl XLI will not be just a historical game between the first two of African-American head coaches to face each other in the big game for the first time.

MORE SPORTS

Feb 4, 2007

Giants, Bears set for 2007 NFL game in London

Football will not necessarily mean soccer after this summer for the British.

BASKETBALL

Jan 26, 2007

Diminutive Aoki no pushover at point

Even at only 167 cm, Kohei Aoki stands tall.

MORE SPORTS

Jan 25, 2007

NFL Japan raising level of play

A quarterback throws the ball, but it doesn't necessarily have a beautiful spiral and barely reaches a wide receiver who is 25 yards away.

BASKETBALL / ONE-ON-ONE WITH ...

Jan 14, 2007

Evessa's Joho takes pride in sharpshooting skills

The Japan Times will be featuring periodic interviews with players in the bj-league -- Japan's first professional basketball circuit --which is in its second season. Masashi Joho of the reigning champion Osaka Evessa is the subject of this week's profile.

Japan Times

MORE SPORTS

Dec 20, 2006

Focused Matsui aims to promote squash

When the name of the sport is mentioned, most people would probably say they have heard of it. But they probably don't know how difficult it is to play it in Japan.

BASKETBALL

Dec 14, 2006

bj-league plans to keep new ball

A bj-league official said Wednesday that the league isn't planning to change its official game ball back to the old leather ball -- at least for now.

BASKETBALL / ONE-ON-ONE WITH ...

Dec 10, 2006

'Nice eyes' Yoshida can read moves in bj-league

The Japan Times will be featuring periodic interviews with players in Japan's bj-league -- the nation's first pro basketball circuit -- which is in its second season. Taira Yoshida of the Sendai 89ers is the subject of this week's profile.

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

Things may look perfect to the outside world, but today's mom is fine with some imperfection at home.

How 'Reiwa moms' are reshaping motherhood in Japan

By Mai Yoshikawa

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Live like a lord or lady for a night at Ozu Castle

Live like a lord or lady for a night at Ozu Castle

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