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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
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball
Nov 23, 2020
Dragons ace Yudai Ono wins Sawamura Award
Ono is the ninth Dragons pitcher to win the award and first since Kenshin Kawakami in 2004.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Nov 22, 2020
Seagulls reach Japan X Bowl after dramatic goal-line stand
The Obic Seagulls extended their 2020 season and punched their ticket to the Japan X Bowl after an extraordinary ending in their season-finale victory over the Panasonic Impulse on Saturday.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Nov 20, 2020
Rise quarterback Kurt Palandech eager to impress in shortened season
The UNLV graduate's X League debut was delayed until earlier this month due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Nov 19, 2020
Akatsuki Five gets back to work amid pandemic
Japan's men's national basketball team hasn't been able to carry out any team activities since February due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Nov 18, 2020
Nebraska coaches confident Keisei Tominaga can make big impact
Hoiberg introduced the 19-year-old as the “Japanese Steph Curry,” a sign of his confidence Tominaga will make a splash in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Nov 16, 2020
B. League All-Star Game to become two-day event
The first night of the All-Star event will feature a skills challenge, dunk contest and three-point contest. The All-Star Game will be played the next day.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Nov 14, 2020
Tokyo Samurai gradually changing face of Japanese basketball
The Tokyo Samurai squad, formed in 2014, is a unique presence on the Japanese youth basketball scene.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Nov 12, 2020
T. League officials upbeat ahead of third campaign
Despite the the T. League being forced to open its third season behind closed doors due to COVID-19, officials are hoping to continue to expand the table tennis circuit's fanbase.
Japan Times
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Nov 11, 2020
Former UCLA player Tatsuaki Shojima finds footing with Seagulls
The Tokyo native, who grew up in California, remained positive after missing out on the pros in the United States on the way toward earning a starting role for the X League club.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Nov 10, 2020
Japan women's coach Tom Hovasse looks to unearth new talent at camp
The Akatsuki Five's first meeting in nine months offers the American coach a look at players who might not have made his Olympic roster if the games had taken place as scheduled.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Oct 31, 2020
Japan Equestrian Federation hopes to use Tokyo Olympics to raise sport's profile
Hosting events during the Olympics is the perfect opportunity to advertise and promote the sport in Japan.
Japan Times
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball
Oct 27, 2020
Heat Bears officials stunned after Junichi Tazawa goes undrafted
The former Red Sox reliever was eligible for this year's draft after NPB abolished his namesake rule.
Japan Times
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Oct 25, 2020
Kicker Toshiki Sato gears up for long-awaited Spring League test
With the tutelage of a former pro kicker, the Yokohama native is aiming to become the NFL's first Japanese player.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Oct 24, 2020
Tokyo unveils cutting-edge Olympic swimming venue
Tokyo Aquatics Centre will host swimming, artistic swimming and diving during the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Oct 23, 2020
Big man Muusa Dama all smiles after final game for Sunrockers
The 207-cm center impressed his coach and teammates during his seven-game stint on loan from the B3's Veltex Shizuoka.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Oct 22, 2020
Rival Brex, Jets try to make most of fewer chances to play each other
Having been in the same conference since the B. League's inaugural season in 2016-17, constant clashes have led to a rivalry between the two teams.
Japan Times
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Oct 20, 2020
Delayed X League season gets underway with fewer teams
A shortened regular season and mandatory mouth shields are among changes put into effect due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Oct 19, 2020
Basketball's Winter Cup to be held in December
The Japan Basketball Association announced Monday that it would host the annual All-Japan High School Tournament in December.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Oct 19, 2020
NPB-J. League COVID-19 task force to take more data-oriented approach to virus issue
The sports bodies have sought input from epidemiologists and other experts as they seek ways to boost attendance at games.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Oct 13, 2020
Brave Thunders retires former stars' numbers after half-year delay
Sunday's ceremony honoring Takuya Kita and Takahiro Setsumasa had been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Longform

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