Rich Freeman - The Japan Times

Today's print edition

Subscribe for more access

Meta

Rich Freeman

For Rich Freeman's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

Rugby

Aug 21, 2015

Brave Blossoms aim to beat Uruguay, but put emphasis on World Cup selections

Japan takes on Uruguay on Saturday on the back of a four-game losing streak. Not the ideal preparation for a side about to embark on a Rugby World Cup campaign.

Japan Times

Rugby

Aug 19, 2015

Jones admits to Stormers talks

Japan coach Eddie Jones admitted Tuesday he was in talks with the Stormers, but he stopped short of saying he had signed a deal with the Cape Town-based Super Rugby side.

Japan Times

Rugby

Aug 12, 2015

Match against Japan serious business for members of World XV

Any thoughts local rugby fans had that this weekend's game between a World XV and Japan meant little to the visitors other than a chance to have a fun week in Tokyo were dispelled Wednesday by none other than renowned rugby comic Nick Cummins.

Rugby

Aug 5, 2015

Wallaby-heavy World XV squad set to face Japan

The World XV to take on Japan at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Aug. 15 was announced Wednesday and it contains a number of Wallabies still hoping to make it to this year's Rugby World Cup.

Rugby

Jul 30, 2015

Tui snubs Japan's Super Rugby side

Japan's new Super Rugby team took another knock Thursday with the news that Hendrik Tui had opted to re-sign with the Queensland Rugby Union and play for the Reds next season.

Japan Times

Rugby

Jul 15, 2015

Four years early, Rugby World Cup organizers launch kickoff in Tokyo

The eyes of the rugby world may be on World Cup 2015, which kicks off in England in 65 days, but for 12 cities in Japan sights are set a little further ahead as they marked the official kickoff of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Japan Times

Rugby

Jul 9, 2015

Jones insists World Cup places still up for grabs

The Brave Blossoms fly to North America on Sunday for the Pacific Nations Cup, knowing there are still Rugby World Cup places on the line.

Rugby

Jul 8, 2015

Free agent Hopgood determined to make World Cup squad

Japan has for many years been criticized for the number of non-Japan-born players playing for its national rugby team.

Rugby

Jun 20, 2005

Ireland too strong for Brave Blossoms

Japan ended its 2005 international rugby campaign on a losing note as it went down 47-18 to Ireland at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya on Sunday.

SPORTS / SPORTS SCOPE

Jun 16, 2005

Ireland's defeat of Japan doesn't paint the whole picture

To borrow a phrase from those that usually watch the boys in silky shorts run around after a round ball -- "It's a funny old game."

SPORTS / SPORTS SCOPE

Jun 12, 2005

Johnson gives his backing to Japan's bid

The Japan Rugby Football Union's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2011 received the backing and support of rugby legend Martin Johnson on Friday.

SPORTS / SPORTS SCOPE

Jun 11, 2005

Eyes of rugby world on New Zealand as Lions fans fly in

Even though the final decision as to who will host the 2011 Rugby World Cup will not be made until November, the next few weeks will be crucial for the three countries hoping to host sport's third biggest event.

Japan Times

Rugby

May 30, 2005

Canada downs Japan to take Toshiba Super Cup

Canada won the Toshiba Super Cup at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya on Sunday, beating Japan 15-10 in the final.

Rugby

May 26, 2005

Brave Blossoms fell Romanian Oaks to set up rugby final against Canucks

Daisuke Ohata may well be the pin-up boy of Japanese rugby but 19-year-old Ayumu Goromaru is the face of the future and the two combined on Wednesday to send Japan into the final of the Toshiba Super Cup as the Brave Blossoms beat the Oaks of Romania 23-16 at Tokyo's National Stadium.

SPORTS / SPORTS SCOPE

May 21, 2005

Johnson gets ready for night out in Tokyo

Rugby fans, collectors of sports memorabilia, lovers of sporting trivia and those that enjoy the dry sarcastic humor made famous by British comedians over the years are in for a treat on June 10 at Tokyo's Westin Hotel.

Japan Times

Rugby

May 19, 2005

Celebrities line up to support Japan's bid to host RWC

The Japan Rugby Football Union rolled out the celebrities on Tuesday in support for its bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby

May 10, 2005

Japan makes RWC 2011 bid official

The Japan Rugby Football Union formally presented its bid to host Rugby World Cup 2011 to the International Rugby Board on Monday.

Rugby

May 9, 2005

Japan steamrolls Hong Kong 91-3 in Rugby WC qualifier

Japan opened its qualifying campaign for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in emphatic style on Sunday with a 91-3 drubbing of Hong Kong at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya Rugby Field.

Rugby

May 2, 2005

Kiwis school Japanese in university rugby match

It only took three minutes for Christian Loamanu to show rugby fans at Tokyo's Chichibunomiya on Sunday the raw talent that led him to become the youngest ever player to play for Japan on its recent tour of South America.

Rugby

Apr 19, 2005

Loamanu shines in historic debut for Japan

Christian Loamanu rewrote the Japanese rugby history books on Saturday, as Japan took on Uruguay in Montevideo.

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

Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

Spotlighting a Niigata castle town through sushi

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS

SUPPLEMENTS BINDER

international-reports