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Martyn Herman
For Martyn Herman's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
The Olympics Aquatics Centre under construction in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on Thursday
SPORTS
Dec 31, 2023
All roads lead to Paris in 2024 in world of sports
The first post-COVID Olympic Games loom large on the horizon, but the two-week extravaganza will merely be the centerpiece for another 12 months of compelling theater.
Protesters against the proposal for a new European Super League outside Chelsea's Stamford Bridge Stadium in London in April 2021.
SOCCER
Dec 22, 2023
Fan power remains European Super League's biggest obstacle
Although a ruling against UEFA was hailed by those still seeking to make the Super League a reality, fan power could once again be their biggest hurdle.
Bobby Charlton scored 249 goals in 758 appearances for Manchester United, as well as 49 goals in 106 caps for England.
SOCCER
Oct 22, 2023
Bobby Charlton, England and Manchester United great, dies at 86
A survivor of the infamous 1958 Munich air crash, Charlton later helped England win its only World Cup and guided United to European glory.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jul 11, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic stay on Wimbledon collision course
Djokovic, bidding for a fifth successive title, took his winning streak at Wimbledon to 32 matches and is now unbeaten on Center Court for a decade.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jul 5, 2023
King Federer back at Wimbledon as Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina shine
Wednesday, when better weather is forecast, will have a manic schedule as the tournament referee attempts to complete the remaining first-round matches in both the men's and women's draws.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jul 4, 2023
Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek begin Wimbledon quests with easy wins
Fickle British weather caused more of a problem than the looming threat of climate change protests, with several first-round matches not completed.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Jan 26, 2023
Belarusian and Russian charge in Melbourne throws spotlight on Wimbledon ban
With the conflict in Ukraine showing no sign of ending, a decision about Russian and Belarusian players competing at the All England Club is pressing.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Dec 17, 2022
Whatever the ending, Qatar World Cup delivered the goods
For a month the so-called beautiful game did, in the words of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, spread some joy.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jul 31, 2022
Euro finalist Lionesses poised to change English game forever
Since a chastening 2009 loss in a half-empty Helsinki Olympic Stadium against a Germany side years ahead in evolution, the women's game in England has changed beyond all recognition.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Oct 6, 2021
Premier League sees home advantage return as crowds grow
After seven rounds of the new campaign, statistics compiled by Nielsen Gracenote show that teams playing in front of their home fans are more likely to win.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 18, 2021
Emma Raducanu in position to cash in after U.S. Open triumph
'She's hugely in demand already but to follow that up with continued success in the majors in tennis will see her rapidly become one of the most marketable athletes on the planet.'
Japan Times
TENNIS
Mar 4, 2019
Nick Kyrgios shaking up tennis world
A few hours after Roger Federer collected the 100th ATP title of his career in Dubai, Nick Kyrgios was preparing for his Mexican Open final against Alexander Zverev — on a jet ski.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on