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Japan Times
WORLD
Jan 11, 2023

Turning a snowless ski resort into a national park is complicated

A dispute in Spain has become an example of the tensions that arise when efforts to restore nature clash with economic interests and even long-standing traditions.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Dec 16, 2022

IOC at odds with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over Russian athletes at Olympics

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said the Olympics have a unifying mission when he spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who called for a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, the IOC said on Thursday.
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Dec 12, 2022

With FIFA World Cup rights, Abema looks to score livestreaming win

The platform's purchase of broadcast rights for all games — possibly costing as much as u00a520 billion ($146 million) — is part of a strong push to grow its audience.
SOCCER / World cup
Dec 6, 2022

Penalty shootout agony for fans as Japan's World Cup dream comes to a disappointing end

Devastated fans brave rain and a midnight start to watch the Samurai Blue's historic chance at a quarterfinal appearance slip through their fingers.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Nov 23, 2022

A Saudi soccer victory rings out across the Arab world

Few had given the Saudis a chance of winning a game at the tournament, much less overcoming the might of Argentina and Lionel Messi, arguably the finest player the sport has ever seen.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Nov 9, 2022

WWE plans long-term push in Africa with tryouts and partnerships

The world's top pro wrestling promotion is joining other major North American sports leagues, such as the NBA and NFL, who have targeted the continent as a growth market.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Oct 20, 2022

Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi greeted as hero after competing without hijab

Climber apologizes for causing concern as doubts swirl about her safety.
Japan Times
Figure Skating
Oct 13, 2022

Former skater Sarah Abitbol 'feels punished' for speaking out about sexual abuse

Former figure skating star Sarah Abitbol lifted the lid on sexual abuse in sports in France by revealing she was raped by her former coach as a teenager — but says she feels she was "punished" as a result.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Oct 2, 2022

NFL plans concussion protocol changes after Tua Tagovailoa incident

In a joint statement, the National Football League and NFL Players Association said conversations are already under way and changes are likely soon.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Oct 2, 2022

Russia slams idea of making athletes condemn war in order to compete

Responding to a proposal from IOC President Thomas Bach, one sports federation chief said Olympic participation should not require athletes to become 'traitors.'
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Sep 29, 2022

Slots to smartphones: Pandemic sends Australia's gambling problem online

Already the world's biggest gambling nation in terms of loss per person, Australia has seen a shift in betting behavior since the pandemic-forced closure of public venues.
Japan Times
BASEBALL / MLB
Sep 23, 2022

Yankees' Aaron Judge captivates baseball with home run pursuit

The debate over who should win American League MVP between Judge and Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani has also invigorated a sport slumping in popularity.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 16, 2022

Roger Federer to call time on glittering career after next week's Laver Cup

The 41-year-old, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles and re-defined a sport with his artistry and grace, broke the news tennis fans across the world have long dreaded.
Japan Times
TENNIS
Sep 4, 2022

Serena Williams in the broadcast booth? The ball is in her court

Industry officials say the former world No. 1 and 23-time Grand Slam winner would be welcomed with open arms were she to take on a commentary role after she retires.
Japan Times
WORLD
Sep 3, 2022

What's in a name? Czechs learn to live in 'Czechia'

Nearly three decades after Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two states, Czechs are still looking for a proper name in English for their country.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 17, 2022

Germany may consider Olympic bid after multi-sport Munich event

The Bavarian capital is hosting the European Championships, with large crowds flocking to venues that are still in regular use after having been built for the 1972 Summer Games.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Aug 16, 2022

Premier League celebrates 30-year rise to global dominance

In 1992, England's top clubs broke with 104 years of tradition by splitting from the Football League and controversially creating a 'super league' which would keep its own income.
Ippei Mizuhara interprets for Shohei Ohtani during the baseball star's introductory news conference with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Dec. 14.
BASEBALL
May 10, 2024

Gambling scandal involving Shohei Ohtani's interpreter being turned into TV series

The shocking gambling scandal surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, which made headlines across the world earlier this year, is already heading to television.
Nadezhda Sokolova competes against Elizaveta Smirnova in the 50kg women's final at the Russian Pre-Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Championship at the Live Arena venue outside Moscow on May 1.
OLYMPICS
Jun 4, 2024

Russian wrestlers set on competing in Paris Olympics

The Games have been racked by Ukraine-related controversy in the buildup to their July 26 start.
Dutch runner Abdi Nageeye (center) wears a continuous glucose monitor on his upper left arm as he competes in the 2022 Rotterdam marathon in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in April 2022.
OLYMPICS
Jun 11, 2024

Olympic athletes turn to diabetes tech in pursuit of medals

Continuous glucose monitors were developed for use by diabetes patients but their makers also spy opportunities in sports and wellness.
Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden at Adi-Dassler-Sportplatz in Herzogenaurach, Germany, on June 10.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 25, 2024

Adidas CEO rides Samba craze to revive brand after Ye debacle

Adidas' stocks have more than doubled from when Bjorn Gulden was announced as the new boss 18 months ago.
Sports announcer Al Michaels during an event in 2015
OLYMPICS
Jun 27, 2024

NBC brings AI version of legendary broadcaster to Olympic coverage

Narration by Al Michaels generated using artificial intelligence will voice the recaps that will be personalized to individual viewers of NBC's Peacock streaming service.
Ukrainians walk past the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee to protest the organization's plan to have Russian athletes compete in Paris under a neutral flag.
OLYMPICS
Jul 18, 2024

Russian athletes headed to Paris break IOC’s rules, NGO says

A total of 33 out of 59 athletes were in violation of the IOC’s guidelines on participation, a report from The Hague-based Global Rights Compliance concluded.
Akari Fujinami leapt into the arms of her father and coach after she became an Olympic champion in the women's 53-kg freestyle wrestling class on Aug. 8.
OLYMPICS
Aug 15, 2024

The emotional highs — and lows — of competing for Japan at the Olympics

From golden celebrations like that of wrestler Akari Fujinami to crushing defeats of stars like Uta Abe, Japanese athletes let it all out during the Paris Games.
Morinari Watanabe speaks during an interview on Wednesday in Tokyo
OLYMPICS
Sep 28, 2024

IOC presidential candidate Watanabe vows to update Olympics

Watanabe, 65, said he is seeking the IOC's top post with the believe that "there are things that must be done for children and the athletes who perform in Olympic Games."
The Australian team has connected with the residents of Fuchu during their time in the city.
BASEBALL
Nov 8, 2024

Fuchu becomes home away from home for Australia before Premier12

The Australians have been coming to the Western Tokyo city since 2018.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe speaks during an interview on Friday.
OLYMPICS
Nov 27, 2024

World Athletics chief 'very pleased' with India's Olympic interest but warns of hurdles

Coe, 68, a two-time Olympic champion in the 1,500 meters, is one of seven people bidding to be the next president of the International Olympic Committee.
Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, on Jan. 26, the final day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament
SUMO / INSIDE SUMO
Mar 5, 2025

Can sumo avoid becoming another soulless corporate sport?

Whether sumo also falls into the trap of creating greater separation between supporters and athletes remains to be seen.

Longform

A small shrine perched atop rocks braves the waves hitting the shoreline during a storm in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture. The area is under threat of a possible 31-meter-high tsunami if an earthquake strikes the nearby Nankai Trough.
If the 'Big One' hits, this city could face a 31-meter-high tsunami