The professional basketball bj-league has rescinded its ban on media access by The Japan Times with immediate effect. The ban was instituted on Oct. 11, 2013, and continued for more than 17 months.
The bj-league informed The Japan Times of the decision via e-mail on March 26. The move was done unconditionally, and The Japan Times now has access to media credentials for games and to players, coaches and executives for interviews.
The ban was issued in a dispute over an article by staff writer Ed Odeven on July 12, 2013, regarding the Kyoto Hannaryz and remained in place for the entire 2013-14 season and the current campaign.