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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.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 30, 2019
In Shanghai, Japan begins final preparations for FIBA World Cup
Two days before their first game at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Japan men's national team members still looked relaxed, but at the same time they were certainly aware that the clock is ticking.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 28, 2019
Former Japan stars praise growth
Former Japan men's basketball players Takehiko Orimo and Kei Igarashi are grateful the team's current iteration has raised its level in order to compete on the global level.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 27, 2019
Japan's history in global basketball tournament
The Japan men's national team will make its first appearance at the FIBA World Cup, which was formerly called the FIBA World Championship, since the 2006 edition in Japan. The Akatsuki Five have punched a ticket to it on their own for the first time since 1998.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 27, 2019
Ex-NBA big man Nick Fazekas targets round of 16, offers advice to Rui Hachimura
That the Japan men's national team won eight games in a row after a 0-4 start in the Asian Qualifiers to secure a spot in the FIBA World Cup was one of the best things that have ever happened to the country's hoop scene.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 27, 2019
Expectations rise for Japan at 32-team FIBA World Cup
Making its fifth-ever appearance at the FIBA World Cup, Japan will dispatch arguably its best-ever squad on the global stage.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 26, 2019
Japan focused on success at FIBA World Cup
With the FIBA World Cup just around the corner, the Japan men's national team will head to China with confidence, but also with some issues that need to be fixed.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 24, 2019
Japan rallies in second half to beat Germany
The arena DJ encouraged the jam-packed, 18,355 fans at Saitama Super Arena saying, "Louder! Louder!"
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 22, 2019
Argentina's experience pays off in victory over Japan
Japan competed resiliently against world No. 5 Argentina but fell 108-93 in a warm-up contest for the FIBA World Cup at Saitama Super Arena on Thursday night.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 21, 2019
Tomoa Narasaki climbs to gold at world championships, punches ticket for 2020 Olympics
Tomoa Narasaki entered the world championships vowing to not only shoot for an Olympic berth but for the gold medal as well.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Aug 20, 2019
Sport climbers Janja Garnbret, Akiyo Noguchi achieve dream by qualifying for 2020 Olympics
Olympic favorite Janja Garnbret defended her world title, while Akiyo Noguchi secured a spot for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a runner-up finish in the women's combined event at the IFSC World Championships at Esforta Arena Hachioji on Tuesday.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Aug 19, 2019
Optimism, temperatures rise during test event
The deadly summer heat in Tokyo has been one of the major ongoing issues for athletes and organizers as Japan prepares to host the 2020 Olympics.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 14, 2019
New Zealand gets best of Japan's 'Big Three' in warm-up game
Japan’s men’s national team was left with a bitter pill to swallow after a 104-87 loss against New Zealand on Wednesday in a warm-up game at Culttz Kawasaki for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 12, 2019
Rui Hachimura's 35 points drive Akatsuki Five to exhibition win over New Zealand
NBA first-round draftee Rui Hachimura navigated Japan to a 99-89 victory over New Zealand on Monday, delivering a stellar performance in Japan's first warmup exhibition ahead of the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 10, 2019
Top climbers seeking to use world championships in Hachioji as springboard to 2020 Games
Japanese climbers are fired up to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics during the IFSC Climbing World Championships, which kicks off on home soil on Sunday.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Aug 6, 2019
Hinako Shibuno stunned by her achievement
Hinako Shibuno made a heroic return home Tuesday evening after becoming a household name by winning the Women's British Open on Sunday.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Aug 5, 2019
Japanese stars turn attention to Tokyo Games
Japan's summer heat may be starting to ramp up, but most of the country's elite swimmers are entering a cool-down period.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Aug 3, 2019
'Big Three' give Japan high hopes
With star phenoms Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe on board, the Japan men's national team has gotten its teeth into its training ahead of the FIBA World Cup, which will begin later this month.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jul 30, 2019
Big guns set to lead Japan at FIBA World Cup
Japan's "Big Three" — Rui Hachimura, Yuta Watanabe and Nick Fazekas — headline the provisional roster of the Japan men's national team for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Japan Basketball Association officially announced on Tuesday.
Japan Times
Rugby
Jul 29, 2019
Katsuyuki Kiyomiya announces plan to start pro rugby league in Japan
The "idea" of establishing a pro rugby league in Japan isn't new one. There just hasn't been anyone to take the lead and run with it.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / NBA
Jul 26, 2019
Yuta Watanabe encourages youth to pursue basketball dreams
Memphis Grizzlies two-way signing Yuta Watanabe is one of the star players that Japanese children gaze at dreamily.

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