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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
Jun 18, 2018
New Japanese citizen Nick Fazekas hoping to make immediate impact for Akatsuki Five
Nick Fazekas could be a difference-maker for the Akatsuki Five, who are desperate for a win in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 16, 2018
Rising star Rui Hachimura makes impressive debut for Japan men's national team
Fast, strong, big, smooth, phenom, hope, slam dunker, highlight film.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jun 15, 2018
JAAF promotes Marathon Grand Championship as vital preparation for 2020 Olympics
Japan's runners who earn spots for the Summer Olympics will gain significant experience running on a nearly identical course during the trial for the 2020 Tokyo Games on home soil.
Japan Times
PARALYMPICS / Summer Paralympics
Jun 12, 2018
Wheelchair star Pat Anderson back for more gold
When he has the ball in his hands, his opponents are extra careful, and fans in the stands hold their breath to see if something spectacular could happen.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 11, 2018
Japan bolsters roster with Rui Hachimura, Nick Fazekas ahead of FIBA World Cup qualifiers
Japan's men's national basketball team will have its back against the wall during the Asian qualifiers for next year's FIBA World Cup.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 8, 2018
Japan women rout Taiwan in exhibition contest
The Japan women's national team dominated at both ends of the floor and annihilated Taiwan 96-66 in an exhibition game at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi on Friday night.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jun 8, 2018
Teenage star Chikara Tanaka to attend IMG Academy in bid to gain college hoop scholarship
Is up-and-coming basketball player Chikara Tanaka going to be a Japanese Kyrie Irving or Steph Curry?
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jun 6, 2018
ONE Championship making waves on martial arts scene
Atomweight champion Angela "Unstoppable" Lee and Japanese veteran Mei Yamaguchi fought another closely contested main event before a sellout crowd of 12,000 during a ONE Championship at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 29, 2018
SeaHorses star Makoto Hiejima named 2017-18 MVP at B. League Award Show
Makoto Hiejima is the face of the B. League's sophomore season.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 27, 2018
Grouses edge Volters in playoff to remain in first division
In a hard-fought battle, the Toyama Grouses came through in the final minute to beat the Kumamoto Volters 88-85 in the B. League promotion/relegation playoff game at Yokohama Arena on Sunday evening.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 26, 2018
Ex-players troubled by Nihon University's handling of scandal
The ongoing scandal surrounding the Nihon University football team has embarrassed many of its present and former players.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 25, 2018
Naoya Inoue dethrones WBA bantamweight champ Jamie McDonnell via first-round TKO
"Monster" put up a monstrous performance against someone he described as the toughest opponent of his career.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 23, 2018
Naoya Inoue ready to make instant impact at new weight class in title fight against Jamie McDonnell
Naoya Inoue was a little surprised to get a title shot in his first fight in a new weight class, against someone he describes as the toughest boxer he has ever had to face in his professional career.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 22, 2018
Nihon University player Taisuke Miyagawa says coach ordered dirty tackles
Nihon University defensive end Taisuke Miyagawa spoke publicly for the first time about his role in a controversial college football game that has generated headlines.
Japan Times
PARALYMPICS / Winter Paralympics
May 16, 2018
Paralympic gold medalist Gurimu Narita targeting historic double achievement at Tokyo 2020
Gurimu Narita did not bask too long in the glory of winning a pair of medals at the 2018 Winter Paralympics.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
May 7, 2018
Japan men's 4x100 relay team working hard to claim gold at 2020 Tokyo Olympics
The Japanese men's 4x100-meter relay team is absolutely serious about shooting for the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 7, 2018
Brex eye back-to-back titles as B. League gears up for playoffs
The Tochigi Brex captured the inaugural B. League title last year, and needless to say they are the only team that has the chance to repeat as champions.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / NBA
May 7, 2018
Saitama housewife catches NBA's eye with cute illustrations of Oklahoma City Thunder players
Sometimes nonverbal means of communication can connect you to the world.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
May 2, 2018
Brave Thunders facing up to future without parent company Toshiba
A little before 10 p.m., Kawasaki Brave Thunders staff members were finally able to empty Todoroki Arena, removing everything they'd used to host what would likely be their final home contest of the season.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Apr 27, 2018
Hoop-playing Monica Okoye aims to one-up brother
Monica Okoye is fine about being labeled as the sister of professional baseball player Rui Okoye — for now.

Longform

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