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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
Feb 25, 2017
Hoop teams using data tools in order to boost analytical capabilities, scouting
In this digital era, basketball is a data-driven sport and those analytics impact the performances of teams and players today.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Feb 23, 2017
'God's Left' readies for title defense
Shinsuke Yamanaka has an intriguing nickname, "God's Left," given to him because of the devastating blows he delivers with his left hand, which everyone, including upcoming opponent Carlos Carlson, surely recognizes as his signature weapon.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Feb 22, 2017
Conference attempts to address key problems in Japanese football
Many individuals in Japanese football circles have long known there are key issues that need to be addressed, but didn't have a place where they could have open dialogue about the problems.
SOCCER
Feb 17, 2017
Inter Milan teams up with SHIN9, Inc. to improve health longevity
Italian soccer club Inter Milan has agreed to finalize a partnership with SHIN9, Inc., which runs acupuncture and moxibustion (traditional Chinese medicine therapy) and osteopathic clinics in Japan, to jointly work to develop a health care program, the two organizations announced on Friday in Tokyo.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Feb 13, 2017
Kajikawa works to inspire females hoping for executive roles in sports
Just over a decade ago, Mie Kajikawa became the first Japanese female to become an intern for an NBA club.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Feb 6, 2017
Pavicevic concocts grand plan for Japan men's national team
Last week, the Japan Basketball Association and its interim men's national team head coach Luka Pavicevic announced a 15-man squad for its upcoming exhibition series against Iran in Sapporo.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Feb 5, 2017
Uchimura shrugs off injuries with eye on Tokyo 2020
In gymnastics, the more years you compete, the more damage your body sustains.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jan 31, 2017
JBA names men's squad for February exhibition series against Iran
Star guard Yuki Togashi of the Chiba Jets and twin brothers Kosuke and Joji Takeuchi of the Tochigi Brex and Alvark Tokyo, respectively, headline the 15-man national team roster for an upcoming international exhibition series against Iran, the Japan Basketball Association announced on Tuesday.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jan 30, 2017
Hagino, Kaneto share annual swimming prize; Watanabe looks to future
Rio de Janeiro Olympic gold medalists Kosuke Hagino and Rie Kaneto shared the top prize for their achievements in 2016 from the Japan Swimming Federation at the annual Japan Aquatic Awards on Monday evening.
Japan Times
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball
Jan 29, 2017
Kawasaki Stadium stirs fond recollection of legendary games
Former Lotte Orions outfielder Hideaki Takazawa recalled that he and his teammates would joke that there were more officials than fans at the stadium for their games back in the day.
Japan Times
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Jan 26, 2017
Inoue ready to ascend on global boxing scene
Naoya Inoue, arguably Japan's most promising boxing star, has his sights set on a lofty goal for 2017: to become a bigger global star.
Japan Times
SUMO
Jan 25, 2017
Kisenosato becomes first Japanese-born yokozuna in almost two decades
Unlike during tournaments, an occasional smile crept across Kisenosato's face.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jan 23, 2017
Hovasse appointed as Japan's first foreign-born women's basketball national team head coach
Having achieved successful results over the past several years, the Japan women's national basketball team is shooting for a medal finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jan 23, 2017
Yamanaka to face Mexican Carlson in 12th defense of title
WBC bantamweight champion Shinsuke Yamanaka will square off against Mexico's Carlos Carlson on March 2 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, the Teiken Gym announced on Monday.
Japan Times
SPORTS
Jan 22, 2017
Tomooka says young athletes should play different sports
The term "strength and conditioning" in sports is relatively unknown in Japan, and specialty coaches are often confused with athletic trainers, who are skilled in prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jan 18, 2017
Researchers urge Japan to reform college sports system
In the past year or so, the Japan Sports Agency, an external bureau of the education ministry, has discussed the potential establishment of "a Japanese edition of the NCAA" as part of its scheme to make college sports in this country more business-like.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL / B. League
Jan 12, 2017
Former Laker Sacre ready to begin journey in Japan
Former Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre was officially introduced by the B. League's Sunrockers Shibuya on Thursday.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jan 9, 2017
Versatile Stone makes difference for Emperor's Cup champion Jets
Many Chiba Jets players made a contribution in capturing the All-Japan Championship title on Monday, but Tyler Stone was one of the biggest "difference makers" for their Emperor's Cup-winning run.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jan 9, 2017
Jets blast Brave Thunders to capture All-Japan crown
The Chiba Jets poured all their energy onto the court and were rewarded with the team's first-ever major title, since being formed in 2011, after a lopsided 88-66 win over the Kawasaki Brave Thunders in the All-Japan Championship men's final at Yoyogi National Gymnasium on Monday.
Japan Times
BASKETBALL
Jan 8, 2017
Sunflowers crush Red Wave to maintain stranglehold on Empress Cup
Once again, the mighty Jx-Eneos Sunflowers hoisted the Empress Cup high at the annual new year tournament.

Longform

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