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Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 1, 2021

Japan's 3x3 basketball Olympic teams left wanting more after turning heads in preliminary round

“3x3 will have a huge impact on Japanese basketball in the future and there is a good chance Japan becomes a 3x3 powerhouse,” said Torsten Loibl, the director/coach of the country's teams.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 1, 2021

World Athletics chief says ‘no asterisk’ needed for Tokyo Games

Two-time gold medalist Sebastian Coe believes Japan's reputation will emerge stronger as the troubled Olympics begin their second full week of competition.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Aug 1, 2021

Olympics’ first openly transgender woman stokes debate on fairness

Laurel Hubbard, a 43-year-old weight lifter from New Zealand, will compete on Monday, as some question her right to be at the Games.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 31, 2021

Will Japan’s gold rush end with judo? Not likely.

Japan has won nine golds in judo so far, the most by a single nation at an Olympics. Japan set the previous mark of eight in 2004.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 28, 2021

In Olympic cycling, Anna Kiesenhofer shocked the Dutch — and even herself

When the Tokyo Games conclude, one of the most remarkable stories will be that of cyclist Anna Kiesenhofer, who took gold in Sunday's road race against a field packed full of talent.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 27, 2021

Uganda detains weightlifter who went missing in Japan

Julius Ssekitoleko has been in police custody since Friday, when he arrived home from Japan, where he was reported missing from an Olympic training camp.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 27, 2021

Weightlifter makes history, securing the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal

Hidilyn Diaz broke the country's nearly century-long drought by capturing a gold in the women's 55-kilogram division while setting two Olympic records.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS / FOCUS
Jul 25, 2021

Japan skateboarders hope Olympics debut can soften social stigma

The success of homegrown athletes like gold medal winner Yuto Horigome and medal contender Aori Nishimura could help shift attitudes in Japan.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 25, 2021

What to watch on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics

The first swimming medals of these Games are set to be handed out Sunday morning, while skateboarding and Naomi Osaka make their long-anticipated debuts.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 19, 2021

Naomi Osaka faces biggest challenge of her career at Olympics — on and off the court

The 2020 Tokyo Games represent a true test of character for a player who has openly struggled to handle the media spotlight in recent times.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jul 7, 2021

In subdued ceremony, officials urge Team Japan to inspire nation

'The Olympics will be the stage where the athletes can deliver dreams and hopes to people,' Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 23, 2021

With one month to go, Tokyo 2020 chief says positive legacy still possible

While the original meaning of the Olympics was “not fully communicated” in recent years, Tokyo 2020 presents an opportunity for the event to return to its roots, Seiko Hashimoto said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / MEDIA MIX
Jun 19, 2021

Japanese reporters largely cede the game to the West on Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka's willingness to speak out on issues such as Black Lives Matter sets her apart from other Japanese athletes working internationally.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 11, 2021

JOC executive Kaori Yamaguchi says Tokyo Games should be held without spectators

Yamaguchi said the government was 'confusing' the public by asking them to stay at home and imposing curbs while putting on the global sports showpiece.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 8, 2021

Despite danger and cost, Japan gambles on successful Olympics

The Tokyo Olympic Games are reaching the point of no return.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 29, 2021

Dear Japan, the Olympics are a bureaucracy, not a democracy

While Tokyo could theoretically pull the plug right now — two months from the rescheduled start date — the city is contractually obliged to go ahead.
Japan Times
TENNIS
May 29, 2021

Naomi Osaka's plan to skip French Open news conferences met with both support and criticism

Naomi Osaka received support from several athletes on Thursday but was slammed by French Tennis Federation President Gilles Moretton.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
May 17, 2021

3x3 basketball gets ready for close-up at Tokyo Games

A lot of people are going to be introduced to a different style of basketball when the 3x3 competition begins at the Tokyo Olympics.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Media / BIG IN JAPAN
May 8, 2021

Them's fightin' words: How militaristic vocabulary works its way into Olympics coverage

Militaristic language has made its way into headlines about the Olympics, but that may say more about Japan's news media than the actual situation.
Japan Times
BASEBALL / Japanese Baseball / Sac Bunts
May 1, 2021

Rising NPB stars making strong case for spots on Japan's Olympic team

The postponement of the games has given manager Atsunori Inaba more things to think about as he goes about building a squad that can capture Japan's first Olympic gold medal in baseball.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Apr 15, 2021

Rikako Ikee's already exhilarating comeback from leukemia just getting started

The return of the nation's swimming queen has been one of the biggest feel-good stories in Japanese sports this year.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Apr 13, 2021

Ready or not, Hideki Matsuyama is now a national hero in Japan

With his dramatic win at the Masters, the glare of fame will be inescapable for the 29-year-old, who has preferred to focus on improving his game.
Japan Times
SPORTS
Mar 19, 2021

Foreign athletes and coaches will be allowed to enter Japan from Monday

Dozens of players and coaches will have missed the start of the J. League and NPB seasons due to travel restrictions that went into effect in January.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 3, 2021

The beautiful game has turned ugly in China

Pressure on embattled retailer Suning Appliance Group Co. forced the conglomerate to reconsider its investment in the team. China's soccer bubble is rapidly deflating.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Feb 5, 2021

Barcelona silver medalist Noriko Mizoguchi slams Yoshiro Mori's comments

The former judoka, now a sports sociology professor, is concerned over how the former prime minister's controversial statements on women could impact public opinion toward the Tokyo Games.
Japan Times
OLYMPICS
Jan 30, 2021

Afghanistan's first female breakdancer sets sights on Paris Olympics

Many conservative Afghans frown on dancing of any description, and even more vehemently object to a woman's public participation — some of them violently.
Japan Times
MORE SPORTS
Jan 6, 2021

Hakone ekiden's stubborn crowds cause for Olympic concern

The 2021 Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race concluded as a last-mile thriller between the eventual winner Komazawa University and runner-up Soka University.

Longform

Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?