Japan’s sporting world was electrified last weekend when Aonishiki claimed victory at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, securing his first Emperor’s Cup with a decisive win over Mongolian yokozuna Hoshoryu. The celebration did not stop there. Only days later, Aonishiki was promoted to ōzeki, the second-highest rank in professional sumo, marking one of the fastest… Continue reading A Sumo Champion and What His Rise Reveals About Japan’s View of Foreigners
Category: Sports
How Red Bull Is Winning Over Traditionalists at Omiya Ardija
For decades, Japanese professional football has been defined by a clear boundary between sport and corporate branding. When the J. League launched in 1993, clubs were required to strip their names of overt ties to parent companies, a move designed to create community-based identities rather than corporate teams. Former company sides such as Sumitomo Metal… Continue reading How Red Bull Is Winning Over Traditionalists at Omiya Ardija
Inspired by Shohei Ohtani, Japanese Girls Are Redefining What’s Possible in Baseball
In Japan, the roadmap to baseball success has long been well defined for boys. Young players grow up competing in school leagues with dreams of stepping onto the storied field at Koshien, earning a spot in Nippon Professional Baseball, and, for a select few, eventually making the jump to Major League Baseball. It is a… Continue reading Inspired by Shohei Ohtani, Japanese Girls Are Redefining What’s Possible in Baseball
Are New Year Postcards Fading From Japanese Life?
As the year draws to a close, a familiar ritual unfolds across Japan. Address books are reopened, pens come out, and households and offices prepare to send 年賀状 (nengajō) — traditional New Year postcards exchanged to offer seasonal greetings and good wishes. For generations, these cards have been a cornerstone of Japanese social etiquette, reinforcing… Continue reading Are New Year Postcards Fading From Japanese Life?
Son Heung-min’s Free Kick Named South Korea’s Goal of the Year
A beautifully struck free kick by Son Heung-min has been voted the best goal in South Korean football for 2025, earning the national team captain another fan-selected honor for his highlight-reel finish. The Korea Football Association announced that supporters chose Son’s curling right-footed effort from a friendly match against Bolivia as the standout goal of… Continue reading Son Heung-min’s Free Kick Named South Korea’s Goal of the Year
Experts Warn Rollback of Hepatitis B Guidance Could Weaken Disease Prevention in the U.S.
Public health experts are raising alarms after U.S. vaccine advisers moved to scale back long-standing recommendations for hepatitis B immunization in newborns, a decision they say could reverse decades of progress in preventing a serious and potentially life-threatening infection. For more than 30 years, U.S. health authorities have advised that all infants receive a hepatitis… Continue reading Experts Warn Rollback of Hepatitis B Guidance Could Weaken Disease Prevention in the U.S.
Japan Considers Language Requirement for Permanent Residency
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is weighing whether to make Japanese language proficiency a requirement for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency. The proposal is part of a broader policy package on foreign residents that the party plans to submit to the government soon. Party officials say the idea was prompted by reports of communication issues… Continue reading Japan Considers Language Requirement for Permanent Residency
How currency shift favours south Korea as China’s new bargain travel hotspot
According to Korean Tourism Organisation, 4.7 million Chinese tourists have already visited south Korea in the first 10 months of 2025, which is more than the total number of visitors for the entire last year. Recent movements in Asian currencies are beginning to influence travel decisions across the region, particularly among Chinese tourists weighing… Continue reading How currency shift favours south Korea as China’s new bargain travel hotspot
Daegu FC Backs Experience as Edgar Commits to New Season
Daegu FC has confirmed it will continue its partnership with veteran Brazilian forward Edgar, signaling a vote of confidence in experience and leadership as the club prepares for life in the second-tier K League 2. The announcement was made as teams across South Korea finalize their squads for the upcoming season. Edgar’s return marks his… Continue reading Daegu FC Backs Experience as Edgar Commits to New Season