 Hisashi Niisa (Broadcaster)

 Afro

 A broadcaster's view of the "Ohtani Fever" and the "true feelings" of the TV crew behind it.

 Spring has arrived!　Major League Baseball has entered the open season. With the season opener in Tokyo, we can't wait to see how Shohei Otani will perform this season as he revives his two-fisted style of pitching. On the other hand, however, there are some people who are getting depressed as the season opener approaches.

The reason why TV crews are not happy about Dodgers&#8217; Shohei Ohtani&#8217;s great performance.

 Takehiko Kohiyama

 The season will soon begin!　 Aoki Kanako Aoki, a promising new star on the Japanese women's professional golf tour, is a "late bloomer and a fast flyer rookie.

 Kanako Aoki passed the women's golf professional test last year. Her weapon of choice is her driver, which has an average distance of 250 yards. She is one of the top class "flyers" in the professional game, and her specialty is aggressive golf. We interviewed her to get a closer look at her true character.

Rising Star of Women&#8217;s Pro Golf, Kanako Aoki: One Day, I Want to Take on the U.S. Tour!

 Shinji Hamasaki (1st and 2nd), Hiroyuki Komatsu (3rd)

 In this issue of Playback, we take a look back at what this magazine was reporting 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In this issue, we take a look at Kazuhiro Kiyohara and manager Horiuchi at the pro baseball Giants' spring training camp in 2005. Was there a "thaw" between the two? How are the two getting along?

Playback &#8217;05] &#8220;We were in the mood to make up, but&#8230;&#8221; Kiyohara and Manager Horiuchi: The &#8220;cold war&#8221; witnessed by this magazine

 C2/Yuji Arakawa AFLO

 Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers took his first real hitting practice of the season, known as "live BP. The adjustment seems to be going well, and the next question is how he will finish as a pitcher who will return this season. What are the changes in his pitching form that are attracting so much attention?

Shohei Ohtani, the two-fisted pitcher again! New Pitching Form&#8221; is &#8220;Stiff Arm&#8221; and &#8220;Technique

 Kyodo News

 Tsuyoshi Shinjo, 53, manager of Nippon Ham, is said to be upset about a "complaint" from the Japan Professional Baseball Players' Association. What is the content of the complaint? ......

Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the manager of the professional baseball team, vehemently refutes the criticism of the players&#8217; association!　The &#8220;deep gulf&#8221; between the two sides widens.

 Reuters/Afro

 The author of "The Day Martial Arts Won the Kohaku Tournament" is the talk of the town. The book covers the inside story of the "K-1" match between Akebono and Bob Sapp broadcast on TBS on New Year's Eve 2003, and how the match surpassed the "Kohaku Uta Gassen" in viewer ratings, even though it lasted only four minutes. The author, Masashi Hosoda, talks about the behind-the-scenes story (Part 2).

The Day Martial Arts Beat the Red &#038; White Author&#8217;s Surprising Pitch to Akebono

 The Day the Martial Arts Won the Kohaku Tournament" is the talk of the town. The book describes the inside story of how the "K-1" match between Akebono and Bob Sapp, broadcast on TBS on New Year's Eve 2003, surpassed the "Kohaku Uta Gassen" in viewer ratings, even though the match lasted only four minutes. The author, Masashi Hosoda, talks about the behind-the-scenes story [Part 1].

The Untold Story Behind the Legendary Akebono vs. Bob Sapp Fight

 Since Yakult announced the passing of a long-time staff member who supported the team's mascot "Tsubakuro," the team has been in turmoil over the unexpected situation. What is the resurrection plan that Yakult is considering?

Yakult&#8217;s Tsubakuro: From Savage Penguin to Kid-Friendly Mascot? Inside the Team&#8217;s Revival Plan

 Hiroshi Tanikawa

 I'm sure Kiyohara has received many offers of employment from various companies, but I hope he finds what he really wants to do even if he has to waste time looking for a job.

Former Draft Candidate and Keio University Graduate Sends Support to Shogo Kiyohara

 Manager Kyuji Fujikawa, 44, who has taken over heavy responsibility from his predecessor Akifumi Okada, 67, and has been leading the Hanshin team since this season, is said to be causing confusion on the field due to his extreme "managerial management" of the players. Please refer to ...... for details.

Hanshin&#8217;s Kyuji Fujikawa Implements Strict Rules—Young Players Frustrated by FamilyMart-Only Policy

 Former Chunichi infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima, 42, who is closing in on his 2,000th hit, is planning to retire soon.

Hiroyuki Nakajima to Retire Seibu Lions Likely to Pass No Interest in Independent Leagues

 Kojiro Yamada

 While the promotion of Toyoshoryu to yokozuna has been controversial because of his "dignity," there is also the opinion that "Toyoshoryu's promotion to yokozuna will change the way we view Reiwa's sumo. We asked a sumo critic about how sumo should be enjoyed in the future.

Reiwa-Era Sumo&#8217;s Ideal: Four Yokozuna with Experienced Dignity and Individuality

 Takero Shintai (1st), Keisuke Nishi

 In this issue of Playback, we look back at what this magazine reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. This time, we focus on Hakuho's "riot of criticism of referees" that took place after the first tournament of 2003. The day after he apologized for the disturbance, Hakuho went out for a night on the town. ......

[Playback 2015] Hakuho&#8217;s Drunken Night After Judge Criticism Controversy

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 After the fierce battle at the Japan Championships, the final game will be held in Wakkanai in September to decide the representatives for the Olympics. Rocco Solare" led by Mayuki Fujisawa, "SC Karuizawa Club", the champion of the previous year, and "Fortius" with Sayaka Yoshimura.

 At the Japan Curling Championships held on February 6, Loco Solare, which was considered the favorite to win the championship, was eliminated in the semifinals. While all the teams raised their level, it was Fortius who won this year's tournament, and the winner of the Olympics representative round in September will be...

[Women&#8217;s Curling] The Three-Way Battle on Ice for Olympic Glory

 Shinji Hamasaki (1st to 3rd photos), Hiroyuki Komatsu (4th to 7th, 9th photos), Shinya Inui (8th photo)

 In this issue of Playback, we take a look back at what this magazine was reporting 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In this issue, we introduce the "fairy" Sharapova's fever in Japan, which appeared in the February 18, 2005 issue, along with images from that time.

Playback &#8217;05] &#8220;Japanese fans are too excited&#8221; &#8211; &#8220;Fairy&#8221; Sharapova&#8217;s Fever in Japan

 Taisuke Nishida

 Yuji Yanagawa (nonfiction writer)

 Yuichiro Ueno, who was dismissed from his post as Rikkyo University ekiden coach a year and four months ago due to an affair with a female club member, has returned to active duty in Saga Prefecture. He says, "I can only repay my debt to Rikkyo University by running.

Former Rikkyo University Ekiden Director Dismissed for &#8220;Affair with Female Club Member&#8221; Says &#8220;I Can Only Repay Giving Back by Running

 Masao Kurihara

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 Special Interview [Part 1

 Teikyo High School impressed us with its prestigious revival in the recent National High School Soccer Championship. However, it was not enough for former coach Sadao Furunuma, who once led Teikyo to six championship titles, tied for the most in the postwar era. How did he go from a soccer amateur to a great general?

Sadao Furunuma&#8217;s Coaching Wisdom Reveals the Secret Behind a Team&#8217;s Success

 Special Interview Project [Part 2

 Teikyo (Tokyo) attracted a lot of attention at the recent National High School Soccer Championship. Former coach Sadao Furunuma led Teikyo to six championship titles, tied for the most in the postwar era. The famous coach talks about his secret stories with Noritake Kinashi and Machida Zelvia coach Tsuyoshi Kuroda.

Sadao Furunuma Reveals Untold Stories of Noritake Kinashi &#038; Machida Zelvia&#8217;s Tsuyoshi Kuroda

 Yakult pitcher Yasunobu Okukawa (23), who has no chance of making the first team, has been hit by another accident. What was Okugawa's pinch, as described by a source close to the situation.

Yakult&#8217;s Kyosuke Okugawa Faces Critical Crisis with Injuries to Elbow and Lower Body

 AFLO

 Former Major Leaguer Ryota Igarashi, Major League Baseball expert Nachi Tomonari, and Ryoichi Fukushima discuss in-depth!

 This year, Shohei Ohtani takes the mound in the Majors for the first time in almost two years. What kind of results will the returning superstar really achieve? Three Major League Baseball experts thoroughly discuss and predict "Shohei Ohtani in 2025.

[Special Roundtable Discussion &#8211; Part 2] Shohei Ohtani&#8217;s 2025: A Pitcher&#8217;s Return and Season Projections

 Former Major Leaguer Ryota Igarashi, Major League Baseball expert Nachi Tomonari and Ryoichi Fukushima discuss in-depth!

 This year, Shohei Ohtani will take the mound in the Majors for the first time in almost two years. What kind of results will the returning superstar really achieve? Three Major League Baseball experts thoroughly discuss and predict "Shohei Ohtani in 2025.

Shohei Ohtani 2025: Bold Predictions for Batting, HRs, and Stolen Bases!

 Toyoshoryu's appearance and character are a mirror image of his uncle, Asashoryu, who was fired up by the idea of "surpassing me!

 It was just before 10 p.m. at the end of January, and a new yokozuna, Toyoshoryu, got out slowly from the back seat of a luxury foreign car parked downtown in Minato Ward, where many restaurants are lined up. 188 cm and 148 kg, his huge body exudes an unmistakable air of dignity. ......

&#8220;Pressure? What Pressure?&#8221; Yokozuna Hoshoryu Seen Enjoying Nightlife Before Dedication Ceremony

 Shozaru was reported by Shukan Shincho as a bully. The followers of the other rooms say that Shozaru's case is unusual. He said that the sekitori are very careful with the youngsters because of the stricter compliance rules. What is the sadness of the sekitori, according to the followers?

Shozaru’s Lone Struggle: From Bullying Allegations to Doing His Own Shopping

 A former detective of the Investigation Department of the Osaka Prefectural Police finally "caught" Koji, who had been chasing him since he was 15. We interviewed the skinny-headed, handsome former detective who was involved in the arrest of a fugitive criminal who caused a stir all over Japan.

Koji&#8217;s Encounter with a Former Osaka Detective

 Mixed martial arts fighter who is descended from Kazushi Sakuraba, the "IQ wrestler," made his debut at "RIZIN" at the end of last year with a mere 26-second TKO.

 Last New Year's Eve, Daiyo Sakuraba made his mixed martial arts debut at "RIZIN DECADE" and won by TKO in 26 seconds. His father is legendary Kazushi Sakuraba. Daisei, who came to the world of martial arts from an office job, reveals his relationship with his father.

Sports

The reason why TV crews are not happy about Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani’s great performance.

Rising Star of Women’s Pro Golf, Kanako Aoki: One Day, I Want to Take on the U.S. Tour!

Playback ’05] “We were in the mood to make up, but…” Kiyohara and Manager Horiuchi: The “cold war” witnessed by this magazine

Shohei Ohtani, the two-fisted pitcher again! New Pitching Form” is “Stiff Arm” and “Technique

Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the manager of the professional baseball team, vehemently refutes the criticism of the players’ association!　The “deep gulf” between the two sides widens.

The Day Martial Arts Beat the Red & White Author’s Surprising Pitch to Akebono

The Untold Story Behind the Legendary Akebono vs. Bob Sapp Fight

Yakult’s Tsubakuro: From Savage Penguin to Kid-Friendly Mascot? Inside the Team’s Revival Plan

Former Draft Candidate and Keio University Graduate Sends Support to Shogo Kiyohara

Hanshin’s Kyuji Fujikawa Implements Strict Rules—Young Players Frustrated by FamilyMart-Only Policy

Hiroyuki Nakajima to Retire Seibu Lions Likely to Pass No Interest in Independent Leagues

Reiwa-Era Sumo’s Ideal: Four Yokozuna with Experienced Dignity and Individuality

[Playback 2015] Hakuho’s Drunken Night After Judge Criticism Controversy

[Women’s Curling] The Three-Way Battle on Ice for Olympic Glory

Playback ’05] “Japanese fans are too excited” – “Fairy” Sharapova’s Fever in Japan

Former Rikkyo University Ekiden Director Dismissed for “Affair with Female Club Member” Says “I Can Only Repay Giving Back by Running

Sadao Furunuma’s Coaching Wisdom Reveals the Secret Behind a Team’s Success

Sadao Furunuma Reveals Untold Stories of Noritake Kinashi & Machida Zelvia’s Tsuyoshi Kuroda

Yakult’s Kyosuke Okugawa Faces Critical Crisis with Injuries to Elbow and Lower Body

[Special Roundtable Discussion – Part 2] Shohei Ohtani’s 2025: A Pitcher’s Return and Season Projections

Shohei Ohtani 2025: Bold Predictions for Batting, HRs, and Stolen Bases!

“Pressure? What Pressure?” Yokozuna Hoshoryu Seen Enjoying Nightlife Before Dedication Ceremony

Shozaru’s Lone Struggle: From Bullying Allegations to Doing His Own Shopping

Koji’s Encounter with a Former Osaka Detective

Taisei Sakuraba: Stronger and Unstoppably Popular, Following a Martial Arts Legacy

Sports

The reason why TV crews are not happy about Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani’s great performance.

Rising Star of Women’s Pro Golf, Kanako Aoki: One Day, I Want to Take on the U.S. Tour!

Playback ’05] “We were in the mood to make up, but…” Kiyohara and Manager Horiuchi: The “cold war” witnessed by this magazine

Shohei Ohtani, the two-fisted pitcher again! New Pitching Form” is “Stiff Arm” and “Technique

Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the manager of the professional baseball team, vehemently refutes the criticism of the players’ association! The “deep gulf” between the two sides widens.

The Day Martial Arts Beat the Red & White Author’s Surprising Pitch to Akebono

The Untold Story Behind the Legendary Akebono vs. Bob Sapp Fight

Yakult’s Tsubakuro: From Savage Penguin to Kid-Friendly Mascot? Inside the Team’s Revival Plan

Former Draft Candidate and Keio University Graduate Sends Support to Shogo Kiyohara

Hanshin’s Kyuji Fujikawa Implements Strict Rules—Young Players Frustrated by FamilyMart-Only Policy

Hiroyuki Nakajima to Retire Seibu Lions Likely to Pass No Interest in Independent Leagues

Reiwa-Era Sumo’s Ideal: Four Yokozuna with Experienced Dignity and Individuality

[Playback 2015] Hakuho’s Drunken Night After Judge Criticism Controversy

[Women’s Curling] The Three-Way Battle on Ice for Olympic Glory

Playback ’05] “Japanese fans are too excited” – “Fairy” Sharapova’s Fever in Japan

Former Rikkyo University Ekiden Director Dismissed for “Affair with Female Club Member” Says “I Can Only Repay Giving Back by Running

Sadao Furunuma’s Coaching Wisdom Reveals the Secret Behind a Team’s Success

Sadao Furunuma Reveals Untold Stories of Noritake Kinashi & Machida Zelvia’s Tsuyoshi Kuroda

Yakult’s Kyosuke Okugawa Faces Critical Crisis with Injuries to Elbow and Lower Body

[Special Roundtable Discussion – Part 2] Shohei Ohtani’s 2025: A Pitcher’s Return and Season Projections

Shohei Ohtani 2025: Bold Predictions for Batting, HRs, and Stolen Bases!

“Pressure? What Pressure?” Yokozuna Hoshoryu Seen Enjoying Nightlife Before Dedication Ceremony

Shozaru’s Lone Struggle: From Bullying Allegations to Doing His Own Shopping

Koji’s Encounter with a Former Osaka Detective

Taisei Sakuraba: Stronger and Unstoppably Popular, Following a Martial Arts Legacy

Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the manager of the professional baseball team, vehemently refutes the criticism of the players’ association!　The “deep gulf” between the two sides widens.