 Kyodo News

 Bronze Medal in Women's Figure Skating at Milano Olympics!

 Bronze medal in Women's Figure Skating at Milano Olympics! Ami Nakai, the miracle girl who "surpasses Mao Asada". In order to truly surpass Asada, it depends on her ability to master combinations that include the triple axel.

Ami Nakai: Next, quadruple! Miracle Girl&#8221; who &#8220;surpasses Mao Asada&#8221; is the strongest in Japan&#8217;s history in terms of jumps and character!

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 Teruaki Sato was teased by the Nine at the Samurai Japan training camp in Miyazaki, Japan. What was the "affection" behind it?

&#8220;Hey, You’re Complaining!&#8221; Samurai Nine Tease Teruaki Sato During Miyazaki Camp—But Show Their True Affection Behind the Scenes

 C2/Yuji Arakawa

 Shohei Ohtani's physical condition has been further improved! Adjustment to the dual role in Arizona is going well.

 Shohei Ohtani has finally joined the Samurai Japan team! It looks like he will be in the best shape ever for the start of the WBC. This year, he was able to train well instead of mainly rehabbing. The baseball world's greatest treasure is on the move toward back-to-back championships.

Shohei Ohtani: Record-breaking finish! Aiming for back-to-back championships with &#8220;Muso no Hitting&#8221; (WBC All-Round Feature)

 Kumataro Arai

 On February 24, the Japanese Winter Olympics athletes returned to Japan at Narita Airport. About 400 fans gathered in the arrival lobby, and the figure skaters who came out at the front of the crowd showed us their adorable appearance.

Medalists Ami Nakai and Team Celebrate Homecoming with Iconic Cheek Pose

 Kotaro Tajiri

 Special Interview

 Chiba Lotte finished in last place last season. New manager Saburo was brought in as the trump card to rebuild the team. His motto is "Showa-era hard training. Why "Showa"? We talked to him about the reasons and his ideal manager.

“I’m Here to Mix Things Up” — Saburō on Bringing Back Showa-Era Hard Practice to Chiba Lotte

 Ryoji Shigemasa

 Last year, he got his first Japanese hit in the Middle East with the "Mid-East Falcons" in Dubai! He was the MVP of the first series!

 Last year, he played in the first baseball league in the region, in Dubai, and was a big success. He reaffirms that "baseball is entertainment," and says he wants to master entertainment in a small box.

Munenori Kawasaki on Baseball, Life, and Singing in Small Halls

 On February 14 (Japan time), the Dodgers started their battery camp in Arizona. Otani, who is expected to play a full role as a two-way hitter from the start of the season, was in the bullpen from the first day, but there was a "change" in his expression...

Shohei Ohtani &#8220;Two-faced&#8221; starts for the best season in his history! A &#8220;glimpse of the seriousness&#8221; shown in Arizona

 Jiji Press, Kyodo News

 Winter Olympics Report 

 In women's curling, the pressure of competing for the first time fell on Sayaka Yoshimura, the leader of the team... The team failed to show its ability and was eliminated from the competition. Ski jumper Sara Takanashi was in tears after winning her first bronze medal in two events. Her post-retirement career looks promising.

Hokkaido’s Sayaka Yoshimura and Sara Takanashi Look Ahead to Their Next Chapters

 Shu Nishihara

 A year and a half after their "tearful hug" at the Paris Olympics, two Olympians are in a serious relationship!

 A year and a half after their "tearful hug" at the Paris Olympics, Rikako Ikee and Kousuke Hagino have been in a serious relationship since last fall. We caught them on a "hot spring trip to Hakone" alone together in their beloved car!　Ikee must have had a lot of fun, because she posted her memories of the trip on her SNS.

Rikako Ikee and Kosuke Hagino Spotted on Romantic Getaway to Hakone

 Kyodo News (1st photo), Kumataro Arai (2nd-4th photos)

 On February 16, the final of Figure Skating Pairs Free Skate was held at the Winter Olympics in Milan, and the "Rikuryu" pair of Rirai Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won the gold medal. This website had taken a heartwarming shot of the strongest pair in history last year.

Kihara hauls gear for two as the Rikuryu duo clinches gold — exclusive look at their celebratory moment

 Hazuki Takeda (non-fiction writer)

 Yanagawa go!

 Former yokozuna Hakuho held the Hakuho Cup over two days on February 7 and 8. Many players of both men and women of all nationalities gathered for the event. Unfortunately, it snowed on the day of the event. We asked Mr. Hakuho about his dream through the "Hakuho Cup," as he spoke during the snowy event.

Aiming for adoption at the 2036 Summer Olympics&#8221;&#8230;Former yokozuna Hakuho &#8220;Sumo tournament for both men and women&#8221; Dream spoken of for holding snowfall.

 A cold wind is blowing at the old home of Tatsuya Imai, 27, who signed a large three-year, $54 million (about 8.5 billion yen) contract with the Major League Baseball Astros in the United States this January. Why on earth?

A &#8220;nearly 6 billion yen&#8221; miscalculation on Seibu&#8217;s part!　Tatsuya Imai&#8217;s transfer money is small and &#8220;Belluna Dome sealing is postponed&#8221;.

 Yakult's first draft pick, Ayukazu Matsushita (Ayuto, 22), left practice on February 10 with a left hamstring strain. This marks the third consecutive year that a Yakult draft pick has been out injured before the start of the season!

Yakult&#8217;s &#8220;3rd Consecutive Year DRA1 Injured and Out&#8221; Angers Amateur Baseball World&#8230; &#8220;Don&#8217;t Just Put It Away as Bad Luck! Will it affect the draft?

 Hazuki Takeda (nonfiction writer)

 Ryo Hayami

 Former yokozuna Terunofuji's haircut ceremony was held at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Many women, including judoka Abe Uta and TV personality Ruriko Kojima, participated in the ceremony. One person who caused a stir at the event was former yokozuna Hakuho. He did not show up when his name was called. He must have cancelled the event.

Former yokozuna Hakuho&#8217;s cancellation fiasco..! Terunofuji&#8217;s haircut ceremony &#8220;attended by many women, including Abe Uta and Ruriko Kojima&#8221; closely.

 Hanshin's Teruaki Sato (26), who avoided the "self-financed camp" at the last minute, has been training at Ginoza Village in Okinawa since February 1, but the firestorm of a dispute with the team is still simmering.

Hanshin execs furious as Teruaki Sato dominates contract negotiations

 Yuji Yanagawa (nonfiction writer)

 After 26 years of active career, he cuts off his long collar and devotes himself to being a manager!

 Hiroshi Tanahashi has ended his 26-year active career and is concentrating on being a manager as president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He is now focusing on expanding the business model to suit the times, leaving the ring to the next generation of promising young wrestlers.

NJPW’s Tanahashi pledges to lead wrestling like a once-in-a-century president

 Last year, he won the MVP award with the Mid-East Falcons in Dubai.

 Munenori Kawasaki, who says he still has a desire to play overseas, performed well in the first baseball league in the region based in the Middle East and South Asia, which started in earnest at the end of the year, leading his team to the championship along with other great players of the past.

Munenori Kawasaki embraces Dubai offer, joking about winning a camel

 Hiroyuki Komatsu Kyodo News Yohei Nagata/Afro Sports Reuters/Afro

 Milan Cortina Olympics -- Athletes of the "Rising Sun" Shine in the World of Silver!

 The Milan Cortina Olympics opened on February 6, 2014 (February 7, Japan time). We introduce some of the hottest Japanese athletes expected to medal in Figure Skating, including Ami Nakai, Yuma Kagiyama, Ryuichi Kihara & Riki Miura (Riku-ryu pair)!

Road to Milan: Nakai, Kagiyama, Kihara &#038; Miura Lead Japan’s Figure Skating Hopes

 Aflo

 Miho Takagi, the 1000m women's speed skater, was on the verge of her second consecutive victory since the Beijing Olympics. However, she lost to Jutta Leerdam of the Netherlands and won the bronze medal. Speaking of the new queen, Leerdam is ......

Miho Takagi’s Winning Streak Ends — Yutta Råldam Wows with Her Ice Grace

 Kyodo News (2nd photo)

 The World Cup in North and Central America is only four months away. With Moriyasu Japan being called the "strongest team in history," expectations are high for the team to change the course of Japanese soccer history, but what does Shinji Kagawa, who has long carried the ace number, think?

From Team Leaders to Trusted Allies — Kagawa Shares Expectations for Japan at the Upcoming World Cup

 The WBC is about to start. The members of the Samurai Japan team have been announced. Here are some of the frustrations and anguish that the WBC Samurai Warriors have shared with this magazine.

“Time to Show Them!” — WBC Stars Reveal Their Battles Off the Field

 Milan Cortina Olympics Special Report--The "Athletes of the Sun" Shine in the World of White and Silver!

 She may not have the greatest moves, but she is the best figure skater in the world, and the source of her strength is.... She announced her retirement, and this Olympics was her last challenge. Will she be able to become the queen of all major competitions and finish her career with a gold medal at the Olympics?

Kaori Sakamoto Completes the Picture with Stunning Landings on Ice

 In this issue of Playback, we take a look back at what we reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. This time, we will look back at an interview with Nanako Fujita just after she passed her jockey's license in February 2004. We will introduce her fresh and new face just before her debut.

[Playback 2016] Nanako Fujita’s Shy Pre-Debut Look—Her First Candid Moment

 Kei Kato

 --Toshitaka Sakurai, a former Giant Draft pick, is now struggling to win a championship at the Tokyo Dome!

 Toshitaka Sakurai, the Giants' first-round draft pick, retired from the game and became a scout. A year later, however, his strong desire to be on the mound led him to join the Miki House baseball team. He is now an ace in the game and has made a triumphant return to the Tokyo Dome.

Sports

Ami Nakai: Next, quadruple! Miracle Girl” who “surpasses Mao Asada” is the strongest in Japan’s history in terms of jumps and character!

“Hey, You’re Complaining!” Samurai Nine Tease Teruaki Sato During Miyazaki Camp—But Show Their True Affection Behind the Scenes

Shohei Ohtani: Record-breaking finish! Aiming for back-to-back championships with “Muso no Hitting” (WBC All-Round Feature)

Medalists Ami Nakai and Team Celebrate Homecoming with Iconic Cheek Pose

“I’m Here to Mix Things Up” — Saburō on Bringing Back Showa-Era Hard Practice to Chiba Lotte

Munenori Kawasaki on Baseball, Life, and Singing in Small Halls

Shohei Ohtani “Two-faced” starts for the best season in his history! A “glimpse of the seriousness” shown in Arizona

Hokkaido’s Sayaka Yoshimura and Sara Takanashi Look Ahead to Their Next Chapters

Rikako Ikee and Kosuke Hagino Spotted on Romantic Getaway to Hakone

Kihara hauls gear for two as the Rikuryu duo clinches gold — exclusive look at their celebratory moment

Aiming for adoption at the 2036 Summer Olympics”…Former yokozuna Hakuho “Sumo tournament for both men and women” Dream spoken of for holding snowfall.

A “nearly 6 billion yen” miscalculation on Seibu’s part!　Tatsuya Imai’s transfer money is small and “Belluna Dome sealing is postponed”.

Yakult’s “3rd Consecutive Year DRA1 Injured and Out” Angers Amateur Baseball World… “Don’t Just Put It Away as Bad Luck! Will it affect the draft?

Former yokozuna Hakuho’s cancellation fiasco..! Terunofuji’s haircut ceremony “attended by many women, including Abe Uta and Ruriko Kojima” closely.

Hanshin execs furious as Teruaki Sato dominates contract negotiations

NJPW’s Tanahashi pledges to lead wrestling like a once-in-a-century president

Munenori Kawasaki embraces Dubai offer, joking about winning a camel

Road to Milan: Nakai, Kagiyama, Kihara & Miura Lead Japan’s Figure Skating Hopes

Miho Takagi’s Winning Streak Ends — Yutta Råldam Wows with Her Ice Grace

From Team Leaders to Trusted Allies — Kagawa Shares Expectations for Japan at the Upcoming World Cup

“Time to Show Them!” — WBC Stars Reveal Their Battles Off the Field

Kaori Sakamoto Completes the Picture with Stunning Landings on Ice

[Playback 2016] Nanako Fujita’s Shy Pre-Debut Look—Her First Candid Moment

Back Where He Belongs — Toshiki Sakurai’s Fight for Another Chance on the Mound

Sports

Ami Nakai: Next, quadruple! Miracle Girl” who “surpasses Mao Asada” is the strongest in Japan’s history in terms of jumps and character!

“Hey, You’re Complaining!” Samurai Nine Tease Teruaki Sato During Miyazaki Camp—But Show Their True Affection Behind the Scenes

Shohei Ohtani: Record-breaking finish! Aiming for back-to-back championships with “Muso no Hitting” (WBC All-Round Feature)

Medalists Ami Nakai and Team Celebrate Homecoming with Iconic Cheek Pose

“I’m Here to Mix Things Up” — Saburō on Bringing Back Showa-Era Hard Practice to Chiba Lotte

Munenori Kawasaki on Baseball, Life, and Singing in Small Halls

Shohei Ohtani “Two-faced” starts for the best season in his history! A “glimpse of the seriousness” shown in Arizona

Hokkaido’s Sayaka Yoshimura and Sara Takanashi Look Ahead to Their Next Chapters

Rikako Ikee and Kosuke Hagino Spotted on Romantic Getaway to Hakone

Kihara hauls gear for two as the Rikuryu duo clinches gold — exclusive look at their celebratory moment

Aiming for adoption at the 2036 Summer Olympics”…Former yokozuna Hakuho “Sumo tournament for both men and women” Dream spoken of for holding snowfall.

A “nearly 6 billion yen” miscalculation on Seibu’s part! Tatsuya Imai’s transfer money is small and “Belluna Dome sealing is postponed”.

Yakult’s “3rd Consecutive Year DRA1 Injured and Out” Angers Amateur Baseball World… “Don’t Just Put It Away as Bad Luck! Will it affect the draft?

Former yokozuna Hakuho’s cancellation fiasco..! Terunofuji’s haircut ceremony “attended by many women, including Abe Uta and Ruriko Kojima” closely.

Hanshin execs furious as Teruaki Sato dominates contract negotiations

NJPW’s Tanahashi pledges to lead wrestling like a once-in-a-century president

Munenori Kawasaki embraces Dubai offer, joking about winning a camel

Road to Milan: Nakai, Kagiyama, Kihara & Miura Lead Japan’s Figure Skating Hopes

Miho Takagi’s Winning Streak Ends — Yutta Råldam Wows with Her Ice Grace

From Team Leaders to Trusted Allies — Kagawa Shares Expectations for Japan at the Upcoming World Cup

“Time to Show Them!” — WBC Stars Reveal Their Battles Off the Field

Kaori Sakamoto Completes the Picture with Stunning Landings on Ice

[Playback 2016] Nanako Fujita’s Shy Pre-Debut Look—Her First Candid Moment

Back Where He Belongs — Toshiki Sakurai’s Fight for Another Chance on the Mound

A “nearly 6 billion yen” miscalculation on Seibu’s part!　Tatsuya Imai’s transfer money is small and “Belluna Dome sealing is postponed”.