 Taguchi Yuji

 Experts Thoroughly Analyze His Swing] His first season in college was not so bad, but is he on his way to the majors?

 Rintaro Sasaki of Stanford University came to the U.S. without going through the professional baseball draft and finished his first season. Considering his high school record, the results were not bad, but a motion analysis expert discusses the "strengths and weaknesses of a cannonballer aiming for the majors.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Rintaro Sasaki’s Harakiri Swing at Stanford

 Ken Tanaka

 Celebrating 2000 Hits: Interview with Eito Asamura... "I was hitless in 35 consecutive at-bats, my worst streak, and I suffered so much that I became afraid of baseball.

 Eito Asamura of Rakuten, who achieved the feat of 2,000 hits, said in an interview with FRIDAY, "I don't have to be asked, 'How many more hits? I'm relieved that I don't have to ask 'How many more? (Laughs)" The road to this point has not been smooth. He reveals his struggles.

Rakuten’s Hideto Asamura Reflects on 2,000 Hits and Surviving Daily Fielding Drills Four Times Harder Than Normal

 Courtesy of WTT

 At the WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2025, Hina Hayata, the favorite to win the WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2025, lost in straight sets to Mihyu Kihara, a junior player, and was eliminated in the last 16. Some are concerned that she is in a slump...?

Hina Hayata lost to Miyu Kihara in straight sets&#8230;but now it&#8217;s time for her to lay low!

 Sota Shima

 In this issue of Playback, we take a look back at what we reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In this issue, we introduce the scene when the legend of the figure skating world, the "Czar of Russia" Plushenko, appeared in Ginza at night in June '15.

Playback &#8217;15] Beautiful hostesses were also excited! The night of &#8220;The Czar of Russia&#8221; Plushenko&#8217;s descent on Ginza!

 Tomoki Kanamiya

 Another scandal has come to light in the world of bicycle racing. Following the illegal receipt of 1 billion yen last fall and a string of doping violations, this time it is former star racer Shinpei Kato who is alleged to have had an affair. A suspicious document has even appeared pointing out Kato's alleged power harassment. ......

Former Grand Prix champion&#8217;s alleged infidelity and illegal receipt of 1 billion yen&#8230; &#8220;There are still more scandals,&#8221; lamented a person involved in the bicycle racing industry.

 AFLO

 On June 23 (Japan time), Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers (30) took the mound for the second time this season and pitched one inning without allowing a hit or run. Keiichi Yabu said, "The way he made the adjustment this time was the most unusual of all. What is the secret of the new magic pitch that Otani introduced...

Shohei Ohtani’s Comeback Weapon? The Power Sinker Could Unlock His Full Potential

 Hiroyuki Komatsu (1st photo) Courtesy of Mr. Pretty

 Chiba Prefectural Assembly Member and "Certified Impersonator" Remembers Shigeo Nagashima

 Pretty Nagashima, a certified impersonator and member of the Chiba Prefectural Assembly, recalls how she felt when she learned of Shigeo Nagashima's passing. She tearfully reveals the secret story of their friendship and the "heart-shaking words" Mr. Nagashima gave her.

Pretty Nagashima in Tears as He Shares Touching Words from Shigeo Nagashima

 Kazuhiko Nakamura, Kyodo News (3rd photo)

 Why did the man who won 45 championships and was loved by the gods of sumo leave the world of sumo with a cheerful face?

 FRIDAY conducted a grueling interview with Sho Hakuho, who spoke to the press about his resignation and his future plans. He talks about his candid feelings just after the press conference, his thoughts on his disciples, and his future prospects, which are now in motion.

[Full Interview] Former Yokozuna Hakuho Speaks Candidly: “I Have No Regrets. I’m Ready to Compete on a New Dohyo”

 Takehiko Kohiyama (1st photo) Kyodo News (2nd photo)

 Won gold and bronze medals in the combined event at the Nordic World Championships in February this year.

 The dizygotic twin Kasai sisters won gold and bronze medals in the combined events at the Nordic World Championships this past February. Two new heroines were born in the Japanese skiing world. What do these two, who do everything together, envision for the future?

Twin Stars of the Slopes — Yuna and Haruka Kasai Dream of Olympic Podium and Kimigayo

 Keisuke Nishi

 After only 13 tournaments since his first tournament, Oh-nosato was promoted to yokozuna in the fastest time in history. After the ceremony, Nisemonoseki Oyakata (former yokozuna Rarezanosato, 38) came out of his room in a good mood.

After Onosato’s Yokozuna Promotion, Nishonoseki Oyakata Celebrates His Long-Awaited Dream

 Soichi Hayashi

 Yohei Nagata/Afro Sports (2nd and 3rd photos)

 All of Japan was excited about the bantamweight unification fight. The best champion, Jyunjin Nakatani, rushed in early in the first round and destroyed the right eye and shoulder of Ryosuke Nishida. Of course, this was the Nakatani camp's strategy. An American photographer who has fought many fights in the past said, "I was horrified.

Injured Left Hand Yet Nakatani Dominates Nishida and U.S. Photographer Highlights Key Advantage in Inoue Naoya Matchup

 Myung-Woo Kim

 MHN Sports

 Yoo Hyun-joo, the "Sexy Queen" of Korean golf, participated in her second KLPGA (First Division Tour) event this season. Although she failed to qualify, she charmed the audience with her fan service and her performance until the very end.

Fans Delighted Over Korean Golf’s &#8220;Sexy Queen&#8221; and Her Graceful Play

 Masao Kurihara

 Tsutomu Kishimoto (PICSPORT)

 FRIDAY Sports Nonfiction

 Shingo Suezugu, 45, finished his first race of the season (100m) on May 4 in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture. He was aiming for 10.5 seconds. I was aiming for 10.5 seconds, but 10.86. But in terms of bicycle gears, I would say it was much slower (and heavier).

Shingo Suetsugu’s Enduring Challenge at 45, Pursuing 10.82 Seconds Despite Injury

 The "June Man" has no home runs!

 Ohtani is leading the league in home runs with 23 this season, but his strikeouts increased in June. He has been called the "June Man," but he has hit only one home run this month. At first glance, this may seem like a slump, but it seems to be another sign of Ohtani's competitive spirit.

I didn&#8217;t think it was a sudden brake&#8230;Shohei Ohtani, his strikeout count is &#8220;on pace for his best pace&#8221;, which is also a ″sign of growth″!!!!

 Nishi Keisuke, Takehiko Kohiyama (unpublished cut)

 The 75th yokozuna, Ohnosato, gets out of a luxury minivan near a high-class club in Ginza. Ohnori is busy every day with his yokozuna promotion and entertaining guests, but his father, Tomoyuki Nakamura, tells his son, "Don't worry.

After the dedication ring at Meiji Shrine, he went to an exclusive club&#8230;New Yokozuna Onozato &#8220;has a dominant presence even in the nightlife district&#8221; Photo

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 FRIDAY interviewed Sho Hakuho, who spoke to the press about his resignation and his future plans. When we asked him about his frank feelings after the press conference, he spoke of his thoughts with a refreshed face and sparkling eyes.

Former Yokozuna Hakuho Reveals Resignation Story — No Regrets, I’m More Excited for What’s Next

 Etsuko Motokawa

 Kyodo News

 Moriyasu Japan is regarded as the "strongest team of all time. Is the ability to qualify for next year's World Cup, the fastest in the world, real? Etsuko Motokawa, a sportswriter, takes a closer look at the real picture.

 Moriyasu Japan, regarded as the "strongest team of all time," has just completed a fierce battle in the final Asian qualifying round. Is the team's ability to qualify for next year's World Cup, the fastest in the world, real? Sportswriter Etsuko Motokawa looks into the real picture.

Despite Big Win Over Indonesia, Moriyasu’s Japan Faces Major Hurdles on the Road to 2026 World Cup

 Yuji Yanagawa (nonfiction writer)

 Won gold and bronze medals in the combined event at the Nordic World Championships this February

 This February, the dizygotic twin Kasai sisters won gold and bronze medals in the combined events at the Nordic World Championships. Two new heroines were born in the Japanese skiing world. We take a look back at how they started skiing together.

Twin Sisters Yuna and Haruka Kasai Shine as New Skiing Heroines with Exciting One-Two Finish

 Veteran pitcher efficiently transfers lower-body strength to the upper body. Motion analysis expert reveals why he can still be active in his late 30s.

 Tomoyuki Sugano, who joined the Orioles this season, has produced consistent results despite being on a team that is battling for last place. What are the characteristics of Sugano that continue to produce results? An expert in motion analysis reveals by looking at a series of photos of his pitching form.

Tomoyuki Sugano’s “Da no Ji” Delivery with the Orioles: A Model of Pitching Form

 Shingo Suetsugu, 45, is a legend in the Japanese track and field world. Still active, Suezugi declared last November that he would challenge the World Championships in Athletics (opening on September 13). This is the first time for me to challenge myself," he says.

At 45, Sprinting Legend Shingo Suetsugu Embraces the Challenge of the World Athletics Championships

 Ai Takagi

 In this issue of Playback, we take a look back at what we reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In June 2005, the good news came that Shigeo Nagashima, who had fallen ill, would appear in public, but behind the scenes, plans were being made for the return of a certain tycoon...

Playback &#8217;05] Behind the Scenes of Mr. Watanabe&#8217;s Return&#8230; Tsuneo Watanabe&#8217;s &#8220;Pre-retirement&#8221; Celebration Banquet for His Return to the Baseball World

 Shigeo Nagashima passed away on June 3 at the age of 89, leaving behind many legends. One of his many anecdotes and legends is the "face pass. Face-passing on the Shinkansen bullet train (in the days of Japan National Railways!) He was a great man and a great man's man. No matter where you go to eat, no reservation is required.

In Memoriam] Daichi Suzuki was in danger of being stripped of his gold medal! The Legend of Shigeo Nagashima&#8217;s Amazing &#8220;Face Pass Anywhere

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 The Hiroshima Toyo Carp has overturned its pre-season lowly reputation and is now in the race for the top of the standings. He still doesn't carry a smartphone and says, "Face to face with the players! What is his "Arai style" of management?

Hiroshima Carp manager Takahiro Arai talks: &#8220;Face to face with the players! That&#8217;s all I believe in.

 Shohei Ohtani (30) was truly a Warrior in May, hitting 15 homers in May alone, putting him on pace for 62 for the year, but baseball commentator Takehiko Kobayakawa says that "May is just the beginning and he will get even better in June and beyond.

Shohei Ohtani: May is just the beginning for the Warriors! The amazing &#8220;left hand push in&#8221; technique will make him explode even more in June!

Sports

Strengths and Weaknesses of Rintaro Sasaki’s Harakiri Swing at Stanford

Rakuten’s Hideto Asamura Reflects on 2,000 Hits and Surviving Daily Fielding Drills Four Times Harder Than Normal

Hina Hayata lost to Miyu Kihara in straight sets…but now it’s time for her to lay low!

Playback ’15] Beautiful hostesses were also excited! The night of “The Czar of Russia” Plushenko’s descent on Ginza!

Former Grand Prix champion’s alleged infidelity and illegal receipt of 1 billion yen… “There are still more scandals,” lamented a person involved in the bicycle racing industry.

Shohei Ohtani’s Comeback Weapon? The Power Sinker Could Unlock His Full Potential

Pretty Nagashima in Tears as He Shares Touching Words from Shigeo Nagashima

[Full Interview] Former Yokozuna Hakuho Speaks Candidly: “I Have No Regrets. I’m Ready to Compete on a New Dohyo”

Twin Stars of the Slopes — Yuna and Haruka Kasai Dream of Olympic Podium and Kimigayo

After Onosato’s Yokozuna Promotion, Nishonoseki Oyakata Celebrates His Long-Awaited Dream

Injured Left Hand Yet Nakatani Dominates Nishida and U.S. Photographer Highlights Key Advantage in Inoue Naoya Matchup

Fans Delighted Over Korean Golf’s “Sexy Queen” and Her Graceful Play

Shingo Suetsugu’s Enduring Challenge at 45, Pursuing 10.82 Seconds Despite Injury

I didn’t think it was a sudden brake…Shohei Ohtani, his strikeout count is “on pace for his best pace”, which is also a ″sign of growth″!!!!

After the dedication ring at Meiji Shrine, he went to an exclusive club…New Yokozuna Onozato “has a dominant presence even in the nightlife district” Photo

Former Yokozuna Hakuho Reveals Resignation Story — No Regrets, I’m More Excited for What’s Next

Despite Big Win Over Indonesia, Moriyasu’s Japan Faces Major Hurdles on the Road to 2026 World Cup

Twin Sisters Yuna and Haruka Kasai Shine as New Skiing Heroines with Exciting One-Two Finish

Tomoyuki Sugano’s “Da no Ji” Delivery with the Orioles: A Model of Pitching Form

At 45, Sprinting Legend Shingo Suetsugu Embraces the Challenge of the World Athletics Championships

Playback ’05] Behind the Scenes of Mr. Watanabe’s Return… Tsuneo Watanabe’s “Pre-retirement” Celebration Banquet for His Return to the Baseball World

In Memoriam] Daichi Suzuki was in danger of being stripped of his gold medal! The Legend of Shigeo Nagashima’s Amazing “Face Pass Anywhere

Hiroshima Carp manager Takahiro Arai talks: “Face to face with the players! That’s all I believe in.

Shohei Ohtani: May is just the beginning for the Warriors! The amazing “left hand push in” technique will make him explode even more in June!