 Ken Tanaka

 Celebrating 2000 Hits: Eito Asamura Suffered His Worst 35 Consecutive At-bats Without a Hit, and Suffered So Much That He Feared Baseball

 Eito Asamura of Rakuten, who achieved the feat of 2,000 hits, told FRIDAY, "I don't have to ask 'How many more? 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 Asamura Breaks Free from the Pressure of Milestones

 Kyodo News (1st photo)

 Yokohama FC's Solomon Sakuragawa, one of the most physical young players in J1, is facing allegations of domestic violence. A female victim was beaten multiple times, sometimes kicked with his well-trained legs. The reality of the situation can be found at .......

Yokohama FC’s Solomon Sakuragawa Accused of Kicking and Beating His Partner

 Courtesy of Terry's office

 It has been about a month since Shigeo Nagashima, the great star of the Showa era, passed away. The mourning for Mr. Nagashima has only intensified. Terry Ito, who had a close relationship with Mr. Nagashima, is one of them. Here are Terry's words of appreciation for Mr. Nagashima's great personality and the many times he met him.

“One Home Run Changed My Life” — Terry Ito’s Heartfelt Tribute to Late Shigeo Nagashima

 Yuji Yanagawa

 Takehiko Kohiyama

 Tokyo Olympics Judo 100kg Champion Joins New Japan Pro-Wrestling!

 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist in the men's 100kg judo weight class, Ulf Aron, has made a spectacular transition to a pro-wrestler! In an exclusive interview after his press conference, he talks about the reason for his change and his passion for pro wrestling.

Gold Medalist No More? Aaron Wolf Declares Pride and Titles Won’t Hold Him Back

 Ryoji Shigemasa

 Kotaro Tajiri

 Masato Akihiro, who was traded from the Giants to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on May 12, looks back on the trade and slowly spins his words. He slowly spun his words as he looked back on the day he was notified of the trade and his current state of mind.

Yuto Akihiro Expresses Frustration After Surprise Trade from Giants to SoftBank Hawks

 Courtesy of Mr. Dave Takamasa Yamazaki

 Shigeo Nagashima, "Mr. Giant," who passed away, gave light to the lives of many baseball people. One of them was Dave Okubo. He moved to the Giants and was deeply moved by Mr. Nagashima's personality. He recalls his own moving story and God's care for him.

Dave Okubo Recalls Nagashima’s “10,000 Yen for a Home Run” Gesture

 Arifumi Taguchi

 The "evolution of pitching" that does not rely on power, as revealed by a thorough analysis by a motion analysis expert.

 On June 17, Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers made his return to pitching for the first time in 663 days. The expert explained that the "evolution of his pitching style" can be seen by comparing his pre-surgery days with his current days in the Angels before his right elbow surgery. A series of photos are shown to thoroughly analyze his "thin pitching form.

Shohei Ohtani: &#8220;Shin Pitching Form is ″Energy Saving! Shohei Otani: &#8220;Shin pitching form is &#8220;energy-saving

 Kyodo News

 Richard, who joined the Giants from Softbank as a replacement for main gun Kazuma Okamoto, is struggling. His batting average in the first team was in the .030 range. Even after being demoted to the second team, his poor play has not improved. The former No. 4 has pointed out the problems.

Kazuma Okamoto&#8217;s replacement has a .500 batting average&#8230;Giants Richard &#8220;22 strikeouts in 14 games for the second team!&#8221; Critical problem pointed out by former No. 4

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 Sakama Rakuto (16, minimum weight) passed the pro test on April 10. Rakuto had an older brother who was called "post-Naoya Inoue," but...

For the sake of his brother who died two days before the match&#8230; &#8220;Sakama Rakugo,&#8221; a high school pro boxer who passed the pro test at first shot, is determined to be a professional boxer.

 Shinji Tokari

 In recent years, the number of professionals who have graduated from or are currently enrolled in college has been increasing in the women's professional golf industry. The reason for this is that it has become more difficult to pass the professional golf test, but what are the advantages of going to college? We interviewed them at the "Earth Mondamin Cup.

The Increasing Number of &#8220;Campus-Born&#8221; Professionals in Women&#8217;s Golf Speak Out on the Good Points of Being in College

 AFLO

 Shohei Ohtani (30) of the Dodgers is scoring runs at a high pace this season. What is hidden behind this extraordinary pace of scoring runs, the highest in the majors this season and the most in the 21st century? Professional baseball commentator Tokutsu explains.

Shohei Otani: Don&#8217;t worry even if your batting average is low!　He can aim for the &#8220;triple crown&#8221; and the &#8220;top scorer&#8221;, which is the proof of his &#8220;evolution&#8221;.

 Pro Baseball Wide, Part 2: The Sorrowful Exchange Games

 The "4 Men" behind Softbank's V-shaped recovery and the charisma behind Seibu Imai's unbeatable pitching? ...... will bring you the "human drama behind the bench" that neither newspapers nor TV stations report.

SoftBank’s Revival Fueled by 4 Men — Behind the Scenes of Imai’s Lights-Out Pitching

 Pro Baseball Wide - The Sorrowful Exchange Games, Part 1

 The Hanshin team is leading the Central League, and Teruaki Sato is making a huge leap forward, but there are concerns about manager Fujikawa's leadership, and Ma-kun, who has not been able to work for the past few years, has "failed to change his ways. We will report on the "human drama behind the bench" that neither newspapers nor TV stations report.

Sato’s Breakout Traced to Tanaka’s Failed Makeover

 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

 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.

 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.

Sports

Rakuten’s Asamura Breaks Free from the Pressure of Milestones

Yokohama FC’s Solomon Sakuragawa Accused of Kicking and Beating His Partner

“One Home Run Changed My Life” — Terry Ito’s Heartfelt Tribute to Late Shigeo Nagashima

Gold Medalist No More? Aaron Wolf Declares Pride and Titles Won’t Hold Him Back

Yuto Akihiro Expresses Frustration After Surprise Trade from Giants to SoftBank Hawks

Dave Okubo Recalls Nagashima’s “10,000 Yen for a Home Run” Gesture

Shohei Ohtani: “Shin Pitching Form is ″Energy Saving! Shohei Otani: “Shin pitching form is “energy-saving

Kazuma Okamoto’s replacement has a .500 batting average…Giants Richard “22 strikeouts in 14 games for the second team!” Critical problem pointed out by former No. 4

For the sake of his brother who died two days before the match… “Sakama Rakugo,” a high school pro boxer who passed the pro test at first shot, is determined to be a professional boxer.

The Increasing Number of “Campus-Born” Professionals in Women’s Golf Speak Out on the Good Points of Being in College

Shohei Otani: Don’t worry even if your batting average is low!　He can aim for the “triple crown” and the “top scorer”, which is the proof of his “evolution”.

SoftBank’s Revival Fueled by 4 Men — Behind the Scenes of Imai’s Lights-Out Pitching

Sato’s Breakout Traced to Tanaka’s Failed Makeover

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

Sports

Rakuten’s Asamura Breaks Free from the Pressure of Milestones

Yokohama FC’s Solomon Sakuragawa Accused of Kicking and Beating His Partner

“One Home Run Changed My Life” — Terry Ito’s Heartfelt Tribute to Late Shigeo Nagashima

Gold Medalist No More? Aaron Wolf Declares Pride and Titles Won’t Hold Him Back

Yuto Akihiro Expresses Frustration After Surprise Trade from Giants to SoftBank Hawks

Dave Okubo Recalls Nagashima’s “10,000 Yen for a Home Run” Gesture

Shohei Ohtani: “Shin Pitching Form is ″Energy Saving! Shohei Otani: “Shin pitching form is “energy-saving

Kazuma Okamoto’s replacement has a .500 batting average…Giants Richard “22 strikeouts in 14 games for the second team!” Critical problem pointed out by former No. 4

For the sake of his brother who died two days before the match… “Sakama Rakugo,” a high school pro boxer who passed the pro test at first shot, is determined to be a professional boxer.

The Increasing Number of “Campus-Born” Professionals in Women’s Golf Speak Out on the Good Points of Being in College

Shohei Otani: Don’t worry even if your batting average is low! He can aim for the “triple crown” and the “top scorer”, which is the proof of his “evolution”.

SoftBank’s Revival Fueled by 4 Men — Behind the Scenes of Imai’s Lights-Out Pitching

Sato’s Breakout Traced to Tanaka’s Failed Makeover

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

Shohei Otani: Don’t worry even if your batting average is low!　He can aim for the “triple crown” and the “top scorer”, which is the proof of his “evolution”.