 Kyodo News

 Some people are saying that the fact that Tsuyoshi Matsumoto of the Giants, who has been flying low, has not been demoted to the second team is due to manager Shinnosuke Abe's favor, but the actual situation is not as simple as that. ......

The appointment of Tsuyoshi Matsumoto by the Giants is not &#8220;Shinnosuke Abe&#8217;s favoritism&#8221;! A &#8220;Guaranteed 200 at-bats and veto contract&#8221; theory has emerged.

 Hazuki Takeda (nonfiction writer)

 Takayuki Ogawauchi

 On May 10, former makuuchi wrestler Flameho made his first appearance as a juryo in three years at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. After sustaining a cervical vertebrae injury in 1923, flameho has been working hard on his rehabilitation. He talked about his journey from an early rider to a juryo again for the first time in his career.

“I’ll Be Better Than Before” — Enho Returns to Juryo Three Years After Devastating Neck Injury

 The shocking trade that shook the world of professional baseball has become a hot topic. Behind it all, it seems, was the too-strong voice of the DeNA front office and the too-weak position of the front office.

“I Couldn’t Stop It” — Aikawa on DeNA’s Controversial Yamamoto Trade and Front Office Power

 AFLO

 In the World Table Tennis Final, Hina Hayata cried because she could not win a single game. ......

 At the World Table Tennis Championships in London, Hina Hayata (ranked 10th in the world) cried in the final of the women's team competition, losing just one game short of winning the championship for the first time in 55 years. However, she is not far behind her opponent and has found a powerful weapon to follow her "Hina Drive"!

A New Strength Emerges for Hina Hayata After Emotional Defeat

 Masao Kurihara

 Watanabe Koji

 The World Cup is about to begin! Samurai Blue in Europe: Part 2

 Good news has arrived for Japan's national soccer team in the form of the return of defender Itakura Koh. Itakura, who experienced the Qatar tournament and played a central role in the back three in the final Asian qualifying rounds, has been out of action for a long time due to poor conditions.

“I Finally Made It Back” — Ko Itakura Returns After Two and a Half Months Out, Shares His Honest Feelings

 Moriyasu Japan's "key players in attack and defense" talk about their thoughts on the World Cup! Samurai Blue in Europe Part 1

 The North and Central American World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026 (local time). With the announcement of Japan's national team members approaching, we interviewed the "key men" of Moriyasu Japan, brothers Kaiyuu and Kodai Sano, about their thoughts on the World Cup.

Sano Brothers Aim for Historic First as Both Target Japan National Team Selection — Their World Cup Ambitions

 Reuters/Afro (1st photo) Arifumi Taguchi

 He hit 67 homers a year! His swing has changed dramatically since his days with the Yakult baseball team. Professor Taku Kawamura of Tsukuba University, an expert in motion analysis, provides an in-depth analysis.

 Munetaka Murakami of the White Sox (26) reached No. 12 in his first year in the Majors, at a pace of 67 runs per year. Professor Taku Kawamura of Tsukuba University analyzes the evolution of his V-shaped swing, "scooping up from below," with a series of photographs.

What’s Behind His Power Surge? Munetaka Murakami’s “Lift From Below” Hitting Technique

 YUTAKA/Afro Sports (1st), Takahiro Kagawa (2nd)

 Naoya Inoue defeated Jyunjin Nakatani, a former world champion in three weight classes, by a unanimous decision. The heated fight was broadcast in PPV format, and was said to be a big match worth 10 billion yen. Another charismatic fighter, Takemasa, had his retirement match broadcast on terrestrial wave and ......

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani Profit Gap and Takeru Retirement Fight Highlight Contrasting Viewing Cultures and Fan Reactions

 Samurai Major Leaguers Special

 Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers recorded three hits, including his sixth home run, against the Cubs on April 27. Although he was reported to be in a slump, data shows that Ohtani is actually a slow starter. We analyzed his growth and challenges this season.

Still in the process of development&#8230;!　Shohei Ohtani&#8217;s &#8220;growth and challenges&#8221; this season as revealed by his &#8220;statistical data

 We held a "Minato-ku Girls Who Specialize in Baseball Players" round-table talk session with Lino (insurance company employee), Maki (childcare worker), and Maiko (university student). We asked them to talk about the "night faces" of the stars.

Minato Ward Groupies Expose The Hidden Nightlife Of Baseball Stars

 Kumataro Arai

 On April 25, about 50,000 people filled the streets of Nihonbashi for the Winter Olympic Parade. The star of the parade was the "Riku-Ryu" pair. The climax of the parade was the lift, which was cheered by the crowd. As for the future of the pair, who have announced their retirement...

Rikuryu Shine at Winter Olympic Parade with Gold and Silver Medals and Overwhelming Star Presence

 Hiroshima manager Takahiro Arai, 49, is likely to have his career in jeopardy if he fails to win a championship in his fourth year in charge of the team. The season demands results, but the pinch points continue to mount.

Was it a directive from the baseball team?　Hiroshima manager Takahiro Arai, who has had &#8220;a string of mishaps,&#8221; selects three rookies for a generational change.

 DeNA, led by new manager Ryoji Aikawa (49), has not been able to make much of a splash since the start of the season. Behind this is the "disunity crisis" of the nine members, who have lost their spiritual pillar.

DeNA Faces Team Cohesion Questions After Departure of Masayuki Kuwahara

 Kazunari Ishii, 31, is an infielder who joined Seibu from Nippon Ham last offseason after exercising his domestic FA rights. He was a big-name member of the team, but after only three games, he was unexpectedly dropped to the second team, a situation that was the cause of the leaders' anger.

Seibu’s Kazunari Ishii Demoted to Minors as Team Management Decisions Draw Attention

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 After setting a new Japanese record in the second section of the Hakone Ekiden, he turned pro without joining a business team...and ran the Osaka Marathon at a pace that broke the Japanese record until about halfway through the race!

 Hibiki Yoshida, who became the talk of the town after wearing power tape all over his body at this year's Osaka Marathon, is more than just a runner who is the talk of the town. His ideas and steps are not confined to conventional frameworks, and he continues to evolve toward becoming Japan's first runner to break 2 hours and 3 minutes and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2008.

Hibiki Yoshida Aims for Historic Sub-2:03 Marathon Record in Japan

 Eiji Ochiai's "promotion" is a strategic move.

 2026年より新設された外野テラス席「ホームランウイング」の影響を受けてAクラス入りを予想されていた中日が、12球団最速の10敗目を喫するなど緊急事態に陥っている。 What is the inside story?

Chunichi Manager In Jeopardy? Mid-Season Exit Talk Grows as Club Turns to Shima

 A lot of ㊙︎ stories that the reporters can't write! Part 1

 Yakult got off to a rocket start against the odds, while the Hanshin didn't show the same strength as their reputation. The Giants lacked a spiritual pillar, and DeNA, Japan's No. 1 team the year before last, was in last place after the season opener... Chunichi, which had been mentioned as a top contender, is also struggling.

What Was in Manager Fujikawa’s Letter? Inside Hanshin’s Dugout Drama of Sharp Contrasts

 A lot of ㊙︎ stories that the reporters can't write! Part 2

 SoftBank is worried about running out of steam, and winning a third straight championship will not be easy. Nippon-Ham has a full starting rotation and is on track to win their long-awaited championship. The Orix are facing the problem of their ace being out of the lineup for an extended period of time. Seibu, whose absolute ace has left the team, is aggressively reinforcing its lineup with transfer money.

Will It Be Farewell Shinjo Even After a Championship? Inside Nippon-Ham’s Contrasting Dugout Reality

 Shinnosuke Abe, 47, is under strict orders to regain V in his third year in charge of the Giants. He is said to have given his pitchers a boost with extraordinary determination to beat the Hanshin team.

Be prepared to get hit! Behind the Giants&#8217; back-to-back wins over the Hanshin Tigers, Abe&#8217;s &#8220;Han-ki Kisho&#8221; (proclamation of the spirit of mankind)&#8230;Fujikawa&#8217;s &#8220;silent intimidation&#8221; against the Giants?

 Against the Rangers' best right fielder, Jacob deGrom, Shohei Ohtani got off to a great start as a hitter by hitting No. 5 without much effort. His hitting itself has improved from last year, and he has improved his output and certainty at the same time.

Shohei Ohtani Off to Career-Best Power Start, Driven by Improved Lower-Body Mechanics

 Special Interview Part 1

 Kenta Maeda, who has returned to the Japanese baseball world after an 11-year absence, is famous for such routines as "Maeken gymnastics," but he says he does not do them simply for the sake of experience. It all started in his second year as a professional baseball player in Hiroshima, against Nippon Ham in June of 2008.

Masahiro Tanaka Returns to NPB After 11 Years, Reveals Strict 20-Step Daily Routine

 Special Interview Part 2

 In addition to his routine, Maeda also emphasizes the importance of "giving yourself 20% leeway. He says he realized this during a match against Yakult in April 2010, when he faced Hiroyasu Tanaka. He also talked about his relationship with Darvish, who has been a great influence on him, and his goals for the future.

Masahiro Tanaka Emphasizes Balance in Career, Credits Yu Darvish’s Influence

 AP/Afro

 April 15 is Jackie Robinson Day. It is the anniversary of Robinson's debut with the Dodgers, the team that paved the way for people of color to reach the majors. Our experts on the Majors will share the moving flesh of Mrs. Rachel, who is still alive at the age of 103.

Jackie Robinson’s Wife Reveals Untold Story of Courage That Changed Baseball

 Takahiro Kagawa

 Shohei Otani has been on a roll this season in both pitching and hitting, including breaking Ichiro's Japanese record of 43 consecutive games on base. What the reporter saw of his true face off the field. ......

Sports

The appointment of Tsuyoshi Matsumoto by the Giants is not “Shinnosuke Abe’s favoritism”! A “Guaranteed 200 at-bats and veto contract” theory has emerged.

“I’ll Be Better Than Before” — Enho Returns to Juryo Three Years After Devastating Neck Injury

“I Couldn’t Stop It” — Aikawa on DeNA’s Controversial Yamamoto Trade and Front Office Power

A New Strength Emerges for Hina Hayata After Emotional Defeat

“I Finally Made It Back” — Ko Itakura Returns After Two and a Half Months Out, Shares His Honest Feelings

Sano Brothers Aim for Historic First as Both Target Japan National Team Selection — Their World Cup Ambitions

What’s Behind His Power Surge? Munetaka Murakami’s “Lift From Below” Hitting Technique

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani Profit Gap and Takeru Retirement Fight Highlight Contrasting Viewing Cultures and Fan Reactions

Still in the process of development…!　Shohei Ohtani’s “growth and challenges” this season as revealed by his “statistical data

Minato Ward Groupies Expose The Hidden Nightlife Of Baseball Stars

Rikuryu Shine at Winter Olympic Parade with Gold and Silver Medals and Overwhelming Star Presence

Was it a directive from the baseball team?　Hiroshima manager Takahiro Arai, who has had “a string of mishaps,” selects three rookies for a generational change.

DeNA Faces Team Cohesion Questions After Departure of Masayuki Kuwahara

Seibu’s Kazunari Ishii Demoted to Minors as Team Management Decisions Draw Attention

Hibiki Yoshida Aims for Historic Sub-2:03 Marathon Record in Japan

Chunichi Manager In Jeopardy? Mid-Season Exit Talk Grows as Club Turns to Shima

What Was in Manager Fujikawa’s Letter? Inside Hanshin’s Dugout Drama of Sharp Contrasts

Will It Be Farewell Shinjo Even After a Championship? Inside Nippon-Ham’s Contrasting Dugout Reality

Be prepared to get hit! Behind the Giants’ back-to-back wins over the Hanshin Tigers, Abe’s “Han-ki Kisho” (proclamation of the spirit of mankind)…Fujikawa’s “silent intimidation” against the Giants?

Shohei Ohtani Off to Career-Best Power Start, Driven by Improved Lower-Body Mechanics

Masahiro Tanaka Returns to NPB After 11 Years, Reveals Strict 20-Step Daily Routine

Masahiro Tanaka Emphasizes Balance in Career, Credits Yu Darvish’s Influence

Jackie Robinson’s Wife Reveals Untold Story of Courage That Changed Baseball

The Origin of a Phenomenon Shohei Ohtani Through a Reporter’s Eyes

Sports

The appointment of Tsuyoshi Matsumoto by the Giants is not “Shinnosuke Abe’s favoritism”! A “Guaranteed 200 at-bats and veto contract” theory has emerged.

“I’ll Be Better Than Before” — Enho Returns to Juryo Three Years After Devastating Neck Injury

“I Couldn’t Stop It” — Aikawa on DeNA’s Controversial Yamamoto Trade and Front Office Power

A New Strength Emerges for Hina Hayata After Emotional Defeat

“I Finally Made It Back” — Ko Itakura Returns After Two and a Half Months Out, Shares His Honest Feelings

Sano Brothers Aim for Historic First as Both Target Japan National Team Selection — Their World Cup Ambitions

What’s Behind His Power Surge? Munetaka Murakami’s “Lift From Below” Hitting Technique

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani Profit Gap and Takeru Retirement Fight Highlight Contrasting Viewing Cultures and Fan Reactions

Still in the process of development…! Shohei Ohtani’s “growth and challenges” this season as revealed by his “statistical data

Minato Ward Groupies Expose The Hidden Nightlife Of Baseball Stars

Rikuryu Shine at Winter Olympic Parade with Gold and Silver Medals and Overwhelming Star Presence

Was it a directive from the baseball team? Hiroshima manager Takahiro Arai, who has had “a string of mishaps,” selects three rookies for a generational change.

DeNA Faces Team Cohesion Questions After Departure of Masayuki Kuwahara

Seibu’s Kazunari Ishii Demoted to Minors as Team Management Decisions Draw Attention

Hibiki Yoshida Aims for Historic Sub-2:03 Marathon Record in Japan

Chunichi Manager In Jeopardy? Mid-Season Exit Talk Grows as Club Turns to Shima

What Was in Manager Fujikawa’s Letter? Inside Hanshin’s Dugout Drama of Sharp Contrasts

Will It Be Farewell Shinjo Even After a Championship? Inside Nippon-Ham’s Contrasting Dugout Reality

Be prepared to get hit! Behind the Giants’ back-to-back wins over the Hanshin Tigers, Abe’s “Han-ki Kisho” (proclamation of the spirit of mankind)…Fujikawa’s “silent intimidation” against the Giants?

Shohei Ohtani Off to Career-Best Power Start, Driven by Improved Lower-Body Mechanics

Masahiro Tanaka Returns to NPB After 11 Years, Reveals Strict 20-Step Daily Routine

Masahiro Tanaka Emphasizes Balance in Career, Credits Yu Darvish’s Influence

Jackie Robinson’s Wife Reveals Untold Story of Courage That Changed Baseball

The Origin of a Phenomenon Shohei Ohtani Through a Reporter’s Eyes

Still in the process of development…!　Shohei Ohtani’s “growth and challenges” this season as revealed by his “statistical data

Was it a directive from the baseball team?　Hiroshima manager Takahiro Arai, who has had “a string of mishaps,” selects three rookies for a generational change.