Ukrainian star Aonishiki won a three-way championship playoff on Sunday to capture his third top-division title at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Aonishiki, fellow sekiwake Atamifuji and ozeki Kirishima all finished the 15-day tournament deadlocked with record of 12-3. Atamifuji defeated Aonishiki in regulation to force a playoff at IG Arena. Kirishima then defeated fellow ozeki Kotozakura to join the two other grapplers at 12-3. In the first playoff match, Atamifuji shove

Ukrainian star Aonishiki shoved out Takanosho to reach the midway point of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament with seven wins and one loss but the Day 8 victory came with a cost. Aonishiki forced Takanosho to the edge where the top maegashira stepped out just before the Ukrainian sekiwake lost his balance and appeared to injure his left leg. Aonishiki , who gingerly walked off the dohyo wincing in pain, holds a share of the lead at 7-1 with compatriot Shishi and Mongolian Kiris

Three foreign-born pitchers pulled off a rare feat in Japanese professional baseball _ combining to throw a no-hitter, just the sixth combined no-no in the history of Nippon Professional Baseball. American Nash Walters pitched seven hitless innings for the Yakult Swallows on Thursday in Hiroshima. Walters allowed only a walk, a hit batsman and a runner on an error. Dominican Jesus Liranzo and Venezuelan Jose Quijada then completed the no-hitter and the Swallow won 1-0. It was

By Jim Armstrong NAGOYA _ Grand champion Onosato was upset by newly-promoted komusubi Yoshinofuji on Sunday, the opening day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Making a comeback after missing a majority of the previous two tournaments with a left shoulder injury, Onosato was unable to thwart a powerful frontal push out by the komusubi who improved to 4-0 against the yokozuna. “I was able to get off to a good start,” said Yoshinofuji, who committed two false starts. “I was a

With Wakatakakage out, Onosato, Hoshoryu and Aonishiki look to regain form at Nagoya tournament. By Jim Armstrong Sekiwake Wakatakakage was hoping to make a push for promotion to ozeki at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament which kicks off on Sunday at IG Arena. The surprise winner of May’s Summer basho will now have to watch from the sidelines after undergoing emergency surgery for a training injury sustained in the buildup to the July 12 to 26 Nagoya meet. Wakatakakage was dia

Sumo wrestling stands as one of Japan’s most iconic sports, blending centuries of tradition with intense physical competition. The major Grand Sumo Tournaments, held six times a year, draw passionate fans from across the country and around the world. These tournaments showcase the skill, strength, and spirit of sumo wrestlers, known as rikishi, while also reflecting deep cultural values. This post explores the tournament format, highlights key wrestlers, delves into the histo

Japan is a country rich in culture, tradition, and a deep-rooted passion for sports. From ancient martial arts to modern team sports, the Japanese have a unique way of celebrating athleticism. This guide will take you through the most popular sports in Japan, their history, and what makes them special. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or just curious about Japanese culture, this post will provide you with valuable insights. Eye-level view of a traditional sumo wrestling rin

Japan is a country rich in history and culture, and its traditional sports are a significant part of this heritage. These sports not only showcase the physical prowess of athletes but also reflect the values, beliefs, and traditions of Japanese society. In this blog post, we will explore various traditional sports in Japan, their historical significance, and how they continue to influence modern culture. Eye-level view of a sumo wrestling match in a traditional arena The Esse

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to integrating into the local culture. For expats in Japan, joining the sports community can be a fantastic way to meet new people, stay active, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips for expats looking to connect with Japan's vibrant sports scene. Understanding the Sports Culture in Japan Japan has a rich sports culture that encompasses a w