Ed Odeven

2 weeks ago | featured.japan-forward.com | Ed Odeven

Week after week, the headlines underscore the fact that an increasing number of Japanese women are making their mark on the LPGA Tour. Exhibit A: Victories by Rio Takeda (at March's Blue Bay LPGA in China) and by Mao Saigo (on April 27 at the Chevron Championship in Texas) delivered recent reminders of the nation's substantial women's golf talent. And don't forget that Akie Iwai placed second at the LA Championship on April 27.

3 weeks ago | featured.japan-forward.com | Ed Odeven

Judo legend Kosei Inoue maintains an active lifestyle. For the foreseeable future, his daily calendar will get even busier. The men's under 100-kg division gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics is in the running for new administrative posts with the All Japan Judo Federation and the International Judo Federation. According to published reports, Inoue was formally approved as a candidate for the AJJF's board of directors during the organization's online meeting on Thursday, June 5.

3 weeks ago | featured.japan-forward.com | Ed Odeven

It's been three-plus months since Junto Nakatani won for the 30th time in 30 professional boxing fights. Nakatani, the WBC bantamweight champion, returns to the ring on Sunday, June 8 against compatriot Ryosuke Nishida, the IBF title holder, at Tokyo's Ariake Coliseum. Last time out, Nakatani pulverized 23-year-old title challenger David Cuellar, winning via a third-round knockout on February 24 at Ariake Arena, a nearby venue. It was his 23rd stoppage victory.

3 weeks ago | featured.japan-forward.com | Ed Odeven

Yomiuri Giants legend Shigeo Nagashima, a prolific winner during his pro baseball career and a national icon for decades, died on Tuesday morning, June 3 of pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital. He was 89. A native of Usui (now known as Sakura), Chiba Prefecture, Nagashima spent his entire career with the Giants, first as a player, then as a manager. He later became the storied franchise's lifetime honorary manager. Known as "Mr. Giants," Nagashima won the Central League Rookie of the Year honor in 1958.

3 weeks ago | featured.japan-forward.com | Ed Odeven

New Zealander Richie Mo'unga scored a tone-setting try in the eighth minute, and Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo collected their second consecutive Japan Rugby League One title on Sunday, June 1. Star flyhalf Mo'unga's squad, which led 8-6 at halftime, held on for an 18-13 triumph over the Kubota Spears at Tokyo's National Stadium. In the second half, Toshiba took a commanding 15-6 advantage in the 48th minute on a Yuto Mori try and Mo'unga's conversion.