JAPAN Forward

3 days ago | japan-forward.com | Ed Odeven

For the second time in the 2025 LPGA Tour season, Akie Iwai earned a runner-up finish on Sunday, April 20. After shooting an 8-under 64 on Saturday, Iwai was tied for the JM Eagle LA Championship lead heading into the final round at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles. A day later, the 22-year-old tour rookie carded a 3-under 69. In the fourth round, the Saitama Prefecture native had five birdies and two bogeys to finish at 20-under 268.

1 week ago | japan-forward.com | Ed Odeven

For the second straight year, Japan has booked a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The global women's tennis national team competition has now been whittled down to eight teams for the finals, with Japan joining reigning champion Italy, host China, Great Britain, Kazakhstan, Spain, Ukraine and the United States. On Sunday, April 13, Japan defeated Canada 2-1 in their high-pressure Group A tie at Tokyo's Ariake Colosseum.

1 week ago | japan-forward.com | Yasuo Naito

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai officially opened on April 13. But even before the event began, the world was shaken by "Trump theater" once again. On April 2, United States President Donald Trump announced hiking tariffs on all imports. Ironically, even China — despite its repression of political freedoms — raised the banner of free trade in response. Criticism of Trump has erupted worldwide, creating chaos and confusion. The Osaka Expo showcases Japan's most advanced and diverse technologies.

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

Former NPB slugger Tony Blanco was one of more than 100 people who died after the roof collapsed at a popular Dominican Republic nightclub on Tuesday, April 8. The accident occurred in Santo Domingo, the nation's capital, and more than 150 people were also injured. Blanco was 43. Ex-MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, who was 51, was also among the victims. They were attending a merengue concert at Jet Set and the roof collapsed at around 12:45 AM on Tuesday.

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

Japanese horses achieved notable success at the 2025 Dubai World Cup on Saturday, April 5. In the 29th marquee extravaganza at Meydan Racecourse, Danon Decile, Soul Rush and Admire Daytona secured victories for trainers Shogo Yasuda, Yasutoshi Ikee and Yukihiro Kato, respectively.