At a Tokyo kids' sports event, Olympic sprinter Shingo Suetsugu graded Ichiro's running across ten categories and landed on 59 out of 100, one point shy of passing. The baseball legend turned his latest near-miss into a perfectly on-brand joke.
Japan-born global group XG will throw the first pitch at Dodger Stadium on May 31. We break down the newly announced seven North American dates of the XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE — venues, tickets, and the TikTok-and-Billboard fanbase that made an arena tour possible.
Cubs GM reveals Shota Imanaga's WBC 2026 absence was a team-driven decision. While Imanaga wanted to play for Japan, the Cubs prioritized spring training. Explore how MLB teams shape Samurai Japan's roster and the impact on Japan's pitching staff.
Japan considers cutting high school baseball from 9 to 7 innings by 2028. While 70% of schools oppose the change, heat stroke concerns and player safety drive the debate. How will Japan balance tradition with modern athlete welfare?
Japan's High School Baseball Federation is considering historic rule changes: reducing games from 9 to 7 innings starting 2028. Learn about the heat safety concerns, player welfare debates, and the passionate reactions from Japan's beloved Koshien baseball culture.
Former Yakult Swallows slugger Munetaka Murakami agrees to surprising 2-year, $34M contract with struggling White Sox. Despite lower-than-expected value, the 25-year-old Triple Crown winner aims to prove himself and secure a mega-deal in 2027 free agency. Analysis of this strategic move to a rebuilding team.