Latest news with #Inaba
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dakota Ditcheva channeling Khabib Nurmagomedov as she targets MMA's improbable records
Dakota Ditcheva is ignoring the naysayers and targeting one of the more improbable records in all of mixed martial arts. Ditcheva, 26, became the youngest champion in PFL history in 2024, and now returns to fight on July 19 for the first time since her breakout $1 million tournament success. The striker meets Sumiko Inaba in a women's flyweight bout in the co-main event of PFL's debut trip to the GrandWest Arena in Cape Town, South Africa. Johnny Eblen fights Costello van Steenis in the headline bout, while high-flyer A.J. McKee also takes on Akhmed Magomedov in his first bout since a 2024 split decision loss to Paul Hughes. Advertisement 'It's going to be a really good matchup,' Ditcheva told Uncrowned ahead of her first fight in seven months. 'Nobody can say [Inaba has] not proven herself. I've seen her around … I have taken it seriously.' Success on fight night isn't the only thing Ditcheva has on her mind, because she wants to be a Khabib Nurmagomedov or Floyd Mayweather for the new era. She wants to storm in, create a legacy, and retire at the top of the sport with an undefeated record in tow. Nurmagomedov (29-0) famously ran a gauntlet at lightweight, beating Rafael dos Anjos, Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier, before calling the curtain on his UFC career with a triangle choke over Justin Gaethje in front of only a handful of people at a behind-closed-doors, COVID-era bubble in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Mayweather (50-0), too, dominated his discipline, retiring as a near-billionaire in boxing after wins over Oscar de la Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and McGregor, among many others. Advertisement 'People always say there'll always be someone there who can beat you, but, who says? Why do people say that?" Ditcheva asked. "Why accept you're going to get beat at one point? That's not the mentality you should have.' Ditcheva is already 14-0 with 13 wins by finish (12 knockouts and one submission). Only Paula Cristina has taken her the distance in just Ditcheva's fifth pro fight, and that hasn't happened again in more than three years. The PFL star is an even greater talent these days, showing a particularly nasty appetite for finishing fights with brutal body shots — like her signature win over the one-time UFC flyweight title challenger Taila Santos this past November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Uncrowned recognized her exploits by touting her as one of MMA's breakout athletes of 2024, and the combat sports industry ended the year talking up a possible future fight between herself and the UFC flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko. Advertisement By many metrics, Dakota is PFL's biggest homegrown star since Kayla Harrison, who herself is on the cusp of a generational showdown as UFC bantamweight champion against Amanda Nunes — a bout Ditcheva said she'd struggle to watch because she has a relationship with both of American Top Team's championship athletes. Victory over Inaba later this month would advance Ditcheva's professional record to 15-0, but she refuses to stop there. 'If you get beat, it happens,' she said. 'But that's not something I think about. I think about staying undefeated [and going to] 15-0, 30-0, 60-0. 'I'm not thinking about one loss on my record. Hell, no. It's not going to happen for me.' Why accept you're going to get beat at one point? That's not the mentality you should have. Dakota Ditcheva Should Ditcheva keep tallying wins, her growing reputation in combat sports will no doubt transition from that of a breakout performer to a top-tier pound-for-pound sensation. She's already envisioning a dream fight at the 53,000-capacity Etihad Stadium, home of English Premier League giant Manchester City. It's a venue that beloved British boxer Ricky Hatton once fought in, having defeated Juan Lazcano in a homecoming bout back in 2008. Ditcheva wants to be the first MMA fighter to headline the venue. Advertisement '[Fighting at the] Etihad is my dream,' she said. 'We'll have the full Manchester City team [in attendance]. I might even have [City coach] Pep [Guardiola] in the corner, and have him walk me out. 'He's very strategic about mindset,' Ditcheva added of the three-time UEFA Champions League-winning coach. 'He'd be a good person to have in the corner. We need to make that happen so he can walk me out before he retires.' As for the dream opponent, Ditcheva stopped short of name-checking Shevchenko, considering the Kyrgyzstani fighter competes in a rival organization. 'Whoever the best girl is at that time,' she said instead. For now, though, Ditcheva simply wants to help PFL make history in new grounds in South Africa against Inaba, before reclaiming her PFL flyweight belt before the end of the year. Advertisement "I want to be busy,' she said. 'I want to have my belt back by the end of the year. Whichever girl wins, I'll take it from them, for sure. That's my belt. And I'm excited to get it back.' Considering the spectacularly violent nature of her wins to date, few should bet against her.
Metropolis Japan
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Chill, Slurp, Repeat: Azabudai Hills Serves Up Summer on Ice
When Tokyo heat hits its peak, Azabudai Hills hits back—with layers of shaved fruit ice, chilled noodles spiked with sudachi and mango cocktails blended to slushy perfection. From July 4 to August 31, the city's sleekest neighborhood becomes a haven for 'hinyari' (cool) indulgence, featuring 56 icy treats across 43 shops. Expect more than just dessert. This year's lineup adds new savory delights—like the sudachi cold noodles from Inaba and chilled tom yum noodles at Krung Siam—alongside show-stopping sweets like Sembikiya's luxury musk melon kakigori and Criollo's mango parfait. Many are Azabudai Hills exclusives, and some are limited to just 10 or 20 servings a day. To cool off further, browse the on-site UV-care pop-ups. Or swing by the returning 'Azabudai Hills Summer Festival,' where jumbo skewers, street eats and children's games keep the energy festive after sunset. There's no better way to eat through Tokyo's hottest season —one icy spoonful (or slurp) at a time. official website for details.
Tokyo Weekender
26-06-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
Tottori Travel Guide: Uncover an Ancient Dreamscape by the Sea of Japan
Tucked away on the coast of the Sea of Japan, Tottori Prefecture is perhaps Japan's most spectacular and surprising hidden gem. It's like entering another world, where centuries-old traditions continue uninterrupted among fantastical landscapes. With its breathtaking terrain, mythic heritage, atmospheric ruins and tranquil hot spring villages, Tottori is a place that feels more dreamscape than a typical travel destination — a sublime blend of elemental beauty and living tradition. The Sand Museum Tottori Sand Dunes Spectacular Sand Dunes and Regal Castle Ruins The Tottori Sand Dunes — the prefecture's most iconic landmark — are like nothing else in Japan. Wind-sculpted and ever-changing, they roll dramatically toward the sea, creating a cinematic, almost surreal landscape that shifts with the light and seasons. At the eastern edge of the dunes sits The Sand Museum, an indoor museum and the only one in the world dedicated to sand sculptures. It features large-scale works created by international artists, with a new theme introduced each year — ranging from ancient civilizations to modern cultural icons. Slightly inland, you'll find another of the prefecture's most notable sights: the Tottori Castle ruins, rising from the hillside above Tottori city. As dusk falls, the stone path leading up to the ruins glows with warm light, creating a dreamy and inviting atmosphere. Sacred Stories and Living Traditions Tottori is rich in legend and tradition. It is home to Hakuto Shrine, a coastal sanctuary with a strong connection to one of Japan's oldest love stories, the legend of the White Rabbit of Inaba. To this day, those in search of love and luck come here to offer prayers. The spirit of Tottori can also be felt in its traditional crafts and the beautiful performance arts that continue to thrive in the region. The shimmering twirl of the Inaba umbrella dance evokes images of summer festivals and centuries-old celebrations. The Kirin-jishi mai — a dynamic folk dance featuring a mythical creature that combines elements of a lion and a giraffe — is performed to drive away evil and bring good fortune. Inshu washi, a high-quality handmade paper with a history dating back over 1,000 years, is still produced using traditional techniques. This enduring craft continues to be used in everything from calligraphy and interior design to contemporary art and stationery. The magic doesn't end here; Tottori is also known for its hot springs. From the conveniently located Tottori Onsen to the tranquil countryside settings of Yoshioka Onsen, Hamamura Onsen and Shikano, each offers a distinct experience steeped in local charm and hospitality. More Info Tottori Sand Dunes The Sand Museum 2083-17 Yuyama, Fukube-cho, Tottori city, Tottori Prefecture, 689-0105 Tottori Castle Ruins 2 Higashimachi, Tottori city, Tottori Prefecture, 680-0011 Hakuto Shrine 603 Hakuto, Tottori city, Tottori Prefecture, 689-0206
United News of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Bharat Biotech's oral cholera vaccine Hillchol demonstrates success in Phase III
Hyderabad, May 21 (UNI) Bharat Biotech's Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol has demonstrated against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes, proving non-inferior in healthy Indian adults and children, supporting its potential as an effective OCV. The study findings have been published in the ScienceDirect, Vaccine journal 126998 to assess a double-blind, randomized phase III clinical trial to evaluate safety, immunogenicity, non-inferiority & lot-to-lot consistency of single component oral cholera vaccine Hillchol in comparison to a comparator vaccine in a diverse participant group of 1,800 individuals, from infants to adults, across 10 clinical sites in India, Hyderabad based Vaccine maker said in a release here on Wednesday. In this study, participants were divided into three age groups: adults over 18 years, children aged 5 to under 18 years, and infants aged 1 to under 5 years. They were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive either Hillchol or a comparator vaccine. The primary endpoint focused on the proportion of participants achieving >4-fold increase in vibriocidal antibody titres against Ogawa and Inaba serotypes 14 days after two doses. While secondary endpoints included Geometric Mean Titre (GMT) measurements and safety. Key highlights from the findings are that Hillchol demonstrated a greater than 4-fold rise in vibriocidal antibodies against both Ogawa (68.3%) and Inaba (69.5%) serotypes, proving non-inferiority to licensed vaccines. Adverse events were mild and comparable between the two vaccines. The vaccine was well-tolerated and immunogenic across all age groups—including infants (≥1 year), children, and adults. Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, said, " T his publication reaffirms our commitment to advancing vaccines built on rigorous research, thorough clinical trials, and reliable clinical data." 'Cholera is a vaccine-preventable disease that has faced a surge in outbreaks along with a huge shortage of vaccines. The new generation Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol, featuring a simplified single stable O1 Hikojima strain, inducing robust antibodies against both Ogawa and Inaba serotypes, aims to enhance production efficiency and affordability, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries where waterborne diseases continue to pose serious health threats," Dr Ella added. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Studies have estimated that 2.86 million cases and 95,000 deaths occur annually. With Hillchol, Bharat Biotech strengthens its commitment to combating global infectious diseases through innovation and clinical excellence. As cholera continues to threaten communities lacking clean water and sanitation, Hillchol provides a streamlined, scalable solution designed to support global health programs and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines. Global demand for OCVs is close to 100 million doses a year, and given that only one manufacturer supplies them, there is a global shortage. Bharat Biotech's facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar have a capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol. UNI KNR BM
The Mainichi
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Mainichi
Japan's childless elderly turning wealth into goodwill
YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- As Japan ages, a growing number of seniors are turning their attention to charitable giving after death. Bequest donations as they are known, mainly by elderly people to hospitals, nonprofit organizations and other entities, are on the rise due largely to the increase in childless couples with no heirs. And while large sums of money left by such couples have been nestling in the national treasury, awareness about bequest donations has seen a sea change in recent years, with more organizations acting as a bridge between donors and recipients through wills or trusts. "I feel relieved because now I know how the money I've saved will be used," said 71-year-old Yoko Inaba (not her real name) who lives in a condominium for seniors in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Inaba had a notarized will draw up in December, stating that her money will be donated to a medical facility for newborns after she dies. When Inaba was a teenager, her mother told her that because of birth complications, she had been at risk of dying or suffering brain paralysis, leaving her feeling a desire to contribute to the medical treatment of such infants in the future. The woman, who divorced when she was young, has no children and is estranged from her siblings. Through a financial institution, Inaba sought advice on her will from Readyfor Inc., a Tokyo-based crowdfunding service provider that has been mediating bequest donations since 2021. Since she had a medical facility in mind that she wished to donate money to, concrete preparations to probate her will went off without a hitch. Experts say more and more people like Inaba are considering bequest donations partly because of a growing number of both childless couples and unmarried individuals. According to the Supreme Court, the amount of money that goes into the national treasury in the absence of inheritors has been on the rise, totaling more than 100 billion yen ($700 million) in fiscal 2023 -- an approximate threefold increase from a decade earlier. But now awareness among those without heirs of bequest donations is seeing more take steps to plan what to do with their assets. Launched in response to a growing demand, Readyfor has some 250 organizations registered as potential donor recipients, including universities and medical institutions. Donors can choose beneficiaries with the advice of the company's expert staff who have experience of specializing in inheritance-related matters at major financial institutions. "Lots of people look back and wish to support things that have to do with their birthplace and their life in general," said Yusuke Sotome, a 34-year-old staff member at Readyfor. Donor gifts made to child care, health care and educational institutions are most popular, he said. "Despite people wishing to make end-of-life arrangements or to formulate a will, many of them are unable to do so because they don't have the necessary knowledge," Sotome said, expecting a future expansion of the service of supporting bequest donations.
