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Japan Forward
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Soccer: Japan Men Capture 2nd Straight East Asian Title
Reporting on a bear on a golf course, Japan's soccer title in South Korea, the Volleyball Nations League and Itsuki Takemoto getting selected in the MLB Draft. The Japan men's national team jubilates after its title-clinching win in the 2025 East Asian Football Federation E-1 Football Championship on July 15 in Yongin, South Korea. (©SANKEI) Japan men's soccer standout Ryo Germain scored his tournament-leading fifth goal in the eighth minute against South Korea on Tuesday night, July 15. It was a high-stakes contribution for Germain, who plies his craft for the Sanfrecce Hiroshima, in the East Asian Football Federation E-1 Football Championship final in Yongin, South Korea. Teammate Yuki Soma created the scoring opportunity with a well-placed cross. The Samurai Blue defeated the hosts 1-0, completing the four-nation final round with a perfect 3-0 record. Japan's Ryo Germain (right) celebrates with a teammate after scoring a goal against South Korea in the first half. (KYODO) Manager Hajime Moriyasu selected all of the team's players from the instead of also filling out the roster with players who compete for European soccer squads. "My players made a great effort," Moriyasu said, according to Kyodo News. "They showed the pride of the and the depth of our national team." In Japan's first match of the E-1 Football Championship final round, Germain scored four goals in the opening half of a 6-1 rout of Hong Kong on July 8. Moriyasu's men then triumphed 2-0 over China in their second match of the tourney's final round on July 12. Japan's Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce) was named the E-1 Football Championship's Best Goalkeeper. The next E-1 Football Championship is scheduled for 2028 in China. SPORTS SHORTS | Soccer: Japan Men Look to Maintain High-Scoring Output Japan's Yuki Ishikawa spikes the ball in an FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League match against Germany on July 16 at Chiba Port Arena. (©SANKEI) Playing its first of four home matches in Week 3 of the preliminary phase of the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League, Japan rallied past Germany on Wednesday, July 16. At Chiba Port Arena, Japan triumphed 21-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-20. National team standouts Yuki Ishikawa, Ran Takahashi and Kento Miyaura spearheaded Japan's come-from-behind victory. The threesome combined for 61 points, with 19 attack points, aka kills, apiece. Ishikawa, who had a match-best 22 points, also contributed two blocks and an ace before a lively crowd of 7,000. After picking up the win over Germany to improve to 6-3 in the preliminary round, Japan's challenging Week 3 schedule was as follows: Argentina (July 17), top-ranked Brazil (July 18) and the United States (July 20). Miyaura described his team's overall performance against Germany as positive. But he wasn't completely pleased with his performance. "We knew this was going to be a difficult match, and we had to adjust some details during the match," Miyaura told reporters. "I'm satisfied with our victory, but I know I have some things to improve for the next matches, especially my serve." The 18-team Volleyball Nations League runs from June 11 to August 3. And the top eight teams in the preliminary round, which is being staged in several countries during the three weeks of play, will advance to the quarterfinals. Starting on July 30, the northeastern Chinese city of Ningbo is the site for the final week of the competition. Japan Men Capture Silver in the Volleyball Nations League Meiji Yasuda Ladies Golf Tournament officials patrol Sendai Classic Golf Club in Tomiya, Miyagi Prefecture, where a bear was spotted, on July 16. (GETTY IMAGES/via KYODO) A bear was seen at Sendai Classic Golf Club in Tomiya, Miyagi Prefecture on Wednesday, July 16. Due to safety concerns, JLPGA Tour officials canceled the next day's first round of the Meiji Yasuda Ladies Golf Tournament. The tournament was shortened to three rounds (July 18-20), the JLPGA Tour announced on its website. And it will be contested without spectators. "We deeply apologize to the fans who have been looking forward to the event, and ask for your understanding in this matter," the JLPGA Tour said in its news release. Information on ticket refunds will be released as soon as possible, the JLPGA Tour also announced. Itsuki Takemoto (KYODO) The Athletics selected Wakayama native Itsuki Takemoto in the 19th round of the 2025 MLB Draft on Monday, July 14. A productive pitcher and designated hitter during the 2024 and '25 collegiate baseball seasons for the University of Hawaii, Takemoto was the 560th overall pick in the draft. As a sophomore, Takemoto made 15 pitching appearances (14 starts) in 2025. He had a 2-6 record with a 5.75 ERA with 22 walks and 57 strikeouts in a team-high 67⅓ innings. The Chiben Gakuen Wakayama Senior High School graduate also played 45 games as the designated hitter, including 37 starts. He hit .256 with 21 RBIs. In 2025, Takemoto earned All-Big West Conference accolades. Boosting his visibility in front of MLB scouts, the right-handed pitcher competed in the Cape Cod League in 2024. The summer league is a showcase circuit for college players who are highly regarded pro prospects. In nine appearances for the Orleans Firebirds, Takemoto had a 3-1 record with a 0.71 ERA, striking out 23 batters in 25⅓ innings. As a result of his dynamic effort on the mound, Takemoto received the Cape Cod League's 2024 BFC Whitehouse Outstanding Pitcher Award. The Athletics moved from Oakland to West Sacramento following the 2024 season. They are scheduled to be based in the suburban city near the California capital through 2027 and then move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas. For now, they are simply known as the Athletics or the A's, without Oakland or West Sacramento as part of their official name. Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Metro
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Tottenham urged to consider move for £52m Man Utd transfer target
Tottenham have been urged to replenish their attacking options by making a move to sign one of Manchester United's top transfer targets this summer. It's a summer of change in north London after Spurs decided to sack Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian's successes in the Europa League. Former Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has arrived as his replacement, and will be tasked with improving Tottenham's league fortunes after a dismal 17th-place finish last campaign. As Frank looks to put his own spin on the squad, the Dane had sought to bring Bryan Mbeumo with him to Tottenham, but the Cameroon international appears to prefer a move to United instead. However, both clubs could be involved in another transfer battle this summer, with Steffen Freund urging his former club to pursue a deal to sign Chelsea wantaway Christopher Nkunku. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Nkunku looks set to leave Stamford Bridge in pursuit of regular first-team football after two largely unsuccessful seasons at Chelsea. The potential of a swap deal with United's Alejandro Garnacho has been reported in recent days, while Arsenal have also been credited with interest in a deal for Nkunku. But Freund believes that Spurs should consider a move for the 27-year-old and is confident that Frank could breathe new life into Nkunku's fortunes in the Premier League. 'Tottenham need another attacking option,' the former Spurs midfielder told Hochgepokert. 'I'd look at Christopher Nkunku if I were them – he can make the difference. 'He can play in behind the striker and up front, he's already at Chelsea. He did an outstanding job at RP Leipzig; he's currently underperforming but there's a great player in there. More Trending 'Mathys Tel is a good signing, he can play up front, and, on the wing, he'd link up well with Nkunku.' Alongside the signing of Tel, Tottenham have agreed a deal with J. League side Kawasaki Frontale for 20-year-old Japan defender Kota Takai. The club are also interested in a deal for Eberechi Eze and are long-time admirers of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Arsenal agree transfer with Chelsea and book medical for another new signing MORE: Gareth Southgate: I'm not missing managing England MORE: Man Utd handed huge boost in efforts to finally offload Antony for big fee
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic poised to raid Japanese market for new striker as they track £1.5MILLION star at Reo Hatate's old club
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC could raid the once again for £1.5million striker Shin Yamada. SunSport understands the Kawasaki Frontale hitman has been watched as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his attack. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 3 Brendan Rodgers is looking to add to Celtic's attacking options Credit: Getty 3 Rodgers is set for a raid for Shin Yamada Credit: Getty 3 He plays for Kawasak Frontale, Reo Hatate's former club Yamada, 25, scored 19 league goals in the 2024 season and also helped the Japanese side to the Asian Champions League final last month. His goal return has dipped this year - with just six in all competitions so far - but the stocky striker has still been tipped to make a move to Europe. And it's understood Celtic are among several overseas clubs looking closely at the Japan under-23 cap. The Hoops plundered the for five signings during Ange Postecoglou's reign - with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda massive hits. Celtic are currently working on a deal for Albirex Niigata central defender Hayato Inamura. He played and scored in his side's 3-2 defeat to Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday. But Yamada is also on their radar as they weigh up a move for the bustling penalty-box striker, who is strong in the air despite being under 6ft. He has 32 goals in 118 games for Frontale since joining from Toin University in 2022. Yamada was a standout last year - finishing third in the scoring charts. He hasn't been able to follow that up this term, with just two league goals to date. He played 86 minutes of his side's 2-1 defeat to Vissel Kobe on Saturday. Ex-Celtic coach Eric Black on the Cup exit that rocked Scottish football plus life with Lubo and Dr Jo Yamada vowed to get over his struggles and bagged a brace in a recent Emperor's Cup win over Fukushima. He said: 'Of course there's pressure. I'm worried but I don't want to waste time being weak because of that. 'My goals have a very positive impact on the team and I want to keep scoring.' Celtic boss Rodgers is keen to add another striker to support Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah ahead of the new season. Irish forward Johnny Kenny is attracting interest across Britain and will be the subject of loan bids. Yamada has decent experience with Frontale and has played at a high level, domestically and in the Asian Champions League. But with just 18 months left on his deal, Celtic could snap him up for a relatively low seven-figure fee. The Hoops are also waiting to confirm the arrival of Fulham striker Callum Osmand, although he is viewed as a project signing. Ross Doohan has also agreed a deal to return to Celtic from Aberdeen, while Benjamin Nygren is close to arriving from Nordsjaelland in a £2m switch. The Hoops have agreed a fee and personal terms for the Swede, who has spent the last week on holiday after international commitments. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-SPFL star quits manager job after two months as historic club faces first EVER relegation two years after title win
The club have won titles under two Old Firm heroes in recent years NOR WAY BACK Ex-SPFL star quits manager job after two months as historic club faces first EVER relegation two years after title win Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A former Celtic manager and an ex-Rangers star have both led the club to championship glory in recent years. But now, a historic club are facing up to the possibility of what would be a first EVER relegation. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Patrick Kisnorbo was a key player during two years at Hearts Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow 3 He was capped 18 times by Australia Credit: Reuters 3 He's left his most recent managerial role Credit: Getty Yokohama F. Marinos reached the top level of Japanese football in 1982 and they've been there ever since. They've won the five times, most recently just over two years ago. That title triumph came under the management of former Rangers defender Kevin Muscat. Three years before that, they were also crowned champions under Ange Postecoglou who would move on to Celtic a matter of months later. They fell short of retaining the title under Muscat in 2023 as the finished second behind Vissel Kobe. Last season saw a disappointing eighth placed finish, with former Celtic coach Harry Kewell being sacked mid-season after just seven months in charge. Unfortunately for the club, this season is verging on disaster. Former Chelsea and England assistant manager Steve Holland was appointed manager ahead of the new campaign in December but was sacked in April. His assistant - former Hearts defender Patrick Kisnorbo - took over on an interim basis initially before being handed the reins permanently. However, the ex-Australia international has failed to oversee any kind of major turnaround. Derek McInnes spotted leaving Rugby Park for last time as Kilmarnock fans thank ex-manager Kisnorbo lost his first five matches as interim boss, before recording back-to-back wins over Kashima Antlers - the league leaders - and Machida Zelvia. It was a brief reprieve, however, with Yokohama losing 1-0 at Albirex Niigata on Sunday. With half of the season gone, Yokohama incredibly sit BOTTOM of the table. With just three wins from 19 games, they're rock bottom at that and find themselves six points adrift of safety. The dire situation has led to yet another change of manager. The club have confirmed Kisnorbo has decided to QUIT the role after just two months. He's left with immediate effect. Kisnorbo, 44, spent two years with Hearts between 2003 and 2005. Signed from hometown club South Melbourne, he became a key man for the Jambos playing in both defence and midfield. He played 48 times for Hearts and scored once - a strike in a 2-1 derby win over Edinburgh rivals Hibs. Kisnorbo was one of the Scottish-based players taken to Leicester by his former Jambos boss Craig Levein in 2005 and he enjoyed four years with the foxes. He had a four-year stint at Leeds United too before returning to Australia with Melbourne City in 2013. Kisnorbo quickly moved into coaching after hanging up his boots in 2016, taking charge of Melbourne City Women between 2017 and 2018 and then becoming boss of the men's team in 2020. Kisnorbo led the club to their first A-League Championship in his first season as boss. He moved within the City Football Group in 2022, leaving Melbourne City to take over at French club Troyes. He couldn't continue his success, however, with the club relegated to Ligue 2. Kisnorbo departed after just over a year in charge in December 2023. Last summer, he took over at Melbourne Victory - former club City's big rivals - but was sacked just seven games into a three-year contract. That was despite winning five of those matches. Kisnorbo became Holland's assistant in Yokohama at the end of last year before becoming manager in April. However, exactly two months on, he's now exited the role. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Japan Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Japan Today
Urawa fans certain to bring noise to Club World Cup final
Japan's Urawa Reds will compete at the Club World Cup in the United States soccer By Andrew McKIRDY Their raucous fans are the self-styled bad boys of Japanese soccer and the team's red shirts, white shorts and black socks bear more than a passing resemblance to Manchester United. But while the fallen English giants won't be at the Club World Cup, Urawa Reds will and are set to be roared on in the United States by more than 5,000 followers. Japan's best-supported club face Inter Milan, River Plate and Monterrey in the opening round when the revamped competition starts on June 14. Urawa is a nondescript suburb about an hour north of Tokyo and the team have been known to draw crowds of over 50,000 to their Saitama Stadium home. Crowd trouble is extremely rare in Japan but Urawa were banned from last season's domestic cup after "ultra" supporters ripped down barriers and threatened opposition fans. In 2014 they were forced to play a game behind closed doors after fans displayed a racist banner. Supporters say they are misunderstood and are looking forward to hoisting their flags and belting out their songs in front of a global audience. "People who aren't really interested in soccer think that we're scary people, but I always tell them that's not true," Urawa fan Kakeru Inoue told AFP before a recent game. "I often bring workmates to games to show them what it's really like." Urawa began life as Mitsubishi's company team and their official name of Urawa Red Diamonds is a nod to the industrial behemoth's corporate logo. They were originally called Mitsubishi Urawa Football Club, or MUFC, another link to the Premier League side. Despite having been crowned Asian champions three times, Urawa have only won the domestic once, in 2006 under German former player and 1990 World Cup winner Guido Buchwald. Urawa have appeared at the Club World Cup three times, most recently losing 3-0 to Manchester City in the semi-finals in 2023. Veteran goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa says they are proud to be the only Japanese team at the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup. "The competition will get a lot of attention from around the world and it has a big meaning for us," he said. "Who knows whether a Japanese team will play in it again because you need to become Asian champions to earn that right." Professional football only started in Japan in 1993 but it took root quickly in Urawa. The club signed overseas players including Buchwald and brought through homegrown internationals like Shinji Ono, Makoto Hasebe and current Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The club's achievements have at times been overshadowed by their fans, who hung a banner reading "Japanese only" over an entrance to the stands before a 2014 game. The incident earned Urawa the dubious distinction of becoming the first Japanese club to be ordered to play a game behind closed doors. One Urawa fan who has attended games since the began said the club were "all about ultra culture". "That's something you can only get in Urawa," said the supporter, who gave his name only as Nakaji. "No other club can match us." Urawa are coached by Poland's Maciej Skorza, who is back for a second spell after leading the club to the Asian Champions League title in 2023. The Club World Cup is being played in the middle of the season, which runs from February to December. Urawa have made a strong start to their domestic campaign and look poised to challenge for the title, having finished 13th last season. Norwegian defender Marius Hoibraten says the Club World Cup is "a motivation rather than a distraction". "Being able to meet the best teams from other countries is a nice experience for us, everyone is buzzing," said the 30-year-old, one of the few non-Japanese players in Urawa's squad. "It's a little bit of unknown water. Everyone is really looking forward to it." © 2025 AFP
