Latest news with #Sawada
Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- Bangkok Post
ONE Championship: Chihiro Sawada targets Denice Zamboanga title shot in Japan after submission win
Chihiro Sawada has her sights set on a ONE Championship world title shot – and she wants it in her home country. The Japanese atomweight contender returned to winning ways with a first-round armbar submission of Argentina's Macarena Aragon last Saturday morning at ONE Fight Night 33 in Bangkok. It marked a strong response from the 27-year-old after her first professional loss – a decision defeat to China's Meng Bo in January – and she now has her eye on gold. 'My intention is the same – to go to that Japan card, ONE 173,' Sawada told the Bangkok Post backstage at Lumpinee Stadium. 'I got the win and I want the chance to fight there too.' ONE 173 is set for November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. But it remains to be seen whether Sawada will get her wish. Ayaka Miura, a former ONE strawweight title challenger who dropped to atomweight last year, will compete against Colombian newcomer Juliana Otalora at ONE Friday Fights 116 – and is believed to be in pole position to challenge newly elevated champion Denice Zamboanga in November. Sawada is currently ranked No 5 in the atomweight MMA division and knows the opportunity may not fall to her just yet. 'If there is no title shot, I want Ham Seo Hee,' she said. 'Or it is going to be Ayaka Miura in Japan.' Sawada, who trains with AACC in Tokyo, dominated from the opening bell against Aragon – who had failed hydration for the bout – before locking in the armbar. 'Armbar is just one of my plans that I had for Aragon,' she said. 'I also prepared other submission techniques like the leg lock, and I have increased my striking skills also. But this time, the armbar – I made it, I executed, and I'm very happy about that.' Despite the finish, Sawada missed out on a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. 'I expected the bonus, but maybe this is not the right timing for that – next time,' she said. Asked whether she was compensated in other ways after Aragon's weigh-in issues, she smiled and replied, 'I can't say anything about this!' – though it is likely she received at least 20 per cent of her opponent's fight purse. Sawada was quick to thank her supporters after the win, which improved her overall record to 9-1-1, and 4-1 in ONE Championship. 'Thank you very much to everybody that's been supporting me from Japan – and not only from Japan, from my fans around the world,' she said. 'It means a lot to me. 'And not only that – all the athletes that have been training with me, all my trainers, everybody in my gym, and especially my corners that have been helping me. I thank them a lot.'
17-06-2025
- Business
INTERVIEW: Keidanren Exec Calls for Japan-First Stance
News from Japan Economy Jun 18, 2025 08:30 (JST) New York, June 17 (Jiji Press)--Japan must balance free trade with a stance of putting itself first, as the United States is likely to maintain the high tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump's administration, Jun Sawada, vice chairman of the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, said in a recent interview with Jiji Press. Sawada, also chairman each of the Japan-U.S. Business Council and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., proposed that Japan pursue a more independent form of cooperation with the United States by leveraging its strengths in semiconductors and other advanced technologies. During the interview in New York on Friday, Sawada noted that it is "almost certain" that the United States will maintain its protectionist trade policy if the Republicans remain in power after the Trump administration. He added that even if the Democrats regain power in the 2028 presidential election, the U.S. government "won't change policies as long as its citizens strongly support them." Sawada also said that the European Union and China are also expected to change their trade policies in the face of the U.S. policy shift. "There will be both free trade and tariffs," he said. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
The Mainichi
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Tokyo stocks climb as exporter issues sought on weaker yen
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks climbed Monday as exporter shares were bought on a weaker yen, with the U.S. dollar rising on the prospects of higher inflation amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 477.08 points, or 1.26 percent, from Friday at 38,311.33. The broader Topix index finished 20.66 points, or 0.75 percent, higher at 2,777.13. On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by wholesale trade, nonferrous metal and textile and apparel issues. The dollar briefly strengthened to the upper 144 yen range in Tokyo on the back of higher U.S. Treasury yields amid expectations that surging crude oil prices will accelerate inflation in the United States, dealers said. The Nikkei stock index briefly gained over 500 points, boosted by export-oriented auto and electronics shares, as a weaker yen lifts overseas exporters' profits when repatriated, with the impact of the Middle East conflict on Japanese equities viewed as limited for now. "Today's advance unlikely reflected economic fundamentals," said Maki Sawada, a strategist at the Investment Content Department of Nomura Securities Co., noting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. If Iran moves to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil transportation, oil prices will rise, leading to higher costs for companies and putting pressure on their earnings, Sawada added. Among notable gainers, Nippon Steel ended up 1.53 percent at 2,872.5 yen after U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday effectively approved a deal for the company to acquire United States Steel Corp.
The Mainichi
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Mainichi
Nikkei ends at 2.5-month high as US-China trade conflict eases
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index climbed for the fourth straight day to end at a 2.5-month high above 38,000 on Tuesday, as caution over the U.S.-China trade conflict eased after the countries agreed to lower their new tariffs significantly. The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 539.00 points, or 1.43 percent, from Monday at 38,183.26, its highest level since Feb. 27. The broader Topix index finished 30.06 points, or 1.10 percent, higher at 2,772.14. On the top-tier Prime Market, gainers were led by marine transportation, pharmaceutical, and warehousing and harbor transportation service issues. The U.S. dollar mostly remained strong around the 148 yen line in Tokyo, after hitting a one-month high of 148.65 yen in New York overnight, as receding concerns over the U.S.-China trade conflict continued to support dollar buying. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond hit a one-month high of 1.465 percent as the debt was sold following a rise in U.S. Treasury yields, reflecting weakening demand for an asset class considered safer than stocks. Shares jumped following an overnight Wall Street surge after Washington and Beijing announced Monday that they would cut their hefty tariff rates on each other by 115 percentage points and suspend part of their so-called reciprocal duties for 90 days. "The market reacted positively to the larger-than-expected cuts of their tariffs," as they likely prioritized avoiding immediate impact on the economy and market, said Maki Sawada, a strategist at the Investment Content Department of Nomura Securities Co. The market was supported by export-oriented auto and electronics issues that drew buying on a weaker yen, which increases exporters' overseas profits when repatriated. The Nikkei benchmark surged over 2 percent in early trading but later trimmed some gains, as some investors took profits amid unclear prospects of trade negotiations between the United States and other countries and the impact of tariffs on corporate earnings, Sawada said.
Tatler Asia
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
These are the 6 best sushi restaurants in Tokyo, according to Tabelog
No 5: Sushi Sawada Above Sushi Sawada is the fifth-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @studiosergiocoimbra) Above Sushi Sawada's chef Sawada (Photo: Instagram / @yvnbabe) Sushi Sawada is a legendary institution that has held two Michelin stars since 2008. With just six seats at the counter and no assistants, chef Koji Sawada and his wife deliver an intimate, highly personalised dining experience. Celebrated for sourcing the finest bluefin tuna and sea urchin, Sawada prepares each dish entirely without electricity—underscoring his purist approach to sushi craftsmanship. Among the standouts is the komesu-seasoned shari (vinegared rice made with rice vinegar), prized for its firm texture and delicate salinity, perfectly matched with a glass of Japanese sake. The neta (toppings)—particularly the hon-maguro and Sawada's signature uni tower—showcase exceptional quality, while the seared tuna, grilled over white charcoal, offers a memorable highlight to this exceptional meal. Sushi Sawada Address: 5-9-19, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan No 4: Sushi Arai Above Sushi Arai is the fourth-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @jennyfoodtravels) Above Sushi Arai's chef Arai (Photo: Instagram / @livelaughsushi) Sushi Arai offers an exceptional dining experience defined by pristine ingredients, precise technique, and attentive service. Guests are advised to arrive on time—this discreet spot is tucked away on a basement level, with minimal space for waiting. Inside, the setting is a study in understated elegance: clean wooden lines, hand-painted tableware, and a calm, considered atmosphere. The menu is generous, featuring delicacies such as scallops from Hokkaido, buttery, fatty tuna, and rich sea urchin. Each piece rests atop seasoned sushi rice), made with akazu (red vinegar), adding depth and balance to every bite Sushi Arai Address: 2F, 8-10-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan No 3: Sushi Saito Above Sushi Saito is the third-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @bkkeatout) Above Sushi Saito's chef Takashi Saito (Photo: Instagram / @ogana_) Widely regarded as one of Tokyo's finest sushi restaurants, Sushi Saito is notoriously difficult to book. Reservations are prioritised for regulars, making it a near-impossible feat for first-timers, even after years of trying. Tucked within the South Ark Tower in Roppongi, the restaurant offers an intimate experience with just eight seats along a cypress counter. The meal begins with a course of delicate sashimi, often highlighted by expertly sliced bonito, before moving into a refined sushi selection. Each piece—from supple squid to pristine akami (lean tuna)—reflects Saito's uncompromising commitment to quality and precision. Sushi Saitou Address: 1F, Ark Hills South Tower, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan No 2: Higashiazabu Amamoto Above Higashiazabu Amamoto is the second-best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @kidmangram) Above Higashiazabu Amamoto's chef Masamichi Amamoto (Photo: Instagram / @luxsushi) Higashiazabu Amamoto is one of Tokyo's most sought-after dining experiences, with bookings available up to four months in advance—and well worth the effort. Chef Masamichi Amamoto, who spent nine years honing his craft at the acclaimed Umi, now helms this intimate eight-seat counter with both precision and theatrical flair. Diners are treated to an elegant progression of seasonal highlights, including hiragomasaba (beautifully marbled mackerel) and live botan ebi (sweet shrimp) paired with rich karasumi (cured mullet roe). The cooked dishes are just as impressive: expertly grilled nodoguro (black-throat sea perch) reveals Amamoto's exacting attention to detail and deep respect for the craft. Higashiazabu Amamoto Address: 1-7-9 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan No 1: Sushi Sugita Above Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita is the best sushi restaurant in Tokyo, according to Tabelog (Photo: Instagram / @kotaro_0402) Above Sushi Sugita's chef Takaaki Sugita (Photo: Instagram / @tomtoro_) At chef Takaaki Sugita's sushi-ya (sushi restaurant), a serene nine-seat space wrapped around a beautifully curved counter, guests are treated to a truly exceptional experience. With over two decades of expertise, Sugita masterfully blends time-honoured techniques with thoughtful innovation, enhancing the buttery richness of bonito and the delicate texture of sardine. His signature ankimo (monkfish liver) pâté—luxuriously creamy and served with a touch of wasabi—is unmissable, as is the shime-saba (cured mackerel) and shiso nori roll, layered with herbal brightness. Securing a reservation can be a challenge, particularly through online concierge services, but for sushi devotees, dining promises an unforgettable experience that sushi lovers will cherish for years to come. Sushi Sugita Address: 1 Chome−33−6 Nihonbashikakigaracho, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan
