Latest news with #Jap
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Socceroos search for a hero as date with destiny looms
The Socceroos hope to uncover a new national hero and show Japan who the true boss of Asian football is when the arch rivals lock horns in Thursday night's World Cup qualifier in Perth. Group C leaders Japan (20 points) have already locked in qualification for the 2026 World Cup, leaving Australia (13 points) and Saudi Arabia (10 points) to fight for the second automatic qualifying spot. The Socceroos will host Japan in front of more than 50,000 fans at Optus Stadium on Thursday before rounding out this group stage against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next week. A win over Japan would almost certainly be enough for the Socceroos to book their World Cup berth - barring a disastrous loss in the vicinity of five goals or more to Saudi Arabia in their final game. For the Socceroos players who have experienced it before, sealing qualification for a World Cup is considered an ultimate career highlight. John Aloisi's famous penalty in the 2005 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay is etched into Australian sporting folklore. Substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the man in 2022 when his penalty shootout heroics sealed a shock win over Peru and passage through to the Qatar World Cup. Socceroos attacker Martin Boyle was there when Australia secured their spot for the 2022 World Cup, and he wants history to repeat itself. "I've played in a lot of big games before, but these are the games that you can be a hero in," Boyle said. "To this day, it's probably the greatest situation that I've had in my career, qualifying for that World Cup. "There's no better feeling. And just the adrenaline, the buzz - it's the pinnacle of people's careers." Japan are ranked 15th in the world - the best team in Asia. Australia (26th) are only the fourth highest in Asia, with Japan, Iran (18th) and South Korea (23rd) all ranked above them. Veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan doesn't agree with the rankings. "In my eyes, we're the best in Asia." Ryan said. "If you don't believe you're the best then I think you're sort of failing at the first hurdle. "You've got to go out there and believe that you can overcome whatever challenges are in front of you. "And obviously there's a fine line without being arrogant and being complacent or anything like that. "They (Japan) have got great players playing in some of the best competitions in the world. "But at the end of the day, when we step over that white line, we're all human, and we're all equal in that regard." Ryan, who was the starting goalkeeper in that famous win over Peru, has been telling stories of that night to help inspire his teammates to clinch qualification again. "It's a difficult one to find words to describe the ecstasy of it," he said. "As a footballer, there's no more meaningful moment than a World Cup qualification like that." The Socceroos hope to uncover a new national hero and show Japan who the true boss of Asian football is when the arch rivals lock horns in Thursday night's World Cup qualifier in Perth. Group C leaders Japan (20 points) have already locked in qualification for the 2026 World Cup, leaving Australia (13 points) and Saudi Arabia (10 points) to fight for the second automatic qualifying spot. The Socceroos will host Japan in front of more than 50,000 fans at Optus Stadium on Thursday before rounding out this group stage against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next week. A win over Japan would almost certainly be enough for the Socceroos to book their World Cup berth - barring a disastrous loss in the vicinity of five goals or more to Saudi Arabia in their final game. For the Socceroos players who have experienced it before, sealing qualification for a World Cup is considered an ultimate career highlight. John Aloisi's famous penalty in the 2005 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay is etched into Australian sporting folklore. Substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the man in 2022 when his penalty shootout heroics sealed a shock win over Peru and passage through to the Qatar World Cup. Socceroos attacker Martin Boyle was there when Australia secured their spot for the 2022 World Cup, and he wants history to repeat itself. "I've played in a lot of big games before, but these are the games that you can be a hero in," Boyle said. "To this day, it's probably the greatest situation that I've had in my career, qualifying for that World Cup. "There's no better feeling. And just the adrenaline, the buzz - it's the pinnacle of people's careers." Japan are ranked 15th in the world - the best team in Asia. Australia (26th) are only the fourth highest in Asia, with Japan, Iran (18th) and South Korea (23rd) all ranked above them. Veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan doesn't agree with the rankings. "In my eyes, we're the best in Asia." Ryan said. "If you don't believe you're the best then I think you're sort of failing at the first hurdle. "You've got to go out there and believe that you can overcome whatever challenges are in front of you. "And obviously there's a fine line without being arrogant and being complacent or anything like that. "They (Japan) have got great players playing in some of the best competitions in the world. "But at the end of the day, when we step over that white line, we're all human, and we're all equal in that regard." Ryan, who was the starting goalkeeper in that famous win over Peru, has been telling stories of that night to help inspire his teammates to clinch qualification again. "It's a difficult one to find words to describe the ecstasy of it," he said. "As a footballer, there's no more meaningful moment than a World Cup qualification like that." The Socceroos hope to uncover a new national hero and show Japan who the true boss of Asian football is when the arch rivals lock horns in Thursday night's World Cup qualifier in Perth. Group C leaders Japan (20 points) have already locked in qualification for the 2026 World Cup, leaving Australia (13 points) and Saudi Arabia (10 points) to fight for the second automatic qualifying spot. The Socceroos will host Japan in front of more than 50,000 fans at Optus Stadium on Thursday before rounding out this group stage against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next week. A win over Japan would almost certainly be enough for the Socceroos to book their World Cup berth - barring a disastrous loss in the vicinity of five goals or more to Saudi Arabia in their final game. For the Socceroos players who have experienced it before, sealing qualification for a World Cup is considered an ultimate career highlight. John Aloisi's famous penalty in the 2005 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay is etched into Australian sporting folklore. Substitute goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne was the man in 2022 when his penalty shootout heroics sealed a shock win over Peru and passage through to the Qatar World Cup. Socceroos attacker Martin Boyle was there when Australia secured their spot for the 2022 World Cup, and he wants history to repeat itself. "I've played in a lot of big games before, but these are the games that you can be a hero in," Boyle said. "To this day, it's probably the greatest situation that I've had in my career, qualifying for that World Cup. "There's no better feeling. And just the adrenaline, the buzz - it's the pinnacle of people's careers." Japan are ranked 15th in the world - the best team in Asia. Australia (26th) are only the fourth highest in Asia, with Japan, Iran (18th) and South Korea (23rd) all ranked above them. Veteran goalkeeper Maty Ryan doesn't agree with the rankings. "In my eyes, we're the best in Asia." Ryan said. "If you don't believe you're the best then I think you're sort of failing at the first hurdle. "You've got to go out there and believe that you can overcome whatever challenges are in front of you. "And obviously there's a fine line without being arrogant and being complacent or anything like that. "They (Japan) have got great players playing in some of the best competitions in the world. "But at the end of the day, when we step over that white line, we're all human, and we're all equal in that regard." Ryan, who was the starting goalkeeper in that famous win over Peru, has been telling stories of that night to help inspire his teammates to clinch qualification again. "It's a difficult one to find words to describe the ecstasy of it," he said. "As a footballer, there's no more meaningful moment than a World Cup qualification like that."
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Restaurant issues apology and changes its 'deeply hurtful' name after backlash from angry customers
A Japanese-themed restaurant has been forced to apologise and promise to change its 'deeply hurtful' name following a backlash from angry customers. Jap To Go, in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, serves 'East Asian street food' including sushi, poke bowls, bao buns and katsu curries. However its choice of name has sparked fury, with experts on Japanese culture saying the term 'Jap' is offensive and racist. In 2015 England and Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy apologised after aiming the slur at an Asian man in a casino but denied being racist. Vardy was given a 'substantial' fine and ordered to undergo diversity awareness training after a video of the incident emerged. The restaurant's owner insists the name stands for 'Japanese Authentic Perfection'. However in response to the backlash he has now issued a grovelling apology and promised to rebrand it - but claims he can't currently afford to install new signs. Today Dr Ruth Taplin, director of the Centre for Japanese and East Asian Studies, said the name should be changed immediately. Owner of Jap To Go Karim Mansour has apologised for unwittingly causing offence and promised to rebrand his restaurant - but says he currently can't afford to 'The word "Jap" is a racist term and it is never acceptable to use it in relation to Japanese people or culture,' she said. 'The owner of this restaurant really ought to know better. 'Young people today don't understand the historical roots of how "Jap" came to be used as a term of abuse. 'It stemmed from how British and other foreign prisoners were treated abysmally by the Japanese during the Second World War. 'But that was 80 years ago now and there's no excuse for using an offensive term for the name of a restaurant.' Dr Taplin added: 'To say it stands for "Japanese Authentic Perfection" just doesn't wash – there's nothing authentically Japanese about the menu it's serving. 'Bao buns are from China for a start, not Japan. 'Japanese people are very proud of their cuisine, and for an outdated and loaded term like "Jap" to be used for a restaurant serving this kind of fusion East Asian food would cause added offence. 'The owners really need to get the name changed immediately and show some respect.' Calling out the restaurant on social media, one person said: 'It is a very offensive word to Japanese people so it would be appropriate if you change the name and never use the word as stand for Japan.' Another said: 'How could you possibly think this was acceptable? 'You claim it's out of "respect"? It's offensive and ignorant.' Speaking of the owner's claims behind the meaning of its name, a third commented: 'Japanese authentic perfection??? 'That doesn't even sound like proper English. 'No one will guess it's Japanese Authentic Perfection when they see [it].' Jap To Go - which displays its name in capital letters - opened last December. In response, owner Karim Mansour said he 'fully understands the reason for the criticism' and has apologised for any upset that the name of the venue has caused. 'We've heard your feedback, and we want to offer our sincere apology to those who have been hurt or offended by our restaurant's name,' he said in a statement. 'When we opened JAP TO GO our intention was never to cause harm. 'The name was originally meant to represent: J – Japanese, A – Authentic, P – Perfection. 'But regardless of that original meaning, we now understand the impact the name has had. 'I want to speak from the heart and share where I stand. 'I have always loved and respected Japanese people, culture, and food. 'My goal in opening this restaurant was to celebrate and share the beauty of Japanese cuisine and tradition with my local community. 'If you've visited, you've likely seen this reflected in many small details — from the care we put into our food, to things like Japanese flag colouring sheets for children. 'We now fully understand that the name of our restaurant has upset and hurt many people — especially in the Japanese community — and I want to say clearly: that was never our intention, and we are truly sorry for the pain it caused.' However Mr Mansour said he was 'currently not in the financial position' to be able to change its name but was 'fully committed' to rebranding. 'As a small independent business, we are currently not in the financial position to make a full rebrand immediately,' he said. 'However, we are fully committed to changing the name and moving forward with greater care, humility, and respect. 'We're listening. We're learning. 'And we hope to move forward together — with humility and care.' Vardy was filmed saying 'Yo, Jap. Walk on' to an Asian man during a row over cards at a Leicester casino in 2015. In his autobiography published the following year the footballer wrote: 'The word "racist" is a permanent stain against my name. It's worse than a criminal record. 'I was angry at the time and I'd had too much to drink but I'd never have used the word "Jap" if I'd known it was racist.' Writing about the diversity awareness training, Vardy said: 'The tutors explained some of the context behind the word and its meaning, dating back to the Second World War. 'It made me feel more embarrassed.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Philippines signs military pact with New Zealand to widen alliances while facing an assertive China
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines signed a military pact with New Zealand Wednesday, allowing their forces to hold joint exercises as Manila continues to build security alliances as it faces an increasingly aggressive China in the disputed South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremony in Manila, where Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and and his New Zealand counterpart, Judith Collins, inked the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement. The treaty sets the legal framework to allow military engagements of both countries, including joint drills in each other's territory and other cooperative activities. It has been approved by New Zealand officials, but still needs to be ratified by the Philippine Senate for it to take effect. China has frowned on the security alliances being pursued by the Philippines, one of the staunchest allies of the United States in Asia, under Marcos. When the Philippines signed a similar agreement with Japan in July, China's Foreign Ministry said the region did not need 'military blocs, let alone small groupings that instigate bloc confrontations or a new Cold War." Philippine officials said then that China has no business meddling with their domestic affairs. "These partnerships have become very important in the face of all that is happening,' Marcos said during Wednesday's ceremony. Ahead of the signing, Collins said in a statement that 'we are committed to reinvigorating our security relationships, to playing our part and working with regional partners such as the Philippines to uphold the international rules-based order." Teodoro told The Associated Press in an interview last month that the Philippines would continue to build security alliances with other friendly countries to deter China's aggression. China's hostile actions, Teodoro said, should be regarded as a global threat because they could eventually restrict movement in the South China Sea, a key global trade route crucial for global supply chains. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has deployed coast guard and navy fleets and suspected militia ships to guard what it says is its territory and airspace. It has used water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers against Philippine coast guard and fisheries vessels in the disputed waters, causing collisions and injuries on a number of occasions. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also lay claims that clash with China's, but territorial confrontations have particularly flared between Beijing and Manila in the last two years. The Philippines has visiting forces agreements with the U.S. and Australia, which has been participating in large-scale combat exercises between American and Filipino forces that include live-fire exercises in or near the South China Sea and in northern Philippine islands just a sea border away from southern Taiwan. The agreement signed with Japan has been ratified by the Philippine Senate and is expected to be approved by the Japanese legislature in the next few months. Canada and the Philippines have also concluded talks for such a pact, which is expected to be signed 'very soon," Teodoro said in a news conference with Collins. French and Philippine officials have been separately holding initial talks also for a visiting forces agreement ahead of formal negotiations.
Hamilton Spectator
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Philippines signs military pact with New Zealand to widen alliances while facing an assertive China
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines signed a military pact with New Zealand Wednesday, allowing their forces to hold joint exercises as Manila continues to build security alliances as it faces an increasingly aggressive China in the disputed South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremony in Manila, where Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and and his New Zealand counterpart, Judith Collins, inked the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement. The treaty sets the legal framework to allow military engagements of both countries, including joint drills in each other's territory and other cooperative activities. It has been approved by New Zealand officials, but still needs to be ratified by the Philippine Senate for it to take effect. China has frowned on the security alliances being pursued by the Philippines, one of the staunchest allies of the United States in Asia, under Marcos. When the Philippines signed a similar agreement with Japan in July, China's Foreign Ministry said the region did not need 'military blocs, let alone small groupings that instigate bloc confrontations or a new Cold War.' Philippine officials said then that China has no business meddling with their domestic affairs. 'These partnerships have become very important in the face of all that is happening,' Marcos said during Wednesday's ceremony. Ahead of the signing, Collins said in a statement that 'we are committed to reinvigorating our security relationships, to playing our part and working with regional partners such as the Philippines to uphold the international rules-based order.' Teodoro told The Associated Press in an interview last month that the Philippines would continue to build security alliances with other friendly countries to deter China's aggression. China's hostile actions, Teodoro said, should be regarded as a global threat because they could eventually restrict movement in the South China Sea, a key global trade route crucial for global supply chains. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has deployed coast guard and navy fleets and suspected militia ships to guard what it says is its territory and airspace. It has used water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers against Philippine coast guard and fisheries vessels in the disputed waters, causing collisions and injuries on a number of occasions. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also lay claims that clash with China's, but territorial confrontations have particularly flared between Beijing and Manila in the last two years. The Philippines has visiting forces agreements with the U.S. and Australia, which has been participating in large-scale combat exercises between American and Filipino forces that include live-fire exercises in or near the South China Sea and in northern Philippine islands just a sea border away from southern Taiwan. The agreement signed with Japan has been ratified by the Philippine Senate and is expected to be approved by the Japanese legislature in the next few months. Canada and the Philippines have also concluded talks for such a pact, which is expected to be signed 'very soon,' Teodoro said in a news conference with Collins. French and Philippine officials have been separately holding initial talks also for a visiting forces agreement ahead of formal negotiations.
San Francisco Chronicle
30-04-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Philippines signs military pact with New Zealand to widen alliances while facing an assertive China
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines signed a military pact with New Zealand Wednesday, allowing their forces to hold joint exercises as Manila continues to build security alliances as it faces an increasingly aggressive China in the disputed South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremony in Manila, where Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr and and his New Zealand counterpart, Judith Collins, inked the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement. The treaty sets the legal framework to allow military engagements of both countries, including joint drills in each other's territory and other cooperative activities. It has been approved by New Zealand officials, but still needs to be ratified by the Philippine Senate for it to take effect. China has frowned on the security alliances being pursued by the Philippines, one of the staunchest allies of the United States in Asia, under Marcos. When the Philippines signed a similar agreement with Japan in July, China's Foreign Ministry said the region did not need 'military blocs, let alone small groupings that instigate bloc confrontations or a new Cold War." Philippine officials said then that China has no business meddling with their domestic affairs. "These partnerships have become very important in the face of all that is happening,' Marcos said during Wednesday's ceremony. Ahead of the signing, Collins said in a statement that 'we are committed to reinvigorating our security relationships, to playing our part and working with regional partners such as the Philippines to uphold the international rules-based order." Teodoro told The Associated Press in an interview last month that the Philippines would continue to build security alliances with other friendly countries to deter China's aggression. China's hostile actions, Teodoro said, should be regarded as a global threat because they could eventually restrict movement in the South China Sea, a key global trade route crucial for global supply chains. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea and has deployed coast guard and navy fleets and suspected militia ships to guard what it says is its territory and airspace. It has used water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers against Philippine coast guard and fisheries vessels in the disputed waters, causing collisions and injuries on a number of occasions. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also lay claims that clash with China's, but territorial confrontations have particularly flared between Beijing and Manila in the last two years. The Philippines has visiting forces agreements with the U.S. and Australia, which has been participating in large-scale combat exercises between American and Filipino forces that include live-fire exercises in or near the South China Sea and in northern Philippine islands just a sea border away from southern Taiwan. The agreement signed with Japan has been ratified by the Philippine Senate and is expected to be approved by the Japanese legislature in the next few months. Canada and the Philippines have also concluded talks for such a pact, which is expected to be signed 'very soon," Teodoro said in a news conference with Collins.
