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Japan Forward
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Baseball Banter on a Hot Summer Day
Thoughts on the Little League World Series, Ichiro Suzuki's Hall of Fame baseball career and Shohei Ohtani's power surge for the Dodgers. Tokyo's Joto Little League team will represent Japan at the 2025 Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (©LLWS) Every summer seems to get hotter, so we need coping mechanisms ― more ice cream, please. Despite the heat, one of the fun things about this time of year is baseball. The enjoyment of playing or watching it, or talking or writing about it, can make the hottest weeks of the year almost bearable. Youth baseball reaches the pinnacle of its season in August. The Little League World Series was first held in 1947, and it is held annually in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. A true international event for ballplayers for many decades, dreams are realized each summer for teams that qualify to represent their city, region and country. For example, Lake Mary Little League from Lake Mary, Florida, triumphed 2-1 over a Taiwanese team in the August 2024 final. That win will be talked about for decades to come in Lake Mary. Representing Japan, Tokyo's Kitasuna Little League squad, located in the capital city's Koto Ward, has won the most LLWS titles (four, claiming the top spot in 2001, 2012, 2015 and '17). In 2022, Japan overhauled various Little League districts throughout the nation. As a result, players from the Joto neighborhood in Koto Ward, who had previously competed for Kitasuna Little League, were then assigned to a different program, the Joto Little League. This squad became officially associated with Little League International in 2022. And three years later, the Joto Little League program has recorded its first banner achievement, winning the Japan Region Championship with a 4-0 record. This includes a 15-4 rout of Yokohama Little League on Sunday, July 20. Joto Little League now awaits the start of the international extravaganza in Pennsylvania. The Little League World Series is set for August 13-24, with Joto's first match against a Europe-Africa Region foe on August 14 at Volunteer Stadium. Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki lays down a bunt in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins on July 28, 2001. ( Ⓒ SANKEI) In the spring of 1999, while wrapping up my final semester at Arizona State University, I also attended several spring training games. Taking a break from classes and homework to watch baseball and write about it always seemed like a good choice to me. It was the third consecutive year that I worked as a freelance sports reporter for The Rafu Shimpo , a Japanese-English bilingual newspaper in Los Angeles, during spring training. One of the most intriguing stories of the Cactus League that March was the participation of Orix BlueWave superstar Ichiro Suzuki as a guest player for the Seattle Mariners. During spring training, he worked out with the team and participated in a pair of games. Ichiro's all-around skills were apparent to everyone. Authoritative voices spoke about the Japanese superstar's talent to anyone holding a notebook, a tape recorder, a microphone, or a camera. Mariners manager Lou Piniella was one of the widely quoted sources at Seattle's spring training complex in Peoria, Arizona. And, of course, at other nearby ballparks during Ichiro's time with the M's. Recently, looking back at my published report on Ichiro from more than 25 years ago, I was reminded that Piniella knew what he was talking about. The longtime MLB skipper was absolutely correct. Ichiro, then 25, had all the skills needed to be a successful big-league player. "He's impressed us, he's got excellent baseball skills," Mariners manager Lou Piniella told reporters in March 1999. The manager added, "He's a good hitter, an excellent hitter, actually. [And] he's a very adroit outfielder. He's got a good throwing arm [and] good fielding mechanics." Piniella then said, "He can run and steal a base. So he's got all the tools." Ichiro Suzuki won his first Gold Glove in 2001. (ⒸSANKEI) Acknowledging that it usually takes time for a player born outside the United States to adjust to living and working there, Piniella believed Ichiro would handle it fine. "It takes the Puerto Rican kids time to adjust here," Piniella said at spring training. "[And] it takes the Venezuelan kids time to adjust here. So, I'm sure that he would adjust." Ichiro played two more seasons for Orix before he signed a contract to join the Mariners in 2001. He had a remarkable first season with Seattle, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award and the AL MVP award. In doing so, he won the AL batting title (.350) and led the league in hits (242) and stolen bases (56). He thrived as the leadoff hitter for the AL West champion Mariners (116-46). And it was just the start of the North American phase of Ichiro's Hall of Fame career on two continents. He became a 10-time MLB All-Star, a 10-time Gold Glove winner, and a two-time batting champ. Ichiro Suzuki speaks at a news conference in Seattle on January 21, 2025. (KYODO) In January 2025, Ichiro was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. It was nearly unanimous. A total of 99.746% of Baseball Writers' Association of America ballots (all but one of the 394 that were cast) selected Ichiro for induction this year. Also in January, Ichiro was selected for induction into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. This is his first year of eligibility for both halls of fame. He retired in 2019 with 3,089 hits in the majors, and his combined total of 4,367 hits in MLB and NPB is the all-time record. Ichiro's overall excellence in Japan, his work ethic, and his deep love and respect for the game are admirable traits. A celebration of Ichiro's unbelievable career will be one of the star attractions of the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday, July 27 in upstate New York. Ichiro's speech at the marquee event will be an unforgettable occasion for him and for the global baseball community. Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium on July 23. (Kiyoshi Mio/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS) Shohei Ohtani has homered in five straight games for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Another reminder of his superstar status. The fan favorite's latest homer was his National League-leading 37th of the 2025 MLB season, helping the Dodgers beat the Minnesota Twins 4-3 on Wednesday, July 23. Ohtani clubbed a solo shot to center field in the first inning. He became the seventh player in Dodgers history to hit a homer in five consecutive games. The others: Roy Campanella, Shawn Green, Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Joc Pederson and current teammate Max Muncy. A familiar sight: Shohei Ohtani rounds the bases after smashing a home run. (Kiyoshi Mio/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS) A reporter pointed out to Ohtani that his recent homers have been flying toward center field or left field. "Hmm, that's true," Ohtani said, according to NHK on Wednesday. "I don't think the direction of the ball matters much, or rather, if it goes up at a good angle, it doesn't really matter whether you pull it or let it go [in another direction]." Ohtani continued: "I'm going to try not to worry about it too much and just focus on swinging strongly at the ball I want to hit." On Tuesday, Ohtani set a record for Japanese MLB players by belting a homer in his fourth consecutive game. The reigning NL MVP hit a two-run blast in the ninth inning of a 10-7 home loss to the Twins. 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 .
Forbes
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Mother's Day Gift Guide 2025: The 5 Best Afternoon Tea Tastings In London
Few gifts feel as timeless-or as indulgent-as afternoon tea in London. Whether you're celebrating a mother, grandmother, or mother figure in your life, high tea offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort and quality time. And in a city where tradition meets modern luxury at every turn, London's tea scene has evolved far beyond finger sandwiches and scones. The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the early 1840s, when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, famously requested light refreshments to stave off late-day hunger before dinner was served. What began as a private ritual among the upper class quickly became a social event, complete with tea, pastries and pleasant conversation. While historically, this tradition cemented itself as a quintessentially British pastime, today, it's a celebration of craftsmanship, hospitality and elegantly stuffing your face with loved ones. From historic hotels pouring rare single-origin blends to contemporary tearooms serving inventive patisserie with a view, these curated experiences are more than just a meal-they're a memory for Mom in the making. Whether you're booking for the big day or gifting the experience for an upcoming trip to the world's most iconic metropolis, here are the most luxurious, creative and unforgettable afternoon tea offerings in London this Mother's Day. Edible art. This Japanese-English fusion high tea was one of the most distinctive and delicious I've ever experienced. Standout savory bites included the Japanese BBQ beef brisket sandwich on a pillowy milk bun and a delicate yuzu and ponzu-marinated scallop crudo. The tea selection strikes a balance between classics like English Breakfast and Earl Grey and rare finds like the rich, fragrant Honey Black. Desserts were both inventive and visually striking—showstoppers like The Great Wave Off Kanagawa and The Thunderstorm Beneath The Summit felt more like edible art than sweets. Whatever you do, don't miss the Truffle & Pistachio tea-it was a real standout. Book a table here. Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is the gold standard-literally. Served in the opulent Palm Court with its glittering chandeliers and gilded mirrors, this is tradition with a capital T. Menu highlights include finely cut finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber and cream cheese or Tarragon chicken, warm scones with preserve and Cornish clotted cream and an array of pastries that rotate seasonally. With a resident pianist playing softly in the background and 20 types of loose-leaf tea on offer, including Black Lychee and Mint Chocolate, it's the kind of Mother's Day celebration that feels timeless-and totally unforgettable. Book a table here. Afternoon Tea at Claridge's is a Mother's Day classic, steeped in elegance and tradition. The menu is a masterclass in refinement: delicate finger sandwiches like smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese and egg mayonnaise with truffle, warm raisin and plain scones served with Marco Polo gelée and Cornish clotted cream and patisserie so artful it feels almost criminal to eat—think pear and crème fraîche cake or Yorkshire rhubarb and vanilla tart. Paired with a curated selection of rare teas and served under the soft glow of Claridge's Foyer, this experience is less a meal and more a love letter to indulgence. Perfect for elegant mothers who love the finer things in life. Book a table here. Quintessentially London. Located in the heart of London's vibrant theatre district, the Brumus London Calling Afternoon Tea at Haymarket Hotel is a perfect Mother's Day outing. With its whimsical, London-inspired menu and stylish, art-filled setting, it's ideal for treating Mum to an indulgent pre-show tea. You could even gift her 'tea and a show,' for a truly unforgettable day. Highlights include landmark-inspired desserts, a fried Scotch egg and a delicious steak pie bite. Book a table here. Located just steps from Tower Bridge in the upper foyer of The Tower Hotel, afternoon tea at VU From The Tower comes with a contemporary edge and one of the best views in the city. The refined yet approachable menu features classic finger sandwiches: smoked salmon with cream cheese, honey roast ham with grain mustard and egg mayo with watercress, served alongside warm fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and jam. The pâtisserie selection leans elegant and colorful, with standouts like lemon meringue pie, pistachio bombe on chocolate shortbread and fruit macarons. The view at VU is not to be missed. Book a table here.
CNA
03-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Gaia Series 84: Reiwa's Employment Competition
In this episode, a recruitment quest in Boston pushes Japanese firms to rethink how they attract global talent.. In an increasingly global job market, Japanese companies are confronting a harsh new reality: Name recognition alone no longer guarantees the best hires. This week's episode of Japan Hour offers an inside look at the fierce talent war unfolding at the Boston Career Forum, where firms like Iris Ohyama and Toyoshima go head-to-head to secure globally minded recruits in a candidate-driven era. Held annually for the past 38 years, the Boston Career Forum is the world's largest job-hunting event for bilingual Japanese-English speakers. Fluency in both languages is a prerequisite, but beyond that, it welcomes students of all ages and nationalities. In 2024, over three days, about 9,000 attendees descend on Boston's Hynes Convention Centre, hoping to impress one of the 191 participating companies — a roster that includes Amazon, Google, Mitsubishi Corporation, and for the first time, Iris Ohyama. Headquartered in Sendai, Iris Ohyama is a home appliances company with annual sales of ¥776 billion (US$5.1 billion) and around 13,700 employees. Despite its domestic success, the firm is facing stagnation in a shrinking home market. 'Due to Japan's declining birthrate and ageing population, the market is inevitably shrinking,' says company president Akihiro Ohyama. 'From that perspective, I believe that overseas expansion is essential for corporate growth.' To meet its ambitious target of more than 50 per cent in overseas sales, Iris Ohyama sends HR officer Shouhei Satou to lead its debut effort in Boston. It is clear from the start that the stakes are high. 'If we don't prepare properly, we won't attract good candidates,' says Mr Satou, who had to refine his presentation three times before winning the president's approval. His thoroughness extends to the pre-screening process as well. Reviewing student applications ahead of the trip, he notes, 'Full marks on TOEIC and a translation internship — they definitely meet the profile we're looking for.' The Forum, set amid the academic backdrop of institutions like Harvard and MIT, is as much a battlefield as it is a career fair. Many companies make offers on the spot or over lavish dinners — a return, some note, to 'bubble era' recruitment extravagance. 'Some companies started on day one,' reflects Mr Satou post-event. 'Honestly, it felt like we fell behind.' Yet Iris Ohyama presses on. Its booth setup is modest compared to industry veterans like Daikin and Otsuka, who rent double booths and have participated for over two decades. Still, Mr Satou's energetic presentations begin to draw students in. 'Been a while since I talked this much,' he admits hoarsely after three hours straight. 'But I'm enjoying it.' One walk-in candidate, Mr Hayato Ikeda, becomes a compelling subplot in the episode. A former baseball player who once emailed over 2,000 universities to secure a sports scholarship, he eventually had to give up his dream after injuring both his shoulder and elbow. Now job-hunting, he stumbles upon Iris Ohyama's booth and is unexpectedly captivated. 'I brought along an Iris Ohyama humidifier,' he recalls of his high school dorm days. 'And in the summer, I brought a fan too.' After hearing Mr Satou's presentation, he decides on the spot to submit an application. The encounter leaves such a strong impression that he says, 'If I'd known about them earlier, I might not have come to Boston at all. That's how much this made me think.' Mr Ikeda's journey encapsulates the uncertainty and pressure felt by many students. He is offered a dinner invitation from Vector, a leading PR firm with ¥59.2 billion in sales, and eventually receives a job offer. But Iris Ohyama is also keen. So impressed is Mr Satou that he skips the second interview stage, fast-tracking Mr Ikeda to the final round. At the company's invitation dinner — one of the most intimate moments in the episode — offers are delivered over conversation. 'We'd like to offer you a position,' Mr Satou says directly. However, the decision is not simple. Over conversations with his roommates, each receiving dinner invitations or offers of their own, Mr Ikeda grapples with competing priorities: Job content, location, salary and long-term potential. 'Doing what you want is important,' he reflects. 'That's what makes it so difficult.' In the end, Mr Ikeda chooses Vector. 'There was one thing I just couldn't compromise on,' he says without elaborating, highlighting the growing agency of young job seekers. Iris Ohyama, while disappointed, learns valuable lessons from the experience. 'Some companies were already courting students the day before,' admits Mr Satou. 'We'll change our approach next year.' For more seasoned participants like Toyoshima, a Nagoya-based trading company with roots dating back to 1841, the Boston Career Forum is familiar ground. With annual sales of ¥220 billion and a lean team of 570 employees, they too are searching for those who can thrive overseas. One standout hire from 2017, Ms Misaki Murai, had studied abroad in Chile and once sold used Japanese cars across South America. 'I asked, 'How much is the salary?'' she recalls of her interview. 'And they actually gave me a very detailed answer.' This straightforwardness reflects a broader shift. Today's students are not seduced by brand names alone. They ask about work-life balance, company culture, and career paths. 'We're no longer just interviewers,' says Ms Saori Kiryu, Vector's vice-president. 'We're the ones being evaluated.' The numbers are telling. About half of all attending students received job offers, and Iris Ohyama expects six of them to join the company. But the Forum's value goes beyond recruitment quotas. 'Whether a company can truly make use of excellent talent,' Mr Satou concludes, 'that's when their real strength is tested.'
Japan Today
30-04-2025
- Health
- Japan Today
'Gogatsu-byo': Japan's May sickness & its effect on relationships
By Hilary Keyes With all of the possible upheaval and changes that take place in April, you would think that a month that starts with a week of holidays like May would be a kinder, gentler time. But there is something sinister that may strike at any moment in May: the so-called gogatsu-byo. What Exactly Is Gogatsu-byo? 五月病 (Gogatsu-byo; 'May Sickness') is the term for a seasonal affective disorder-like psychological condition that affects many Japanese people (and directly or indirectly, us foreigners living here) once the flurry of activity in April and the relaxing Golden Week vacation has passed. Gogatsu-byo Symptoms Many believe that the number of changes that take place in April, coupled with vacations and then push back into a still-new work or school environment, causes the gogatsu-byo in the first place. Sufferers report experiencing: Insomnia Decreased or increased appetite Restlessness Nervousness Anxiety Mood swings Depression They experience a host of 'not quite feeling right' physical symptoms that many doctors struggle to diagnose. While this may seem like an unusual condition to those new to Japan, after being here for a few years, you will definitely start to notice that people behave differently in April and June compared to May. The Relationship Turmoil This uniquely Japanese condition can also cause intense turmoil in personal relationships. Looking over my diaries from years past and talking to friends from all walks of life in Japan, two distinct trends concerning relationships have appeared consistently from about May 4th to the first week of June. Here are the two biggest examples: 1. People Seem Standoffish or Overly Sensitive In general, many people are by nature afraid of change and dislike having to adjust to a new schedule. If you come from a country with Daylight Saving Time, you probably remember how drowsy and confused you felt in those first couple of days after changing the clocks. Add that to potential home, career and lifestyle changes that may have taken place in less than a month. Plus, with the haze that everyone feels after a long vacation, you have a recipe for disaster in any group of people. Friends may be less likely to come out for a drink after work; co-workers might be feeling disinclined to work or less helpful than usual, and a host of communication problems and other issues can crop up. Murphy's Law states that whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. So, expect some bad days where normally friendly co-workers suddenly seem aloof, for things not to be ready on time or for deadlines to appear out of nowhere. My friend had a typically stern co-worker burst into tears because they bought the wrong kind of tea for the office. Just this very morning, I watched as a tiny, sweet-faced old woman berated the station staff with some choice words that aren't in most Japanese-English dictionaries. 2. No Relationship Is Safe With all this weirdness in the air, people may find that their romantic relationships are changing too. If you have survived the fine line between sakura and romance last month, you may find that there is a sudden chill in the relationship. It may be last-minute cancellations, fewer text messages or an overall blasé approach to the relationship. Some people even use the month as an excuse to end relationships that are heading nowhere. Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ippei Mizuhara to appear in court for sentencing in betting case
SANTA ANA, Calif. — The former interpreter for Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani is expected to be sentenced for bank and tax fraud after he stole nearly $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers player's bank account. Federal prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months for Ippei Mizuhara, who was supposed to bridge the gap between Ohtani and his English-speaking teammates and fans as the duo traveled from Southern California to ballparks across the U.S. But Mizuhara exploited the Japanese-English language barrier to isolate Ohtani and profit from his proximity to the two-way player's power. Mizuhara is scheduled to appear in federal court in the Orange County city of Santa Ana. He pleaded guilty last year to bank and tax fraud after he was accused of stealing money to cover his growing gambling bets and debts with an illegal bookmaker, in addition to $325,000 worth of baseball cards and his own dental bills. The case affected arguably the world's most famous baseball player — who previously pitched for the Los Angeles Angels — and stoked an international media frenzy. It stemmed from a broader probe into illegal sports bookmaking organizations in Southern California and the laundering of proceeds through casinos in Las Vegas that has netted a dozen defendants. 'His years-long theft of funds from Mr. Ohtani and the myriad lies he told to Mr. Ohtani's agents and financial advisors to cover up his theft represent a calculated betrayal of the very person he was hired to help,' prosecutors wrote in court papers. They want Mizuhara to pay $17 million in restitution to Ohtani and $1 million to the Internal Revenue Service. In a letter to the court, Mizuhara described his financial strain and addiction to gambling, which he had hoped would alleviate his money problems. He also professed his admiration of Ohtani, and his remorse. 'I am asking for a little mercy from the court concerning my sentence you will hand down,' Mizuhara wrote. 'I truly admire Shohei as a baseball player and a human being and I was committed to devote my life so Shohei can be the best version of himself on the field. I want to say I am truly sorry for violating his trust in me.' Mizuhara accessed Ohtani's account beginning in 2021 and changed its security protocols so he could impersonate him to authorize wire transfers. By 2024, Mizuhara had used the money to buy about $325,000 worth of baseball cards at online resellers and had bet tens of millions of dollars that weren't his to wager on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL and college football. Prosecutors said Mizuhara never bet on baseball, and Ohtani was an unknowing victim of the scheme. 'Let there be no doubt, Mr. Ohtani is truly a victim and has suffered, and will continue to suffer, harm from defendant's conduct,' prosecutors wrote. Michael G. Freedman, Mizuhara's attorney, wrote in court filings that his client is a gambling addict who made a 'terrible mistake' and has suffered from a loss of a job and reputation. Mizuhara takes responsibility for his actions and expects to be deported to his native Japan after serving time, Freedman wrote while asking for a sentence of one and a half years. Mizuhara was born in Japan and moved to California with his parents when he was 6. He struggled to learn English but eventually did, and he returned to Japan in 2013 to become an interpreter for a Japanese baseball team and later for Ohtani, according to court filings. The two formed a tight-knit bond, and Mizuhara moved with Ohtani in 2018 to the U.S., where he took on numerous errands for the player such as grocery shopping, Freedman wrote. Inside baseball, Mizuhara stood by Ohtani's side for many of the athlete's career highlights, from serving as his catcher during the Home Run Derby at the 2021 All-Star Game, to being there for his two American League MVP wins and his record-shattering 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Off the field, Mizuhara was Ohtani's friend and confidant. He famously resigned from the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout so he could keep speaking to Ohtani, and he was rehired after a deal was struck. Last year, Ohtani and the Dodgers won the World Series, and the baseball star won his third Most Valuable Player award.
