Latest news with #Shoji
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
U.S. volleyball star Erik Shoji comes out as queer
Erik Shoji has spent a decade spiking balls on the world's biggest stages for the US men's volleyball team, and now he's sharing something even more personal. In a video posted to both his Instagram and TikTok pages, the 35-year-old libero sat beside his snoozing labradoodle and said plainly, 'I'm here to tell the world today that I am queer.' Advertisement Shoji admitted the moment felt 'scary, but freeing at the same time,' noting that self-acceptance took longer than he expected. 'I'm stronger, more confident, and more sure of myself than I've ever been,' he added, eyes shining. 'Given who I am and the platform that I have, this is my moment, and I'm so excited to move forward after this.' The Hawai'i native has captained the U.S. men's national team since 2025, but has racked up Olympic bronze medals in Rio 2016 and Paris 2024, plus two FIVB World Cup golds. Off-court, he's a TikTok influencer known for wholesome roommate bits and behind-the-scenes vlogs from pro stints in Germany, Russia, Italy, and, most recently, Poland's powerhouse ZAKSA. Support for his announcement poured in within minutes. USA Volleyball commented, 'Proud of you, Erik… we're honored to stand with you, always.' Fellow Olympian Merrick McHenry, himself an out gay athlete, wrote, 'Thank you for being you!' Volleyball Nations League, Mizuno, and a roster of international stars echoed the love. Outside of McHenry, Shoji also joins the ranks of Kyle Friend, Tim Brewster, and Justin Lui as one of the out professional gay volleyball players. Advertisement Shoji hopes the news shows younger players they can thrive without hiding. 'Moving forward means feeling completely free and myself,' he said. 'I want my life to feel like I have one life, and saying this brings it all together.' That next chapter starts on June 25, when the U.S. hosts China in Chicago's VNL leg, Shoji's first match since coming out. Expect the crowd to roar a little louder when No. 22 jogs onto the court as a world-class defender, now playing wide open.
GMA Network
20 hours ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
USA Volleyball's Erik Shoji comes out as queer
USA Volleyball team captain and two-time Olympic bronze medalist Erik Shoji last Saturday came out as queer. According to the UN Girls' Education Initiative website, ''queer' is an umbrella term that is commonly used to refer to or describe people who are not heterosexual or are not cisgender. Further, 'queer' is also used to refer to approaches that oppose heteronormative ways of thinking and being.' In a video on Shoji's social media account, the libero said it took a long time before the Hawaii native accepted it. 'I am here to tell the world today that I am queer. It feels scary but freeing at the same time,' Shoji said. 'I think personal acceptance takes a while. For me, it took a long time and I'm working through that still every day, but I think I'm stronger, more confident, and more sure of myself than I've ever been, and I feel that given who I am and the platform that I have that this is my moment and I'm so excited to move forward after this.' Shoji said that by coming out, the three-time Olympian hopes to be a role model and is now more excited to know 'where life is going to take me and who I am and what I can bring to my family, my team, my friends, and those around me.' The libero also hopes to 'inspire people to be themselves and to be personable, be kind, be nice, and to love life.' 'Part of me hopes that the world keeps spinning, the volleyball community stays amazing and accepting and growing. I feel so good saying what I'm saying and I know that I'm genuine in what I'm saying and I believe in myself and I believe in others and I believe that life will keep going and it'll be great and my friends will be there, my family will be there, my team will be there, and I'm gonna continue to be myself and I'm so excited for that.' USA Volleyball's social media account, meanwhile, said it is proud of Shoji. "Proud of you, Erik. Your courage, authenticity, and leadership on and off the court continues to inspire us all! Thank you for being you. We're honored to stand with you, always." —JKC, GMA Integrated News
The Mainichi
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Rugby: League One's rule change to increase Japanese players on pitch
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan Rugby League One said Tuesday it has decided to change the rules for player registration, splitting Category A into A1 and A2 to give Japanese players more time on the pitch amid a rise in the number of foreign-born players representing local teams. The move, to take effect from the 2026-2027 season, is also aimed at encouraging Japan-born players to pursue a career in rugby. A1 will consist of players who "were born in Japan, or have either one, or both, parents or grandparents born in Japan," the league said. It will also include those who have completed six years of the nine years of the compulsory education requirement in Japan -- six years in elementary school and three years in junior high school -- and have never played for another test playing nation. A2 are players who have been registered exclusively with the Japan Rugby Football Union for four years. At least eight players who fall into A1 will have to be on the pitch at the same time during a match, with at least 14 of them registered for the matchday squad of 23. The league added that players who have not reached the A1 threshold for registration but have played over 30 tests for Japan will be included in A1. Under the current rules, there are three categories for players -- A, B and C -- and each side must have at least 11 Category A players who are eligible to be selected for the Japanese national team on the pitch at the same time. Basically, there will be no change to Categories B and C, the league said. Category B players consist of non-capped foreigners, while Category C, which is limited to three at a club, are those who have been capped by another country. Those who have represented Japan, but have not played 30 tests, will be considered A2 players, although their status will change once they reach 30 test appearances. "No players are being 'shut out' of the system," said Hajime Shoji, chief operating officer of League One. "We are simply looking to reset the balance in favor a bit more toward Japanese players as League One is, after all, a Japanese competition, and the growth of Japanese talent is a core part of its objective." Shoji told an online press conference that the decision was made after careful deliberation between the league and clubs.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shoji Brings Elevated Japanese Dining to 140 New Montgomery
Retail and office leasing opportunities available at the landmark tower SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pembroke's 140 New Montgomery is proud to welcome Shoji, a refined Japanese dining concept by Michelin Star awarded Chef Ingi "Shota" Son. As the building celebrates its centennial anniversary, Shoji draws new attention toward this iconic San Francisco destination, which has blended culinary excellence with the spirit of innovation in 140 New Montgomery since 1925. Shoji is a Japanese restaurant concept that blends traditional hospitality with modern flair. The space showcases a refined approach to both coffee culture and dining at 140 New Montgomery. Helmed by Chef Ingi "Shota" Son, whose experience spans some of San Francisco's most distinguished dining establishments, Shoji blends precision, artistry and hospitality into a multi-layered culinary experience. From 7am - 3pm daily (excluding weekends), it offers a one-of-a-kind artisanal coffee program with lines out the door, and a rotating selection of pastries, crafted in collaboration with some of the city's most inspiring pastry chefs. "Shoji was created to be a place of intention — every detail, from the coffee to the cocktails, reflects a deep respect for craft and hospitality," said Chef Shota. "We're excited to open our doors at 140 New Montgomery, a building that embodies the same balance of heritage and modernity that we aim to bring to the table." As Shoji prepares for the launch of its highly anticipated dinner service, it continues to shape itself as a destination for elevated, Japanese-inspired dining. Owner and Chef Ingi Son will bring their expertise to the evening menu which will balance traditional elements with contemporary flair. Ingi Son, who opened omakase restaurant The Shota in 2018, earned and has retained a one- Michelin star since 2021, being the only omakase restaurant that currently holds a one star. Ingi Son and his team, who have numerous years of culinary and hospitality background, goal is to create a dining and drinking scene far from the ordinary. The restaurant's intimate setting, sleek design, and sophisticated bar program promises to make Shoji a sought-after spot in FiDi, further cementing 140 New Montgomery as a hub for modern luxury and culinary excellence. Shoji's bar is anticipated to begin service at 3pm - midnight and dinner service from 5pm - 11pm. Adding to the momentum, a rare and highly coveted restaurant space is now available to lease at the property. This 6,372-square-foot opportunity includes a mezzanine space and dedicated outdoor seating opportunity, offering a dynamic setting for a chef-driven restaurant in one of downtown San Francisco's most prestigious addresses. "Pembroke is committed to curating thoughtful retail experiences that bring energy and connection to our buildings," said Stacey Spurr, Senior Regional Director at Pembroke. "When we initially met Ingi-Son and his team, we were captivated by the care and unique approach he brings to the dining experience. We are eager to see them bring that same energy and excellence to the restaurant at 140 New Montgomery and continue enhancing all that the building has to offer." Beyond its dining scene, 140 New Montgomery is welcoming new office tenants, with select spaces across multiple floors available from 4,300 - 12,500 square feet, allowing for larger office opportunities if needed. Currently home to the elite of the tech financial world and leading venture capital companies, the building seamlessly blends historic grandeur with modern functionality and thoughtful placemaking for tenants providing an unparalleled workplace in the heart of downtown. With a century of history behind it and a bold future ahead, 140 New Montgomery continues to be a defining force in San Francisco's architectural, cultural and business landscapes. Catherine Meuiner and Pam Mendelsohn from Maven Commercial represented Pembroke in the transaction. For restaurant and office leasing inquiries, please contact: Retail leasing, Maven Properties: Catherine Meunier, (415)806-5566, catherine@ DRE #01843732 Pam Mendelsohn, (415)404-6650, pam@ DRE #00953050 Office Leasing, CBRE: Bill Cumberlich, CBRE, (415)291-8882, Lic. 00533546 Dean McPadden, (415)291-4915, Lic. 01893622 Jack Beritzhoff, (415)772-0334, Lic. 02078503 About Pembroke We're an international real estate advisor that acquires, develops and manages properties and places – specializing in mixed-use, residential and office environments in the world's leading cities. Facilitating the private capital of our investors, we take a long-term approach to real estate, investing in global cities with proven long-term growth potential. We have offices in Boston, Hamburg, London, Munich, San Francisco, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, and Washington, DC and manage more than 9.4m sq ft / 876,000 sq m in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. By combining a global point of view with local expertise, we're able to create and manage world-class properties that deliver the best outcomes for our tenants, investors and the communities in which we work. Please visit to learn more about us and connect with us on LinkedIn. Written credit to the photographer is required: Lara Kaur Photography (on any webpage please hyperlink the textual credit to CONTACT: Temi Adamolekun, temi@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pembroke Collective Sign in to access your portfolio
