Latest news with #TeamJapan
SoraNews24
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
The Japan National Championship of Magic 2025 coming to Tokyo this May
Now you'll see it or soon you won't. I've always admired magic as a skill that combines both physical and mental prowess in equal measure. They always come up with new tricks to the point where whenever I think I've seen it all, someone makes a card my buddy signed suddenly appear under another person's pint of beer. There are sure to be some even more startling surprises at this year's Japan National Championship of Magic, which will be held at Theater Daikanyama in Shibuya, Tokyo, on 24 and 25 May. Hosted by the Magic Academy of Tokyo, this competition will bring the best in prestidigitation from all over Japan and beyond to crown the top talent in both close-up and stage magic acts. On 24 May, the close-up magic division will be held, in which eight finalists determined through grueling preliminary rounds will face off to see who has the fastest fingers and most persuasive power of suggestion. From this group, Jonio, Nobuyuki Nojima, Ibuki, Gotaishi, and Tomo have all been selected to represent Japan at the 2025 FISM World Championship of Magic, also known as the Olympics of Magic, next July. They'll be stiff competition but will have to outperform unique up-and-comers like Moro Yamada and Ikuhiro as well as Santa, who specializes in toy magic. ▼ Although Santa likes to use toys, he's no slouch with a deck of cards either The stage magic division, held the next day, also brings together eight finalists crafting elaborate, large-scale shows. A member of Team Japan at the 2025 FISM World Championship of Magic, Wanabe Ko, will also put his skills to the test here against a diverse group of illusionists. ▼ Wanabe Ko doing a stage trick like levitating a table up close makes it even more impressive. With Mill hailing from Thailand and Read Chang coming over from Korea, calling this the 'Japan National Championship' is actually an understatement. They'll be going up against two especially magical wunderkinds as well, 15-year-old Hayate Ogawa and 14-year-old Tigger, along with Yukinaga Fukumuro and Sho Arai to round out the bracket. ▼ Here's Read Chang doing an impressive performance in his home of Korea In order to win the top prizes of one million yen (US$7,000) and title of National Champion, these contestants will be judged by some of the top magicians in the country, including the first and only Japanese FISM World Championship of Magic close-up winner Shoot Ogawa and World Championship third-place performer in the Manipulation category Yuki Iwane. ▼ Shoot Ogawa even wowed Penn & Teller on their own show. In addition to the championships, the Magic Academy Awards will also be given out to professionals who have contributed the most to magic in Japan over the past year. With so much talent under one roof, it's sure to be an event packed with sights that defy logic. If you happen to be in Tokyo that weekend, be sure to check it out and don't hesitate or it will vanish right before your eyes. Event information Japan National Championship of Magic 2025 Theater Daikanyama シアター代官山 Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Ebisunishi 2-12-12 東京都渋谷区恵比寿西２丁目１２－１２ 24 & 25 May, 2025 Doors Open: 2:30 p.m. Competition Starts: 3 p.m. Admission: General – 7,500 yen, VIP – 10,000 yen (Tickets are for both days only, Magic Academy of Tokyo members get discounts) Ticket Purchase Website Images: © Magic Academy of Tokyo ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
WNBA Legend Sue Bird Takes On Major Role With USA Women's Basketball Team
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Team USA women's national team is getting a new managing director, as Sue Bird has agreed to the role for the 2028 Olympic cycle, per Chantel Jennings and Joe Vardon of The Athletic. Bird has had an illustrious career in the basketball world that has included five gold medals in the Olympics and four World Cup titles for Team USA. Sue Bird #6 of Team United States celebrates after defeating Team Japan 90-75 to win the women's gold medal match between Team United States and Team Japan on day sixteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic... Sue Bird #6 of Team United States celebrates after defeating Team Japan 90-75 to win the women's gold medal match between Team United States and Team Japan on day sixteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Super Arena on August 08, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. More Photo byMore basketball news: Timberwolves' Mike Conley 'Excited' Over Draymond Green Choking Players Bird first debuted in professional basketball with the Seattle Storm after being picked No. 1 overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft. She would spend her entire career with the Storm until her retirement at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign. After averaging 14.4 points, six assists, and 1.7 steals per game during her first season in the WNBA, she would finish No. 2 in Rookie of the Year voting to future Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings. It was still enough to earn WNBA First Team honors and an All-Star selection that season. Over the course of her professional basketball career, Bird would amass 13 All-Star nods, eight All-WNBA team selections, and four championships. More basketball news: 'I'm El Jefe', Spurs' Gregg Popovich Has Epic Press Conference After Promotion Bird has known success for most of her basketball career, but was also faced with adversity shortly after starting her tenure at the University of Connecticut. Eight games into her freshman year, Bird tore her ACL and lost that year of eligibility, given the number of games played. She came back in a major way for her sophomore season, leading the Huskies to a 36-1 record that ended with winning the 2000 NCAA Division 1 women's basketball tournament. The next season ended with a loss in the Final Four, but Bird's senior year at UConn proved to be a precursor for what would turn into a legendary basketball career. Bird led her school to a 39-0 record to win another championship, the Wade Trophy, the Honda Sports Award, and the Naismith Award, given to the college player of the year. In this next chapter of her career, Bird will look to continue her basketball success and win another gold medal, but in a different capacity with Team USA. The squad in 2028 may feature past teammates of Bird, as well as many new faces who have been a part of the recent wave of success and star power taking over women's basketball. For more NBA news and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Shota Imanaga Dominates MLB With Cubs in Breakout Season
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 15: Shota Imanaga #18 of the Chicago Cubs players is seen on field during the ... More national anthem before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome on Saturday, March 15, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) Hitters see the baseball. Then they don't. Chicago Cubs right-handed starter, Shota Imanaga has so much movement on the baseball, it literally baffles hitters. Imanaga, 31, can make a baseball dance. Imanaga's split-finger pitch, which he uses on anywhere from 25% to 35% of his offerings, is so deceptive hitters either swing and miss, or pound the pitch into the ground. Like many Japanese starting pitchers, Imanaga has a masterful repertoire of multiple pitches. According to Imanaga throws a four-seam fastball, a sinking fastball, a curve, a slider, and a split-finger. In the past, he also threw a cutter, but he has not used that pitch yet this season. Imanaga is 5-10, 175 pounds. He isn't tall and slender, pitching downhill from a tall frame. Instead, he is a disciplined master of his crafts. Imanaga's crafts include changing speeds on pitches, changing the eye level of the hitter from pitch to pitch, and keeping the hitter off balance. Keeping the hitter off balance is the real cornerstone of Imanaga's mechanical mastery of the art of pitching. Imanaga has outstanding command and control. If a right-handed hitter is looking for the pitch inside to drive to his pull side, he may get a pitch that starts outside at his waist and falls below his knees. The hitter swings over the ball. The hitter saw the baseball. Then it was gone. Imanaga has a remarkable quality of being able to repeat his delivery. Regardless of the count or situation, Imanaga sticks to his game plan, and goes into the same motion over and over again. It is rare that Imanaga pitches with men on base. MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Shota Imanaga #21 of Team Japan pitches in the first inning during the 2023 ... More World Baseball Classic Championship game between Team USA and Team Japan at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) Imanaga signed with the Chicago Cubs following parts of eight seasons pitching in the Japan Eastern League. An All Star in his first season with the Cubs stateside, Imanaga finished the season with an outstanding 15-3 record. He threw to a 2.91 ERA, and 1.02 WHIP in 29 starts, covering 173.1 innings pitched. Displaying excellent command and control, Imanaga walked an average of 1.5 hitters per nine innings, while striking out an average of 9 hitters per nine innings. Imanaga yielded only 149 hits in his 175.1 innings pitched. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 4: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs bats in a game against the San ... More Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on April 4, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/) explained that Imanaga signed '4-year, $53.25 million (2024-2025), 2026-27 player options, 2028 club option; base deal maxes out at $80 million (team decides to exercise club option for more $ before player option choice.' In essence, if all the options in the contract are activated, Imanaga will be with the Cubs until at least the end of 2028. The Cubs have three other players under contracts at least four years in length. The Cubs have shortstop Dansby Swanson under contract until the end of the 2029 season. He signed a 7-year, $177 million contract in 2023. The Cubs signed outfielder Seiya Suzuki to a 5-year, $85 million contract in 2022. Pitcher Jameson Taillon signed a 4-year, $68 million contract in 2023. All Star Kyle Tucker was traded by the Astros as he entered his last contract year prior to being eligible for free agency. Tucker is off to a fantastic start, and the Cubs will have to decide what they wish to do about offering Tucker an extension. Tucker will have to decide if he wishes to test the free agent market. BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 09: The Chicago Cubs logo shown on a ball bag before a baseball game against ... More the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 9, 2024 in Baltimore, DC. (Photo by) The Chicago Cubs have been the beneficiary of tremendous pitching by Shota Imanaga. Imanaga threw only five innings in his latest Cubs start, an April 15 no-decision in San Diego. He threw an unusually high 93 pitches. He has probably surpassed the Cubs expectations of his potential success. The team and Cubs fans can sit back and enjoy watching Imanaga dazzle hitters. With Imanaga, now hitters see the ball. Then they don't.
South China Morning Post
16-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong breakdancers aim to move and spin city's scene to a global stage, Asian Games
Breakdancers Sze Kwong-yik and Lai Tsz-kin share a bold dream: they want Hongkongers to one day link breaking to their names, much like the city associates fencing with Cheung Ka-long. Sze, known as B-boy Sosze, and Lai, known as B-boy Child Kin, are part of a group of Hong Kong breakers striving to showcase the city's talent on a global stage. 'My biggest hope for Team Hong Kong isn't necessarily to become world champions,' said 29-year-old Sze, who has been breaking for nearly 18 years. He is one of six male breakdancers on the Hong Kong team striving for a spot in the 2026 Asian Games. 'I just want people to know Hong Kong has its own B-boys and B-girls.' Contrary to negative stereotypes about the sport, Sze noted that it could be a lifeline for some Hong Kong youth. 'Street dance didn't lead us astray,' he said. 'Breaking gave us focus; it kept us grounded.' He added: 'It channelled our energy into something positive – a sport, a dance, a way to grow. It taught us discipline and life lessons we'd never have learned otherwise.' For Lai, a 24-year-old B-boy who started breaking at 11, the sport is more than just a performance. 'Breaking also represents my existence; it's become a defining part of who I am,' he said. Hong Kong's B-girls changing up the city's male-dominated breakdancing scene How local breakers learn from a global stage With intricate footwork, power moves and head spins, more than 100 breakdancers from 20 countries came together for a showdown at Hong Kong's largest breakdancing event earlier this month. Organised by Hong Kong-based UTLR852 Breaking Club, the competition featured judges such as Olympic gold medallist Philip Kim, also known as Phil Wizard, as well as Rie Fukushima, Team Japan's head coach for the 2024 Paris Olympics. 'Under the Lion's Rock [UTLR] captures the essence of the breaking scene, highlighting its artistic and cultural side, unlike other events,' said Kim, 28. The competition, 'UTLR2025: The Comeback Kidz', offered a platform for B-boys and B-girls from around the world to connect and battle, while elevating Hong Kong's breaking scene to an international level. Sze noted that the event provided a valuable chance for local breakers to learn from international dancers – without competitions like this one, Hong Kong's breaking community could feel isolated. 'Sometimes we only see other B-boys and B-girls from different places on YouTube,' he said. 'Many of these international dancers – some of them world champions – are on another level. We can absorb so much from them.' Philip Kim, who competes as Phil Wizard, was a judge at 'UTLR2025: The Comeback Kidz'. Photo: Handout The power of breakdancing The Paris Games marked the debut of breaking at the Olympics. With its origins in New York's African-American and Latino-American communities in the 1970s, this competitive dance form has come a long way. Lai noted how public perception of breaking had changed since the sport had earned global recognition. 'People used to think breakers were troublemakers,' he said. 'Now, people see breakers differently, recognising them as teachers and Olympic athletes. There's more attention, support and respect for what we do.' Lai said he stumbled upon breaking in junior secondary school. He was playing hide-and-seek in a park in Tuen Mun when he spotted a group of teenagers spinning on their heads. 'Everyone has their own style, and the way you dance says, 'This is me.' That's what makes it so challenging – and why I'm still passionate about it,' he said. Chinese female skateboarder proves longboarding isn't just for guys Sze first got into breaking thanks to an online dance battle game called Audition Online. 'I saw these cartoon characters spinning so impressively, and I thought, 'There's no way real people can do that,'' he recalled. Then, he came across Lollipop, a famous Taiwanese boy band which had breakdancers. 'Seeing them spin just as amazingly made me realise it was possible, and that's what sparked my interest,' he said. 'We use different parts of our bodies to create movements – things you'd never do in everyday life,' he said, adding, 'Creating new moves ... that creativity is what's kept me breaking ever since.' A place for breakdancers in Hong Kong Jessica Siu Yue-pui, the organiser and founder of Under the Lion's Rock, is dedicated to uplifting Hong Kong's breaking scene. She is also one of six female breakers vying to represent the city at the coming Asian Games. From a young age, Siu faced a chronic illness, and doctors warned that it could leave her paralysed from the waist down. 'I love breaking, but I feared losing my ability to walk,' she recalled. 'I wanted to find another way to contribute to the scene.' Thus, Under the Lion's Rock is Siu's way of giving back to the local breaking scene and helping it thrive. She is also a former vice-president of the Hong Kong DanceSport Association's breaking division and has organised competitions worldwide. She acknowledged the limits many aspiring breakers face in the city but said she hoped the public could show more support for this form of culture. 'I hope one day B-boys and B-girls can pursue breaking as full-time dancers,' she said. 'I also want Hongkongers to better understand this culture – it's helped me grow as a person.' Stop and think: What negative ideas might the public have about breakdancing? How are these changing? Why this story matters: Amid Hong Kong's recent Olympic wins in fencing and swimming, other local athletes – such as breakdancers – hope to show their abilities on a global stage while inspiring youth to see the transformative power of these sports.
Fox Sports
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Aaron Judge is open to playing in 2026 World Baseball Classic: 'We gotta win it'
TAMPA, Fla. — We all remember it. Two years ago, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani faced off in the at-bat of a lifetime before Team Japan rushed onto the field to claim its third World Baseball Classic title. Team USA had the tying run on base with no outs in the ninth inning when Ohtani, moonlighting as the Samurai Japan closer, induced a double play, struck out Trout, and closed the book on a tournament that was nothing short of epic. Maybe next time Team USA will get a little help from one of the most talented sluggers in baseball history. He's certainly open to it. "I think that would be pretty fun," Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge told FOX Sports on Wednesday. "It just depends. See where I'm at in my career at that point. Hopefully they still want me." Judge will be entering his age-34 season at this time next year, which is when the 2026 WBC is scheduled to take place. Rosters will not be finalized until next February. If Judge does agree to play, it would be his first time participating in the international event. "It would be cool to represent your country," Judge said. "[Team USA] made it to the finals, but they didn't win it. So we gotta win it. We'll see. We'll see." A couple of Judge's teammates are also interested in suiting up for their countries. Infielder Jazz Chisholm said he would play for Great Britain in next year's WBC. Shortstop Anthony Volpe was asked to play for Team Italy in the 2023 WBC, but he said he would only ever play for Team USA, and that he would love to participate in next year's event. Two years ago, the Yankees had three players participating in the WBC, including Gleyber Torres, Kyle Higashioka, and Jonathan Loáisiga. Judge was recruited to join Team USA's roster in the winter of 2022, but he was a little busy navigating his own free agency at the time. Plus, he had just finished a grind of a 2022 campaign; hitting 62 home runs with the media and fan frenzy that accompanied breaking a historic record can take a toll on anyone. "If I sign with the Giants, sign with the Padres, sign somewhere else, I'd rather be — what's more important to me is getting to know my teammates, my coaches. Get a feel for that," Judge said. "I didn't want to mess that up by being in the World Baseball Classic for four weeks, and then all of a sudden, I show up for the last two weeks of spring or whatever. That was my main focus. But now, I'll be here for quite a long time." When the two-time MVP award winner eventually signed a nine-year deal with the Yankees and was named captain in December of that year, his main priority became spending time with his teammates. Specifically, he wanted to make sure he got to know the prospects in the organization, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Judge felt an added responsibility as captain to come early to spring training and coach up the team's younger players. The circumstances are different now, and it's safe to say Team USA will want Judge's bat in the lineup. Even without him, manager Mark DeRosa piloted the most star-studded roster in WBC history. In 2023, Team USA's 30-man roster featured 21 All-Stars and four MVPs, including Trout, Mookie Betts, Paul Goldschmidt and Clayton Kershaw. Though they came close two years ago, Team USA's last and only WBC championship was won in 2017. The first three installments of the tournament, which began in 2006, were won by Japan (twice) and the Dominican Republic. Team USA should be hungry to reclaim its championship and trim the gap between Japan. Like last time, big names participating in the event could create a ripple effect throughout Major League Baseball. We already know Judge wants to see Team USA lift the trophy. Maybe next spring it will be his at-bat that we'll remember for years to come. Deesha Thosar is a MLB reporter and columnist for FOX Sports. She previously covered the Mets for four years as a beat reporter for the New York Daily News. Follow her on Twitter at @DeeshaThosar. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Aaron Judge New York Yankees Major League Baseball recommended Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
