Rising sumo star Takerufuji was forced to pull out of the 15-day Spring Basho in Tokyo with an ankle injury, and komusubi Asanoyama is also sidelined. The post With Some Top Sumo Wrestlers Sidelined, the Summer Basho Title is Up for Grabs first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: SUMO | Terunofuji Aiming to Get Back on Track at Summer Tournament SUMO | Takanosho Stuns Terunofuji as Summer Basho Remains Wide Open SUMO | Terunofuji Outmuscles Mitakeumi to Capture Seventh Emperor’s Cup ..read more

In this first episode, we focus on a 13-year-old girl abducted on her way home from school. What happened to her and why is the nation still reeling? The post Abducted – Four Stories, Four Lives, Episode 1: Just a Schoolgirl Taken by Martians first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: New Podcast Series: Abducted – Four Stories, Four Lives EDITORIAL | Failure to Bring Home North Korea Abductees a 'National Shame' Letter to Megumi: Abductees' Families Make Difficult Concession for Breakthrough ..read more

Mihara's award-winning film "Takano Tofu" explores the universal theme of the transforming power of human connections through the tale of a stubborn tofu maker. The post 'Takano Tofu': How Mitsuhiro Mihara Won Hearts in Italy first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: Director Mayu Nakamura Offers a Fresh Perspective on Japanese Women in Film Chieko Baisho Honored With Golden Mulberry Award for a Remarkable Film Career How the Far East Film Festival Brings Films to Life ..read more

Two-time world champion Shoma Uno retires with three Olympic medals, a record-tying six Japan men's singles titles and a Grand Prix Final gold medal. The post Shoma Uno Retires From Competition After Illustrious Career first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: [ICE TIME] Satoko Miyahara Reflects on Pyeongchang Olympics, Looks Ahead to Beijing [ICE TIME] Shoma Uno Back in Spotlight with Triumph at NHK Trophy [ICE TIME] Japan Championships Filled with Intriguing Storylines as Skaters Vie for Olympic Berths ..read more

The XD World Music Festival, hosted by Yogibo, brings electrifying performances by top Asian artists to Tokyo, promising a unique and unforgettable weekend. The post XD World Music Festival: A Vibrant Blend of Cultures, Tradition, and Tech first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: Kazushi Ono Conducts Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde' SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Press Preview Reveals Exciting Sustainable Technological Innovations SusHi Tech Showcase Program: A Glimpse into the Future with Flying Cars and Electric Floats ..read more

Meta refuses to purge the fraudulent ads, causing users billions of yen in damages. The Japanese government must urgently take action against SNS fraud. The post EDITORIAL | With Rampant SNS Fraud, Japanese Gov't Must Regulate Meta first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: The Age of 5G: Japan Aims for Market Lead with Cutting-Edge Technology EDITORIAL | Now That Europe Is In, Japan Should Keep This Current of Free Trade Flowing EDITORIAL| Hayabusa2’s Latest Success A Challenge to Next Generation of Scientists and Researchers ..read more

The Utsunomiya Brex (51-9) had the best regular-season record in the B.League, and the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins have the longest current winning streak. The post B.League Playoffs: 8 Teams Commence Hunt for the Title first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: A Trio of B.League Playoff Spots Still Up for Grabs BASKETBALL | SeaHorses Mikawa Thriving in Road Contests Sports Replay 2020: A Banner Year for Top Japanese Teams ..read more

For Ippei Mizuhara, who is accused of stealing millions of dollars from Shohei Ohtani to pay gambling debts, an arraignment is set for May 14 in Los Angeles. The post Ex-MLB Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara to Plead Guilty to Bank Fraud first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: Shohei Ohtani Has a Solid Home-Opening Series Against Cardinals Dodgers Fire Shohei Ohtani's Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara Amid Allegations of 'Massive Theft' Shohei Ohtani Speaks on Gambling Scandal for First Time in Prepared Statement ..read more

Filmmaker Erik Shirai's project was chosen for a Far East Film Festival production initiative, where industry players connect to bring new films into the world. The post How the Far East Film Festival Brings Films to Life first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: Chieko Baisho Honored With Golden Mulberry Award for a Remarkable Film Career Director Mayu Nakamura Offers a Fresh Perspective on Japanese Women in Film Film Director Hirobumi Watanabe: A New Genius in the Making ..read more

Macron welcomed China's leader to Elysée Palace with an exchange of Olympic torches and precious gifts, but is he deceiving himself that this can influence Xi? The post Dragon Balls and Dinosaurs at Elysée Palace: Japan and China's Astonishing Gifts to Emmanuel Macron first appeared on JAPAN Forward. Related posts: Double Down on Support for Ukraine, Mr Kishida Kishida's Surprise Visit to Ukraine is a Show of Solidarity with President Zelenskyy G7 Solidarity as Putin Continues Devastating 'Holy War' in Ukraine ..read more