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Kong Nien-en's walk-off hit secures win for Fubon Guardians; 'Speedy' Wang Sheng-wei scores winning run

In a Chinese Professional Baseball game, the Fubon Guardians defeated the Wei Chuan Dragons 4-3 with Kong Nien-en's walk-off hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, ending their recent two-game losing streak. Wang Sheng-wei, running as a pinch-runner, scored the winning run. Kong Nien-en was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game.

Yomiuri Giants Manager Shinnosuke Abe Resigns Amid Domestic Violence Allegations; Experts Call for Reflection on Sports Violence

Yomiuri Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe has resigned after being arrested for alleged domestic violence against his eldest daughter. The incident, which began with the daughter consulting ChatGPT and contacting child welfare services, has shocked the Japanese baseball community and sparked a broader debate on the culture of violence in sports.

Japan Winter League 2026 (JWL2026) Player Recruitment Announcement

Japan League Co., Ltd. has begun recruiting players for the Japan Winter League 2026, held in Okinawa starting November 2026. Aspiring pros from around the world will gather for a month of games to improve skills and showcase talent. Early bird deadline is August 31.

Source: prtimes.jp

JTRF Scholarship Program for Young Japanese Tennis Talent Opens Applications for Second Cohort; New 'Mid-term Program' Established for Consistent Support

The Japan Private Trust Foundation has launched applications for the second cohort of its 'JTRF' short-term study abroad program, starting May 29, 2026. The program supports junior players aiming for the global stage through training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain. Additionally, a new 'Mid-term Program' has been introduced, offering selected participants a 10-week stay and 3 million yen in support, creating a continuous development pipeline.

Source: prtimes.jp

108th National High School Baseball Championship: All Regional Tournament Games to be Streamed Live for Free on 'Virtual High School Baseball' via Sports Navi!

The Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Broadcasting Television, and LY Corporation will stream all regional tournament games of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship for free on 'Virtual High School Baseball' within the Sports Navi platform, starting June 13, 2026. In addition to over 3,000 regional games, the national tournament and women's high school baseball games will also be streamed, featuring enhanced real-time data and follow features.

Source: prtimes.jp

108th National High School Baseball Championship: All Regional Tournament Games to be Streamed Live for Free on 'Virtual High School Baseball' via Sports Navi!

The Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Broadcasting Television, and LY Corporation announced that all regional games of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship, starting June 13, 2026, will be streamed for free on 'Virtual High School Baseball' within the 'Sports Navi' platform. The coverage includes over 3,000 regional games, the national tournament in August, and the national women's high school baseball tournament, featuring enhanced digital features like real-time at-bat data and follow notifications.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Rakuten Eagles] Rakuten Monkeys' official cheerleaders, 'Rakuten Girls', to appear at the 'Rakuten Super Night' at Tokyo Dome on Monday, June 22!

The Rakuten Monkeys' cheerleading squad, 'Rakuten Girls', will visit Japan for the 'Rakuten Super Night' at Tokyo Dome on June 22, featuring a ceremonial pitch and special performances. This event is part of the 'Yanmaga Cup' collaboration with Kodansha's 'Weekly Young Magazine'. Additionally, soprano singer Yui Takahashi will perform the national anthem, and the 2026 third uniform will be distributed to the first 30,000 attendees.

Source: prtimes.jp

Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka: Fukuoka, a City Where the Future of Basketball Grows — Sponsorship Agreement for FIBA U18 International Tournament

Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka has become the tournament sponsor for the "FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 East Asia Qualifiers" to be held in Fukuoka in June 2026. This marks the first time a B.LEAGUE club has sponsored an EABA-hosted tournament. The event serves as a crucial qualifier for the U18 Asia Cup and U19 World Cup, with club player Jack Shiratani expected to participate. The club aims to support the development of Fukuoka's basketball culture and the next generation of talent.

Source: prtimes.jp

Yomiuri Giants Manager Abe Resigns Following Arrest Over Domestic Incident

Yomiuri Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe resigned on the 26th after being arrested for alleged assault on his 18-year-old daughter. Abe apologized at a press conference, and the team accepted his resignation. His daughter clarified through a lawyer that there was no physical violence like punching or kicking, and explained that police intervention occurred after she contacted child services based on ChatGPT's advice. Coach Hideki Hashigami will serve as acting manager.

J.League Signs Future Development Partnership Agreement

Mikasa, a ball manufacturer with over 100 years of history, has signed a 'Future Development Partnership' agreement with the J.League. For one year starting June 2026, the 'ALMUNDO FT550D-BLBS' will be used as the official match ball for J.League-organized youth tournaments, aiming to enhance training environments and develop Japanese soccer.

Source: prtimes.jp

Dodgers and Uniqlo Announce Initiatives to Contribute to the Los Angeles Community

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Uniqlo have announced new initiatives as part of their partnership to contribute to the Los Angeles community. These include an educational program for middle school students at the stadium, an international youth baseball program, and clothing donation activities in collaboration with local support organizations.

Source: prtimes.jp

Japan's First 'Amateur League' for Street Dance Launched! Japan Amateur Street Dance League Established to Oversee High School, University, and Adult National Championships. Lotte Becomes Title Sponsor for University Championships!

The Japan Amateur Street Dance League has been established to oversee national championships for high school, university, and adult categories, with Lotte as the title sponsor for the university championships.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Kagawa Five Arrows] Announcement of Contract Renewal for Associate Head Coach Koki Yabuuchi for the 2026-27 Season

The Kagawa Five Arrows have announced the contract renewal of Associate Head Coach Koki Yabuuchi for the 2026-27 season. Despite Yabuuchi's desire to train overseas, the club and the coach reached an agreement where he will remain as Associate Head Coach while undertaking a period of overseas study, with the condition that he brings his learnings back to the club. President Naoto Umeoka expressed high expectations for the team's further development under this new collaborative structure.

Source: prtimes.jp

Liao Jin-ting Soars After Low Point, Wins Double Gold in Javelin and Shot Put at National Games for the Disabled

The 115th National Games for the Disabled concluded on the 26th. Former pole vault prospect Liao Jin-ting, who was confined to a wheelchair following a 2023 car accident, made a triumphant return to the track. He secured double gold in javelin and shot put, setting a new national record of 6.23 meters in the shot put, demonstrating incredible resilience.

The 9th Challenge Cup Kyoto Held

The '9th Challenge Cup Kyoto' took place on May 30-31, 2026, in Joyo City, Kyoto. Five new Japanese records were set in this para-powerlifting event, highlighting the growth of athletes aiming for the LA 2028 Paralympics.

Source: prtimes.jp

Esports Team 'REJECT' Signs Sponsorship Agreement with Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Esports team 'REJECT' has signed a sponsorship agreement with Ajinomoto Co., Inc. The partnership aims to support players with nutrition and promote the importance of 'food' to the gaming community, contributing to the development of the esports scene and improving the environment for players.

Source: prtimes.jp

Japan Frescobol Association Announces New Student Club at Waseda University

The Japan Frescobol Association has announced the establishment of the 'Waseda Frescobol Club - Miyako no Seihoku,' the 6th official student group in Japan. Frescobol, a beach sport from Brazil known as the 'sport of consideration,' is gaining popularity among university students following regional activities in Tohoku.

Source: prtimes.jp

Watch the Action Up Close! 2026 Fuji Champion Race Series Round 3 to be Held on June 20th and 21st!

Fuji Speedway will host the 3rd round of the 2026 Fuji Champion Race Series on June 20-21. The event features 9 races, including the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia and the Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris Cup. Tickets are 1,200 JPY for adults, with free admission for junior high students and below. All sessions will be streamed live on YouTube.

Source: prtimes.jp

Special Interview with 'RikuRyu' Released

Airweave will release a special interview with figure skating gold medalists Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara ('RikuRyu') on May 29. A new commercial featuring the pair will air starting June 20.

Source: prtimes.jp

WRC Japan: Hankook Tire Powers 'FORUM8 Rally Japan 2026'

Hankook Tire will serve as the sole tire supplier for 'FORUM8 Rally Japan 2026' in May 2026. The company will provide high-performance tires for the challenging tarmac rally in Aichi and Gifu.

Source: prtimes.jp

Supporting Your Ambition: Kanagawa's Sports Medicine and Science Program

Kanagawa Prefecture is launching a support program utilizing sports medicine and science, offering physical testing, training, and nutritional guidance for athletes and sports enthusiasts. The program includes online seminars, expert-led training sessions, and specialized testing at the Asante Sports Park.

Source: prtimes.jp

TPBL Finals: Dreamers Defeat Kings 99-90, Tie the Series

In Game 2 of the TPBL Finals, the Formosa Dreamers defeated the New Taipei Kings 99-90 at home, tying the series at 1-1. Aric Holman came off the bench to score 22 points and grab 10 rebounds for the Dreamers. Game 3 will be held on May 29 at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.

Announcement of Sponsorship Agreement with MMA Fighter Saori Oshima

Time Creators has signed a 2026 annual sponsorship agreement with MMA fighter Saori Oshima. Oshima, with a background in Judo, is a talented fighter who has won titles in two weight classes, including the DEEP Women's Microweight title. The company supports her competitive activities, noting that her 'spirit of continuous challenge' aligns with their corporate values.

Source: prtimes.jp

TableMark Becomes Title Sponsor for National Block Selection Gymnastics Championship

TableMark has become the title sponsor for the 'TableMark Cup National Block Selection Gymnastics Championship' organized by the Japan Gymnastics Association. The tournament, aimed at junior athletes, is scheduled for November 2026 in Yokkaichi, Mie. TableMark has been a top sponsor of Japanese gymnastics since 2011.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Congrats! Selected for North/Central American World Cup Japan Team] 2 Consecutive Years of Double-Digit Goals in France! 'Shooting Magician' Keito Nakamura's Hit First Photo Book 'Natural' Gets Emergency Re-release with 'Samurai Blue Special Obi'!

The first photo book 'Natural' by Japan national soccer team player Keito Nakamura is being emergency re-released with a 'Samurai Blue special obi' to commemorate his selection for the World Cup. It features 222 photos capturing his success in Europe and his private life.

Source: prtimes.jp

Seafood entertainment company 'Hokushin Suisan' launches a new project to convey the importance of food education: 'Marines Food Education Kids Ballpark supported by Hokushin Suisan'

Hokushin Suisan has sponsored the 'Marines Food Education Kids Ballpark supported by Hokushin Suisan,' hosted by the Chiba Lotte Marines. The project aims to teach children the joy of baseball through interaction with professional players while promoting the appeal of fish-eating culture and supporting healthy growth.

Source: prtimes.jp

Kids Triathlon Project 'SCOPE' Announces 2026 Venues and Dates & Launches Official Website!

Triathlon Japan and SCO Group have announced the 2026 event schedule for the kids' triathlon project 'SCOPE'. Camps will be held in Fukuoka (June) and Fukushima (August), offering sports experience opportunities for elementary school students. The official website has also been launched to strengthen support for children's challenges.

Source: prtimes.jp

Official Fan Club for MMA Fighter Makoto Shinryu Opens on 'Bitfan'!

SKIYAKI Inc. opened the official fan club for MMA fighter Makoto Shinryu on June 1, 2026. The fan club offers exclusive videos, galleries, and live streams to deepen fan engagement. Shinryu is a talented young fighter active in RIZIN and other promotions, with a title match scheduled for June 6. The monthly fee is 750 yen.

Source: prtimes.jp

No Adults on the Field: Crowdfunding Launched to Provide Uniforms for All Participants of the 'Deportare' Middle School Baseball Tournament

NPO SIS Academy has launched a crowdfunding campaign to provide special tournament uniforms for all participants of the '3rd Deportare Middle School Baseball Tournament in Matsue 2026,' scheduled for August 2026. The tournament pursues a new form of sports where middle school students operate and play independently, without adult intervention.

Source: prtimes.jp

'Loewe Yokohama,' Affiliated with the Japan Beach Soccer Federation, Announces Establishment of New Corporation - Transitioning to a New Structure Aimed at Improving Competitiveness and Regional Contribution

Beach soccer club 'Loewe Yokohama' has established 'Loewe Yokohama Co., Ltd.' to improve competitiveness and strengthen its management foundation. The club will work with the general incorporated association Loewe Park to manage the top team and promote regional contribution activities, aiming for success in the 'JBSL Premier' league.

Source: prtimes.jp

Kashiwa Reysol and HATTRICK Host Sustainable Upcycle Auction

'HATTRICK,' operated by Valuence Japan, is hosting the '2026 Kashiwa Reysol SUSTAINABLE UPCYCLE AUCTION' in collaboration with Kashiwa Reysol. Items used by players will be upcycled into bags and auctioned off.

Source: prtimes.jp

Free Live Stream of 'B.LEAGUE AWARD SHOW 2025-26'

Sports Navi will provide a free live stream of the 'B.LEAGUE AWARD SHOW 2025-26' on May 29. The event honors the achievements of players, coaches, and referees throughout the season, featuring awards such as MVP and Best Five.

Source: prtimes.jp

New Release: 'TOUR B JGR Ultraman' Golf Balls

Bridgestone Sports will release 'TOUR B JGR Ultraman' golf balls on June 12, a collaboration between its 'TOUR B JGR' line and the Ultraman series. This commemorative item for the 60th anniversary of Ultraman features four characters printed on the balls. Price is open.

Source: prtimes.jp