Sports

World Rally Championship Starts in Toyota City, Aichi

NAGOYA, Nov 07 (News On Japan) - The World Rally Championship (WRC), one of the world's premier motorsport events held on public roads with drivers competing for the fastest combined times over multiple stages, is ready to roar in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.

The championship features 14 rounds worldwide, and this 13th round, the Forum8 Rally Japan 2025, marks the return of the event to Japan.

At the opening ceremony held in front of Meitetsu Toyota City Station, Aichi-born driver Takamoto Katsuta, who competes in the top Rally1 class for Toyota, joined other participants in a parade of rally cars to greet cheering fans.

"I can really feel the number of spectators increasing year by year, and the excitement keeps growing," Katsuta said. "I want to deliver strong results and help build even more enthusiasm for the event."

The Forum8 Rally Japan 2025 will be held over four days from November 6th, with competitive stages taking place across various locations in Aichi and Gifu prefectures.

Source: Nagoya TV News

China Advises Against Travel to Japan

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory on November 14th, urging Chinese citizens to avoid visiting Japan for the time being, citing “serious safety risks” to Chinese nationals following Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks on a potential Taiwan contingency.

Fujii Becomes Youngest Lifetime Triple Crown Holder in Shogi History

Shogi champion Sota Fujii, who defended his title in the prestigious Ryuo Tournament, expressed his joy on November 11th after becoming the youngest player in history to qualify for the lifetime title of "Eisei Ryuo" (Lifetime Ryuo).

Japan Plans to Triple Departure Tax to 3,000 Yen

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy committee has drafted a resolution calling on the government to raise the “departure tax” to secure funds for overtourism countermeasures. The proposal seeks to increase the current 1,000 yen per-person levy to 3,000 yen, and to set the rate at 5,000 yen for travelers using business class or higher.

Tokyo Issues Influenza Epidemic Warning for First Time in 16 Years

Tokyo Metropolitan Government issued an influenza epidemic warning on November 13th after the number of reported cases reached the alert threshold, marking the first such announcement in November in 16 years.

Russia Bans 30 More Japanese Nationals

Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on November 11th that it has decided to impose an indefinite entry ban on 30 Japanese nationals as a countermeasure against what it called Japan’s “hostile policies” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sports NEWS

World Tournament! Competitive Karuta Teams from 10 Countries Clash

The world tournament for competitive karuta is under way at Omi Jingu in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, a site widely known as the spiritual home of the game.

World Rally Championship Starts in Toyota City, Aichi

The World Rally Championship (WRC), one of the world's premier motorsport events held on public roads with drivers competing for the fastest combined times over multiple stages, is ready to roar in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.

Pitcher Shinya Matsuyama Talks Mound Mindset

Shinya Matsuyama recorded 46 saves this season, tying the league record, with an earned run average of 1.54. In his first year as a closer, he made an immediate impact.

Kokoku High School Soccer Players Caught Drinking After Osaka Victory

Kokoku High School in Osaka has confirmed that several members of its soccer team, which recently won the Osaka tournament of the National High School Soccer Championship, were found to have consumed alcohol.

Tennis in Japan is Gaining Momentum: New Era After Naomi Osaka

The success of Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori has prompted the global tennis community to recognise Japan as a cradle of talent.

Cost of Asian Games in Nagoya to Triple

The cost of hosting the 2026 Asian and Asian Para Games, to be held mainly in Nagoya, is expected to exceed three times the original estimate, according to officials familiar with the matter.

Kokoku Wins in Penalty Shootout for Second Osaka Title in Six Years

The Osaka final of the 104th All Japan High School Soccer Championship, which drew entries from around 200 schools in one of the country’s toughest qualifying blocks, was held on November 1st, with Kokoku defeating Riseisha on penalties to book their place at the national tournament for the first time in six years.

World-Renowned Okinawan Karate Traces 90-Year Legacy

Okinawa’s traditional karate, now practiced by more than 130 million people across 190 countries, marked 90 years since the martial art’s name was formally adopted. On October 25th, over 3,000 participants gathered along Naha’s Kokusai Street for a mass performance commemorating “Karate Day,” celebrating the legacy of a discipline born in the Ryukyu Kingdom that continues to unite people around the world.

< 2 3 4 5 >