What is the V. League? The V. LEAGUE is a newly established domestic volleyball league in Japan. The sponsor is the Japan Volleyball League Organization (V. League Organization) and they officially started from the 2018/2019 season. The predecessor was, the V. Premier League which mainly consisted of corporate structured teams. After the league license system was implemented, they became one step closer to creating a professional volleyball league. Volleyball has been a very popular sport In Japan since its inception. However, due to recent concerns about the difference in ability when compared with other countries who have professional organizations, it is considered imperative that the Japanese teams turn professional in order to surpass the top leagues of other countries. The Structure of V. League Source :YouTube screenshot 【 DIVISION 1 (V1) 】 V. League's top tier league The top-ranking club teams who hold an S1 license. There are 10 men's teams and 12 women's' teams registered in this league. Unfortunately, in the 2019 season, the number of women's teams dropped to 11. 【 DIVISION 2 (V2) 】 This division is comprised of 12 Men’s teams and 8 Women’s teams that have S1 or S2 qualifications. 【 DIVISION 3 (V3) 】 This division is the lowest ranked division in the V. League. In the 2018/2019 season, 4 Men's teams will be participating in this division. 【V Challenge Matches】 If a V2 division team places 2nd or higher, they will have a competition with a lower ranking V1 division team for a chance to replace them in the upper division. Source :YouTube screenshot Both men's and women's winning club teams earn the right to participate in the Asian Club Volleyball Championships. This footage is a promotional video showing the Grand Final's competition in which the winners are determined. The “Panasonic Panthers” can be seen from 0:28 and the “JT Thunders” from 0:47. The V. League is still a newly established Japanese league and cannot be said to be a completely pro league. As a matter of fact, the Japan Volleyball League Organization was holding competitions such as the V Summer League Women’s Tournament separate of the V. League up until 2019. At this tournament, popular women’s club teams were divided into Eastern and Western divisions and competed for rankings. Check Out the Official V. League Website! Source :YouTube screenshot On the official V. League website, you will be able to see information such as dates, how to buy tickets, rankings, results of tournaments, the status of the V. league Final Stage tournament, introductions to club teams and players, and information about access to tournament venues as well. Also, you will be able to see the competition through V. League TV, or one of the sponsors, the DAZON app (a smartphone app dedicated to sports), and tune into the live stream or recorded coverage. If you are a volleyball fan, definitely check it out. Summary of Japan's V. League Photo：Volleyball The volleyball V. League is a league that was newly established in 2018, however, you can see the energetic plays and successes of the all-star players on both the men's and women's teams; players like Kimura Saori (Toray Arrows) who retired from the Women’s National Team representing Japan. Her departure is sorely missed by avid fans. In the 2020 league tournament, the participation of 3 men’s teams and 1 women’s team has been decided. This marks the start of a new history in the world of Japanese sports.

The Press Conference for Saori Yoshida Receiving the People’s Honor Award This video, titled "Aiming for 14 Consecutive Wins｜People's Honor Award" (「１４連覇を目指したい」 国民栄誉賞受賞の吉田選手), is from the press conference for female wrestler Saori Yoshida after she received the People’s Honor Award in 2012. Saori Yoshida is a former wrestler nicknamed the "Strongest Female Primate." She became a hot topic of conversation after wearing a gorgeous kimono to receive the People’s Honor Award. This article introduces Saori Yoshida, who received the People’s Honor Award, and also introduces the award itself. About Saori Yoshida 画像引用 :本記事動画 Saori Yoshida is a 157 cm tall (5'1"), former female wrestler with a plethora of records. Her father, Eikatsu Yoshida, is also a former wrestler and a coach. She retired from competing in 2019 and is now herself a coach. After her retirement, she went to work for YSW Tokyo, a company that her brother owns. Presently, she stars in commercials for companies such as ALSOK and also does other work in the entertainment industry. There were also rumors of marriage after her retirement; however, as of 2020, she is still single. These days, she is also very active on Instagram. Saori Yoshida's Impressive Record Source :YouTube screenshot Saori Yoshida has an unprecedented 16 consecutive wins at the world championships in the women’s individual wrestling matches, and in 2012, she received a Guinness Book of World Records certification for winning 13 consecutive titles. She also extended her winning streak at the All-Japan Championships and the World Cup to an unprecedented 206 consecutive individual wins. She won the Athens, Beijing, and London Olympics, and was captain of the Japanese team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The People’s Honor Award Photo：Microphone The People’s Honor Award that Saori Yoshida received is, s one of Japan's Prime Minister's Commendation Awards. It was established in 1966 by Eisaku Sato and expanded the range of the Prime Minister’s Awards. The awardees are determined according to the criteria of the award, and Japanese citizens such as Sadaharu Oh, Shigeo Nagashima, Naomi Uemura, Naoko Takahashi, Yoshiharu Habu, and Yuzuru Hanyu have received the award in the past. Saori Yoshida, introduced in the video, is not only a People’s Honor awardee but also a recipient of the Medal of Honor with a Purple Ribbon. In the press conference, which can be seen from 0:14 in the video, she is seen saying “I want to continue to break world records,” and she did just that At the end of the press conference, she also goes on to say how she wants to visit hot springs and take a trip to Hawaii. Summary of Saori Yoshida Receiving the People’s Honor Award Source :YouTube screenshot The video this time introduced the press conference of Saori Yoshida after she received the People’s Honor Award. During her career, Saori Yoshida has set multiple records attracted a lot of attention as a world-class athlete. Her words of wisdom, "You won't get stronger if you don't hate losing," inspired many people to take up sports. We look forward to what she does after retirement.

The Traditional Japanese Martial Art “Kendo” This video is "Best of Kendo~Awesome~" produced by "NAGASHI." Kendo is one of Japan's traditional martial arts. Many Japanese people know about the style of Kendo. What's so fascinating about this sport though? Kendo is a one-on-one competition where players wear a kendo uniform, armor, and use bamboo swords called "shinai." Kendo and other traditional Japanese martial arts are about valuing respect. Swords are of course weapons, but it is the human mind that controls them. Winning a match, according to the rules, means winning with the swordsmanship you've refined. The swordsman stay focused until after the match, when they've bowed to one another. This is standard Kendo etiquette. Kendo is said to be a martial art that begins and ends with a bow. The beauty of this Japanese culture may be one of the attractions of Kendo. In the video, you can see this etiquette from 0:05 and 5:57 in the second half. I hope that these videos will show the excellence of Kendo and the spirit, and harmony among Kendo fighters through their matches and practice, and at the same time, convey the beauty of Japanese martial arts as a whole. The History of Kendo Photo：Kendo Nowadays, the sport has federations all over the world, and not only schoolchildren's tournaments, inter-scholastic athletics competitions, and national championships, but matches are held all over the world. With the increase in the number of competitors, kendo's technical population has grown to about 1.7 million, but it was originally created to practice swordsmanship. It is a traditional martial art that inherited the soul of the samurai, which is said to have already existed in the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Kendo, as a competitive sport, had its own set of dan rankings and rules and instruction manuals from the Edo period (1603- 1868 AD). Gradually, the style came closer and closer to the style we have today. However, even now, having gone from martial arts to competition, it's practitioners still train their mind, body, and they still maintain proper etiquette. The Gear Required for Kendo Photo：Kendo "Men" The traditional Japanese martial art kendo requires a few pieces of gear. ・防具 Armor ・剣道着 Kendo uniform ・竹刀 Bamboo sword (sometimes wooden swords are used for training) ・小手 Kote(padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・面 Men(a face mask) ・垂れ Tare(waist protector) ・袴 Hakama(pleated and divided skirt made in fine stripes) You can purchase this gear at kendo specialty stores and kendo shops. For a moment, at 0:14 in the video, you can see the image of the camera attached inside a face mask. You can feel what Kendo is like in this scene. Japanese traditional martial art kendo rules Photo：Referee Kendo is a sport that trains the mind and body. The format of the matches are one-on-one individual matches, but there is also a team competition where 1 winner is crowned. A match in Kendo is between two players until two points are scored, or the time runs out. (One game = Three match) There are 3 valid targets to strike in order to score a point ・Men (the face mask) ・Kote(the padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・Do (the breastplate) Also, when it comes to matches for college students or older, two-sword style is also possible. It is rare in Japan, but is often seen in overseas kendo matches. Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most popular, and said to be the most powerful swordsmen in the world, was also a master of the two swords. From 0:25, the video introduces a number of matches. Not only do bamboo swords clash, but sometimes competitors are violently struck, propelling them into the air. This is not unexpected however, as it is a combat sport. Summary of the Fascinating, Traditional Japanese Martial Art, Kendo The appeal of kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art, lies in the intensity of the matches. The dignified movements of these swordsmen are the result of daily rigorous training. There are rankings called "dan" in Kendo, but in order to receive a ranking, you must go through a rigorous certification test to obtain the title. The dojo where swordsmen practice everyday is packed with the lives of the swordsmen. Kendo is also said to be a lifelong sport. Please enjoy the video of the Kendo matches, that transcend both age and gender. 【Official Website】All Japan Kendo Federation https://www.kendo.or.jp/en/

Shohei Otani - MLB Rookie of the Year! This article will introduce Shohei Otani of the Los Angeles Angels, the 4th Japanese person to win the MLB Newcomer of the Year award. The video is an interview video titled "Shohei Otani I MOVE ME- Newcomer of the Year" (大谷翔平選手　I MOVE ME～新人賞受賞～). This video was made by popular sportswear maker ASICS. Shohei Ohtani is famous for his ability to be both a pitcher and a fielder at the same time. This is something that Shohei Ohtani has been doing since his days as a member of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. However, Shohei Ohtani's style of play wasn't the only thing that caught the attention of big league scouts. Already as a professional baseball player in Japan, he stood out as a pitcher, throwing the fastest pitch speed in Japan at 165 km/h and became the first NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) player to win both the Best Nine Award and Best DH Award Shohei Ohtani won one of the top awards in 2018, the Rookie of the Year award, and it's a wonder he didn't win the Rookie of the Year award during his time in the NPB. Profile of Rookie of the Year - Shohei Ohtani Source :YouTube screenshot Let's take a look at the profile of Shohei Ohtani, a player with a well-proportioned body and facial features popular among women. ・ Height: 193 cm ・ Weight: ~95.3kg ・ Date of birth: July 5, 1994 (25 years old) ・ Blood type: B ・ Throws right/Hits left ・ Schooling: Hanamaki Higashi High School, Iwate Prefecture ・ History since high school baseball: Played as a cleanup hitter since his first year of high school. Since fall, he began to double as a pitcher and is called "Michinoku's Darvish." He pitches with a mighty 151 km/h (93 mph) fastball. He was discovered by the scout of a professional baseball team. Participated in a high school baseball tournament with select teams only, during his third (senior) year of high school. Hit a home run off rival pitcher Shintaro Fujinami. ・In 2013, he was drafted by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters as the first overall pick. He made his professional debut in earnest. (He was not selected for the Rookie of the Year award that year because he was hit in the face by a ball and had to miss a game. ・In 2016, he became the first player in the NPB to win 10 games, hit 100 hits and hit 20 home runs, but fell short of the required number of innings pitched and missed out on his second consecutive best defensive rating. ・In 2017, he joined the MLB, signed with the Los Angeles Angels. ・In 2018, he became the fourth Japanese baseball player to win the Rookie of the Year award, joining the likes of Hideo Nomo, Kazuhiro Sasaki, and Ichiro. ・He is now a member of Instagram, although his profile is not public. He has more than 10,000 followers. MLB Rookie of the Year Award Source :YouTube screenshot In the major leagues, the Rookie of the Year Award is an award that attracts a lot of attention every year because it's an honor that can only be received once when the player is still a rookie. To win the award, players must have rookie status, which is defined as follows: ・If you're a pitcher, you must have thrown no more than 50 innings of baseball in the previous year's majors, and if you're a fielder, you must have had no more than 130 at-bats. ・The player who receives the highest number of votes from journalists belonging to the Baseball Writers' Association of America will be selected as the winner of the award. Therefore, the award is not limited to baseball players in their first year with the organization. Shohei Ohtani shares his thoughts about winning the award at 0:20 in the video. At 1:30, he mentions how the support of fans and those around him helped push him. Summary of Rookie of the Year, Shohei Otani Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019, Ohtani missed games due to injury and his yearly salary dropped to $700,000, but due to his hard work strength training paid off and he made a great comeback and was greeted with an "Ohtani Saan!" from the fans at the ballpark. The response from non-Japanese fans was also very positive, with many saying his recovery and dedication was admirable. However, he has never been one to let his popularity get in the way of his success, and he has been writing a "Goal Achievement Sheet" since his high school baseball days to complete a rigorous training program. It's expected that he will continue to excel well into the future.

The New Winter Sport Snowscoot This video, titled "スノースクート最高！/ Snowscoot Is Freaking Cool! #2," produced by "Kezuhomuzu," introduces the popular winter sport "Snowscoot." Snowscoot is a new and popular winter sport that is gaining attention as a snow sport and snow activity. Dubbed a "snow bike/bicycle sled," it's a BMX-bike frame mounted on 2 boards that are independent of one another, which allows for steering. The Popularity of the Snowscoot Source :YouTube screenshot One of the reasons the snowscoot is so popular is because anyone can enjoy it; from beginners, to pros, children and adults, it doesn't matter, just get on and go! Unlike a snowboard, you can easily balance thanks to the handlebars. It's also very easy to control, so even those who are new to it, can enjoy the snowscoot with peace of mind. Currently, over 80% of domestic ski resorts have them for rent. The fact that you can begin snowscooting without any gear on hand is also what makes this sport great. Also, you can customize the frame, board, and handle with parts that fit your preference and the idea of being able to make a snowscoot that is tailored to each individual has won the hearts of many riders. In 0:07 of the footage, you can see them performing maintenance and making adjustments to a snowscoot, and from 0:24, you can see them glide down the pure white slopes at tremendous speed. The History of the Snowscoot Photo：Snow slopes The snowscoot was made in the early 1990’s in France and it was commercialized as a new winter sport following skis and snowboards. Franck Petoud, a French BMX rider, designed the frame to be similar to that of a bicycle and then attached 2 boards to the front and back of it. Attempting to fly down the slopes with this, it became the prototype of the snowscoot, and the bicycle manufacturer SUNN announced it as an official product. Afterwards, the snowscoot underwent its own development, with France being at the center of it all, and it was imported to Japan around 1994. Due to its novel appearance and high level of safety, we have been able to use them at many ski resorts in Japan. Because the origins of this sport lay in BMX, you can enjoy acrobatic tricks, such as aerials that use jumps and carving turns like the ones in snowboarding. Snowmotos, which have a similar shape, were made in America. These have a seat boom (a seat that you can put between your legs), and there is a slight difference in how you ride it. Get Your Own Snowscoot! You can buy the Snow Scoot at sporting goods stores as well as online. Prices vary by product, but entry-level snowscoots, such as the ONE-D, are priced at around 109,000 yen (~$1,000 USD) before tax. If you are concerned about the price, you can also buy used. Clothes, boots and shoes are basically the same as for skiing and snowboarding, and it doesn't require any special equipment Summary of the New, Popular Winter Sport, "Snowscoot" Source :YouTube screenshot As introduced in this article, snowscoot is a easy winter sport that allows you to glide down the mountain with the familiar feeling of riding a bicycle. You can use the snowscoot at many ski resorts, such as the Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Area and the Shiga Kogen Sun Valley Ski Resort, so definitely try one out! 【Official Website】SNOWSCOOT® [Snowscoot] Official｜JykK Japan Inc. https://snowscoot.co.jp/

Skateboarding in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics! This video is a session of TEAM RIDER, which consists of five street skaters, Yoshiaki Toeda, Ryuhei Kitazume, Yuto Hori, Daisuke Ikeda, and Sorayoshi Shirai. Skateboarding has become a hotly anticipated event as it becomes a part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. For some of you, skateboarding is what "kids do for fun." However, skateboarding is one of the most popular international extreme sports, along with surfing, snowboarding, bodyboarding, and BMX, which are all part of the Olympic Games. Check out the video to see some awesome tricks and learn just how fun skateboarding can be! The 2020 Tokyo Olympics' Skateboarding Competition Photo：Skateboarding Although the history of skateboarding varies, it is most likely that it was born around 1940 on the west coast of the United States. Until around 1990, it was enjoyed for fun, but it later took established itself as a sport and joined the Olympic games. There are two types of skateboarding: street and vert. Street skating is exactly what it sounds like- skating around streets and using the natural environment as your skatepark. At the Olympics, it's essentially a small course intended to mimic that natural environment, with staircases, handrails, and more setup for the competitors to do tricks with. Competitors are judged on the number of tricks the can do in the allotted time period, as well as on the complexity of their tricks. Photo：Skatepark On the other hand, vert skating, also known as park skating uses large half-pipes, quarter-pipes, and bowls that you would see at a skatepark. These allow the competitor to gain speed that allows them to grind for long distances, or to gain incredible height and do aerial tricks. It might not look that hard, but being so high in the air can actually be quite nerve wracking, and they don't always land their tricks either. Street skating might not be as fast paced, but the freestyle performances are just as impressive as their vert counterparts. The video shows a video of a street skateboard competition starting at 0:17. Skateboarders and Other World-Class Riders! Murasaki Sports Supporting the Youth! Source :YouTube screenshot Many athletes who have won numerous awards in world contests, including the designated players for the Tokyo Olympics, belong to Murasaki Sports. The skateboard team "TEAM RIDER," that can be seen in the video, includes Yoshiaki Toeda (0:15), Ryuhei Kitazume (1:14), Yuto Horiyume (2:21), Daisuke Ikeda (0:39), and Sorayoshi Shirai (1:42). Check out some of their awesome tricks in the video. There's also surfing, snowboarding, bodyboarding, and other athletes besides the five skaters mentioned above. The athletes are committed to improving their skills while practicing for competition on a daily basis. The Murasaki Sports website also features blog posts on the athletes' competitions as well as their private lives, so you can stay up to date with their daily activities. You too can support the players of Murasaki Sports! Summary of Murasaki Sports' Skateboarders Photo：Skateboarding We hope you were able to see some of the charms of skateboarding through this article. Be sure to look out for skateboarding at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics! The population and public interest in skateboarding isn't that high, but the community is great and they love helping beginner get into the sport! If you're into skateboarding, be sure to watch the video and check out some of their awesome tricks! 【Official Website】Skateboard - Murasaki Sports https://www.murasaki.co.jp/brand/ridelifemag-murasaki-sports/shop/honatsugi/354a9bd2-09ad-4aea-a98f-e4249637a13b

Introducing Teqball! The video this time is "【Soccer × Table Tennis】the New Sport 'Teqball' Gaining Popularity All Over the World" (【サッカー×卓球】世界で人気が高まっている新スポーツ「テックボール」). It's an introductory video for Teqball, a new sport attracting attention worldwide! Teqball, shown in the video, is a fusion between soccer and table tennis, using elements from each sport. Since 2014, the new sport Teqball has slowly increased in numbers, to the point that it had its first World Cup in Hungary, in 2017. Presently, the popular soccer player Ronaldinho acts as an ambassador for the sport and is receiving a lot of attention worldwide. The Rules of Teqball Source :YouTube screenshot Teqball is a sport that was thought up by a Hungarian soccer player and a computer scientist. It is a sport that is played in teams of 2 or 3 players, and at 0:27 in the video, you can see the curved table used for the sport, called "Teqball One." Players use methods such as juggling or headers to hit the ball onto the opponents side. Teqball has fairly basic rules, such as “The ball must be returned to the opponent’s court after a maximum of 3 touches,” “The ball cannot be touched by the same body part in succession,” and “players cannot touch the Teq board.” The rules are quite simple and after getting used to the juggle, etc., you can enjoy the sport to its fullest. Japan and Teqball Source :YouTube screenshot In 2017, the Japan Teqball Federation was founded, and at the World Cup in 2017, Japanese players who competed in the doubles division achieved top 8. At the 2nd World Cup, held in France in 2018, a Japanese competitor placed top 8 in the singles division as well. The Teqball representatives of Japan are mainly men, but there are female competitors, such as Kanae Sugawara, that are also very active in the sport. Summary of Teqball Source :YouTube screenshot Teqball, introduced in the footage, is a sport with a short history. However, the player base is on the rise. For those of you looking to challenge yourself with a new sport, or just wanting to try something new, be sure to give Teqball a try! Unfortunately, Teqball boards can be fairly expensive so it might be difficult to buy one for private use. Recently, there have been events in which you can experience Teqball in Kyoto or Osaka, so if you're interested, consider participating!

The Amazing Tennis Skills of Professional Female Tennis Player Naomi Osaka! This video, titled "[Tennis] Historical Achievements! Naomi Osaka's Top Plays Part 1!" (【テニス】歴史的快挙！！大坂なおみのスーパープレイPart1！【神業】Naomi Osaka Best Points Part1), contains footage of amazing tennis shots by professional female tennis player Naomi Osaka. Naomi Osaka has strong forehand, backhand, and stroke shots, and is known for consistently making amazing shots during her matches. In this article, we'll introduce you to Naomi Osaka, the tennis player famous for her amazing tennis skills. More About the Professional Female Tennis Player Naomi Osaka Source :YouTube screenshot Naomi Osaka was born in Chuo ward, Osaka city in Osaka prefecture (大阪県大阪市中央区, oosakakenoosakashichuuouku). She is sponsored by Nissin Foods (日清食品ホールディングス). She is 180 cm tall (5'11") and weighs 69 kg (152 lbs). She uses a YONEX racket and likes to wear Adidas and Nike apparel. She currently has many sponsors such as YONEX and Nissin Foods and often appears in commercials and in the media. Osaka's father is American (of Haiti origin) and her mother is Japanese. Until 2019 she held dual nationality, however she currently has Japanese citizenship. There are rumors that she is dating the American rapper YBN Cordae as well. She made news after deciding to drop her tennis coach Sascha Bajin (サーシャバイン) in 2019. The History and Achievements of Professional Female Tennis Player Naomi Osaka Photo：Tennis court Naomi Osaka took part in her first professional tour, the ITF (International Tennis Federation) Women's Circuit, at the age of 14. From there, she decided to skip the junior competitions and instead compete in the lower divisions of professional competitions to improve her tennis skills. She has won the WTA (Women's Tennis Association) Tour singles 5 times and was the first Asian player to be ranked number one in the world. She was the first Japanese player to become a Grand Slam Singles champion, the third Japanese player make it to the WTA finals, and she also made it to the finals of the ITF Circuit and has won open competitions all over the world, including the US and Australian Open. She has fans not only in Japan but all over the world. She represented Japan in Wimbledon and the French Open in both singles and doubles, breaking many records along the way. From 0:08 and 0:30 in the video, you can see some of Naomi Osaka's amazing shots against Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber, respectively. Enjoy watching her unbelievable tennis skills in the video! Summary of Professional Female Tennis Player Naomi Osaka Source :YouTube screenshot For those who would like to see more amazing tennis shots from the previous #1 tennis player in the world, Naomi Osaka, feel free to watch the video as much as you like and enjoy her thrilling plays! If you're interested in seeing more on Naomi Osaka, make sure you watch one of her upcoming matches or check out her Twitter or Instagram pages for more information. 【Official Website】Naomi Osaka's official home page https://www.naomiosaka.com/en/

The Basketball Robot, CUE4, in Action! This video, titled "CUE4, a Basketball Robot Powered by Cutting Edge AI Technology, Takes on the World's First 3-Point Contest! B.LEAGUE ALL-STAR 2020 IN HOKKAIDO" (最先端の AI テクノロジーを結集したバスケットボールロボットCUE4が世界初3ポイントコンテストに挑戦！ B.LEAGUE ALL-STAR 2020 IN HOKKAIDO), released by "B.LEAGUE," introduces the latest basketball robot. The first thing you see when you play the video is the amazing sight of an AI basketball robot making a spectacular shot. Let's take a look at this basketball robot, which moves with the dexterity of a professional basketball player! The Basketball Robot, "CUE4" Source :YouTube screenshot CUE4, the basketball robot sinking shots left and right, was created by a group of Toyota volunteers, and is an AI technology robot filled with the wisdom of its development team. CUE4 is the fourth robot in the CUE series, and joined Alvark Tokyo, a professional basketball team in the B1 professional basketball league, in 2018 as a professional basketball player. CUE4 made a whopping 12 successful shots in the few minutes shown in the video. What Kind of Activities Is CUE4 Used For Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows footage from the B-League All-Star game held at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center. CUE4, a basketball robot wearing a team uniform, makes a spectacular shot at the half-time show, as shown in the video. It uses an avant-garde system in which sensors determine the location of the hoop and artificial intelligence takes a series of shots. In the video, the robot grabs the balls lined up next to it and makes free throws with impressive form. You can also see it smoothly glide across the court at 0:39 in the video, exciting the fans! His fluid movements are like those of a real professional basketball player! CUE4, the first robot to play professional basketball, made headlines when he was loaned to the Levanga Hokkaido in 2020. CUE4's uniform number is "94". CUE4 Certified in the Guinness Book of World Records! Photo：Guinness CUE4 was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records under the category "most consecutive free throws made by a humanoid robot." The previous record was held by his predecessor, CUE3. In the future, the team aims to improve the power, speed and accuracy of CUE4 so that it may take on the 3-point contest. Summary of the Basketball Robot, CUE 4 Source :YouTube screenshot CUE4, featured in the video, is a professional basketball robot developed by a team at Toyota. The video, which is only about 2 minutes long, has been played over 1 million times in the months since its release. Check out the amazing skills of CUE4 as he sinks shots left and right! 【Official website】B.LEAGUE https://translation2.j-server.com/LUCBLEAGUE/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.bleague.jp/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XJSID=0

Introducing Yuzuru Hanyu! This time, we will introduce a video titled "All Japan Figure Skating Championship 2019 <Men's Short 1st place, Yuzuru Hanyu / Performance + Interview>"（全日本フィギュアスケート選手権2019＜男子ショート第1位･羽生結弦／演技+インタビュー＞）" by Fuji TV's official sports channel. The 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship featured in this video was held at the National Yoyogi Stadium No. 1 Gymnasium in Shibuya ward, Tokyo in the Kanto region for four days from December 19 to 23, in 2019. This tournament was the final round of the World Championship in 2020, and attracted the attention of many figure skating fans. Featured in the video is the popular figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. His brilliant performance has attracted many fans. In the video, you can watch the boys' short performance from 0:39. What Kind of Competition Is the Figure Skating Introduced in the Video? Photo：Figure skating In figure skating, skaters competes not for speed but based on the beauty of their performance. The techniques include jumps, spins, step sequences, and spirals, including triple-axels and quad-rotation jumps. Points are determined according to the difficulty of the moves. The results of the boy's shorts of the 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship featured in the video, were 1st place / 110.72 points Yuzuru Hanyu, 2nd place / 105.71 points Shoma Uno. What Kind of Person Is Yuzuru Hanyu? Source :YouTube screenshot Yuzuru Hanyu is a popular figure skater from Miyagi and is affiliated with the Japanese airline ANA. His nickname is "Yuzu". Born in 1994, he is 172 cm tall (5.6 ft.) and currently enrolled at Waseda University as of January 2020. He has won two consecutive gold medals in the Sochi and Pyeongchang Olympics (Winter Olympics). He was awarded for his high scoring performance every time, and in 2018 he was the youngest national laureate at the age of 23. When Yuzuru Hanyu, dresses in a gorgeous design costume and appears in the skating rink, loud cheers ring out through the stadium, and after the performance, it's common that he will receive a lot of Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals that he loves. At the 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship, throwing of presents after the competition was prohibited, and it was a topic of hot debate at the time. In the video, you can see a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal with the coach before the performance. You can also watch the interview after the end of the performance with the audience's cheering and loud applause from 4:28. He talks about his enthusiasm for free performance two days later. The History of Japanese Figure Skating and Famous Skaters! Photo：Figure skating The history of the figure skating world in Japan has been supported by skaters who perform well, such as Midori Ito and Shizuka Arakawa, as well as Miki Ando, Mao Asada, Daisuke Takahashi and Nobunari Oda. Currently, skaters such as Hanyu Yuzuru, Uno Shoma and Sato Shun are still active. If you go to the skating rink to watch the figure skating tournament, you can see various performances such as single skating, pair skating and ice dancing. Summary of the Performance and Interview Video of Yuzuru Hanyu Source :YouTube screenshot In the men's Free Competition that took place after the short, which you can see in this video, Shoma Uno who was in first place, managed to widen the gap between himself and Yuzuru Hanyu, and Yuzuru managed to place second. Yuzuru Hanyu's performance is very supple and beautiful. It's hard to take your eyes off of it. Be sure to take a closer look at the video to enjoy the charm of figure skating.

The Blind Soccer World Grand Prix "[Highlights] Colombia vs Japan – IBSA Blind Football World Grand Prix 2019," created by "Blind Football," introduces the World Grand Prix of blind soccer, held in Japan in 2019. Blind soccer, known as "soccer without sight," is a sport where players wear blindfolds and strive to score a goal with a ball that makes sounds, as well as their own voices to communicate. It's a bit different than regular soccer, but just as interesting. In this article, we’ll introduce the appeal of blind soccer alongside the video. Blind Soccer - History and Rules Photo：Soccer Blind soccer is a 5 member soccer match designed for visually impaired athletes. During the matches players wear blindfolds and head gear to protect their faces. The sport was established in the early 1980s. Blind soccer is played in accordance with a modified version of the futsal rules set by FIFA. The sport is managed by the Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA). Blind soccer is generally played by players with visual impairment at the level of complete loss of sight. They play by discerning where the ball is through a bell that rings inside the ball as it moves, and through voice communication. There is a caller (guide) behind the goals who gives the distance and the angle to the goal. The only exception to the blind players is the keeper who has full sight. Each game consists of 20-minute halves. When charging for the ball to defend or going to the sideline for a ball, players shout "Voy!" to prevent collisions. The Blind Soccer World Grand Prix in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot The Blind Soccer World Grand Prix 2019 was an official, international blind soccer competition held in Japan. The International Blind Sports Federation hosted the event and the venue was Shinagawa City Tennozu Park (品川区立天王洲公園, Shinagawakuritsu Tennozukoen), Tokyo Metropolis (東京都, Tokyoto). Blind soccer has been selected as an official sport of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Games. The World Grand Prix 2019, shown in the video, featured representatives from eight countries around the world. The Japan National Blind Soccer Team fought hard, beat out Colombia and finishing in 4th place. In the qualifying round, Japan managed to beat the world No. 4 ranked team, Spain, the winner of the tournament, and other strong teams. In the game against Colombia in the video, Japan conceded the first goal of the match at 0:48, but managed to tie it up at 1:14, and turn the tables just before the end of the game at 2:48. Summary of the Blind Soccer World Grand Prix Source :YouTube screenshot ‘"[Highlights] Colombia vs Japan – IBSA Blind Football World Grand Prix 2019," created by "Blind Football," is a video that shows footage of the Blind Soccer World Grand Prix. You can watch the heated match between Japan and Colombia in the video. The video is a fascinating look at blind soccer and its fierce athletes, so be sure to check it out! 【Official Website】Japan Blind Football Association｜Blind Soccer http://www.en-wgp-blindsoccer.com/

The Martial Arts Tourism Gaining Popularity Among Tourists Visiting Japan This video, titled "[Japan Sports Agency] Foreign Visitors to Japan Taking Interest! A Report on the 'Budo Tourism' That Can Only Be Experienced in Japan" (【スポーツ庁】訪日外国人が注目！ 日本でしか体験できない「武道ツーリズム」の現場をレポート), was released by "Japan Sports Agency" (スポーツ庁). Budo Tourism refers to foreign visitors to Japan going on sightseeing trips to experience traditional Japanese martial arts. In addition to sumo, Japan's national sport, Japan has various traditional martial arts, such as kendo, judo, karate, and aikido, which attract a lot of interest from foreign tourists. With Budo Tourism, some foreigners visit Japan to try Kyudo, Shorinji Kempo, Naginata and Iaido. Karate, A Martial Art Gaining Popularity in Budo Tourism Photo：Martial arts Karate, seen from 0:34 in the video, is one of the most popular forms of martials arts in Budo Tourism, and has also officially been made into an event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. It is said that there are around 130 million karate enthusiasts around the world, and the number of foreign tourists visiting to experience karate through Budo Tourism is increasing year after year. There are various theories about the origin of karate, but it is believed that the history of Japanese karate begins with the self-defense techniques of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which can be seen in the video. The Chinese martial art "Toude," which was introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom, later become what we know as traditional Okinawan karate. Eventually, karate was divided into several schools, and performances and matches began to be held throughout the country. The Appeal of Budo Tourism Photo：Karate The fascinating experience of practicing in a dojo while wearing traditional uniforms typical of Japanese martial arts is not something you can easily experience outside of Japan. What kind of experience are foreign tourists looking for when training in classes held at traditional martial arts dojos? One reason is that Japanese martial arts place a large importance on etiquette and many people feel that they can experience spiritual growth through these experiences. Japanese martial arts have the idea of "Shin-Gi-Tai" (心技体: heart, technique, strength) This is a term that refers to the three qualities of a martial artist: mental strength (心, heart), skill (技, technique), and physical strength (体, body). It is said that training the mind and body in a well-balanced manner is the most important thing to consider when practicing martial arts. Summary of Japan's Budo Tourism Photo：Karate, kata As mentioned before, the number of foreign tourists interested in traditional Japanese martial arts, such as karate and kendo, is increasing year after year. Many Japanese people and foreign tourists are looking forward to seeing traditional martial arts at the Tokyo Olympics. Going forward, Budo Tourism will become a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world.

Video of Sprinter, Kiryu Yoshihide, Taken by Gopro! Check out the video, uploaded by Kiryu Yoshihide “Running with a GoPRo!（GoProを付けて走ってみた！）” Kiryu Yoshihide is a famous sprinter, holding the national record for the 100 meter dash, at 9.98 seconds. It's rare to see him running on indoor track with a GoPro on his head. The difference between his point of view and the point of view of a normal person while running, is shown at 2:21 in the video. What Kind of Athlete Is Kiryu Yoshihide? Source :YouTube screenshot Kiryu Yoshihide is a sprinter from Hikone, Shiga in Japan's Kansai region. He was born December 15th, 1995 and he is now 24 years old (as ofJune, 2020). He is 176 cm tall and weighs 70 kg. He has liked sports since his childhood, and during his time at Rakunan High School and Toyo University, he participated in national and world tournaments. After graduating from college, he participated in the Asian Games as a track and field athlete affiliated with Nippon Life Insurance, while also appearing in commercials and television programs. In 2020, he announced his marriage on his official YouTube channel, surprising everyone. A Look at His Records and Awards! Source :YouTube screenshot Yoshihide Kiryu competes globally in short-distance track and field events such as the 100 and 200 meter dash. In 2017, he achieved a 9.98 in the 100 meter sprint, his best record as well as the national record. At the Rio Olympics in 2016, he ran 2 x 100 meter relays with Yamagata Ryota, Iizuka Shota, and Aska Cambridge. They set a record for Asia and took home a silver medal. About Kiryu Yoshihide Source :YouTube screenshot Other than YouTube, he also has a Twitter and Instagram. He talks about his training and track and field in general. He introduces about his cleats, how to build muscles, and more. Definitely check it out if you're interested in track and field. Summary of Kiryu Yoshihide Source :YouTube screenshot This video showed Kiryu Yoshihide’s impressive speed, and introduced a little bit about him. If you watch the video at 2:21, you realize the difference between a professional runner and an average person. We also see a race between Yoshihide and his coach at 2:38. He is now training for the Tokyo Olympics. It'll be exciting to see what he can achieve, and if he'll be able to set any new records. 【Official Webbsite】JAAF | Kiryu Yoshihide https://www.jaaf.or.jp/english/

Wheelchair Rugby: Video Introduction to the Paralympic Sport The video “Wheelchair Rugby ‘PR MOVIE’（Wheelchair Rugby ウィルチェアーラグビー "PR MOVIE"）” created by “The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center” introduces the Paralympic game: wheelchair rugby. Wheelchair rugby is the only game where wheelchairs are allowed to crash against each other, leading to fast paced, dynamic matches, which makes it an indispensable addition to the Paralympics. This article will explain the thrill of wheelchair rugby, with the help of the video. Wheelchair Rugby: A Paralympic Sport Photo：wheelchair rugby Wheelchair rugby, is a chance for those with impaired movement to enjoy the popular sport. It was created in Canada in 1977 for paraplegic athletes, and is a popular sport in Europe. Since it is for impaired athletes, and because of the clashes between wheelchairs, it is sometimes referred to as “quad rugby” or “murder ball". One of the most distinctive features of wheelchair rugby, is the rule that allows for tackling between wheelchairs. This leads to violent bodily contact just like in the original game. You can see many plays like this from 0:31 in the video. Big crashing sounds ring out through the venue. It was chosen as an official Paralympic game in the 2020 Sydney Paralympics, and has continued to gain recognition throughout the world. As seen in the video, the ball used in wheelchair rugby is round; different from the oval ball used in normal rugby. It was developed based on a size 5 volleyball. During the game, players advance up the field with the ball on their laps. Those without legs use a wheelchair called a Rug car which has a special ball rest installed on it. Japan's National Wheelchair Rugby Team Source :YouTube screenshot Japan's national wheelchair rugby team took home bronze at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and at the World Championship in 2018, they won gold, placing them at No. 1 in the world. During the 2019 Rugby World cup in Japan, the “World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge 2019” was held among the 8 strongest countries for 5 days at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. As predicted by the IWRF (International Wheelchair Rugby Federation) world rankings, the games were fierce and Japan managed to place 3rd. By the 2015 Asia-Oceania Championship, Japan had won medals at 7 out of the 8 games, cementing their place as Asia's representative team. The Japan national wheelchair rugby team achieved great things during their international matches, and placed 3rd in the overall world rankings. They have been doing a great job! Two popular players are Kurahashi Kae, and Sugano Motoki. Wheelchair Rugby - The Rules Source :YouTube screenshot A wheelchair rugby game is 4 on 4 and uses specially designed wheelchairs. Players advance by dribbling or passing the ball. Crossing over the opponents try line at the ends of the field will score points. Like wheelchair basketball, there is a rule for choosing players. Each team has a certain amount of points. The points are based on each individual player's level of disability. The total points need to be within the allotted amount. For the field, a basketball court is used, and offense and defense is fast paced and thrilling to watch. Wheelchair Rugby: A Paralympic Sport Photo：wheelchair rugby The video “Wheelchair Rugby ‘PR MOVIE’” by “The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center” introduces the fire of wheelchair rugby, a sport for disabled. If you're familiar with, and enjoy watching rugby, we recommend giving wheelchair rugby a watch! It is an official Paralympic game that will be held in the Tokyo Paralympics as well, so please check it out.

Downhill Mountain Bike Racing This video is called [Downhill Mountain Bike Racing at a shrine in Kyoto](【ダウンヒル】大迫力！京都の神社でマウンテンバイク（MTB）のダウンヒルレース), and it was made by Gadgetwear. Watch and enjoy the thrilling white-knuckle race down the Shrine stairs. In this article, we'll introduce a video that shows the marvel of Downhill Mountain Bike Racing. This Downhill Mountain Bike Race Runs Down the Stairs at Intense Speed! Source :YouTube screenshot Downhill Mountain Bike Racing is bike racing competition where riders go down steep mountains. The Redbull Holly Ride competition was held at a historical sacred shrine in 2014. The competition was held at Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Yawata city, Kyoto. Bikers raced down the shrine stairs on downhill mountain bikes. You can see the racing style from 0:06 in the video. As you can see in the video, a crowd has gathered at the finish to watch this thrilling race on the road of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. Downhill Mountain Bike Racing Source :YouTube screenshot The total length of the race at Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine is about 800m and the height difference is about 100m from top to bottom. The maximum decline is about 22 degrees and the stairs have 396 steps in total. As you can see at 0:50 and 1:17 in the video, it shows how the course makes use of the landscape, aside from jumps. A qualification match will be held with a time trial and those who win can move on to the final tournament. The final tournament will be held in 4 cross-style which means 4 riders race at the same time. A downhill race is not at all like a climbing course in concept, It is a bike race that goes down through the mountains and wilderness from high places. Advanced riders can reach a speed of about 60 km per hour. This takes a lot of skill (and courage). Wearing a full face helmet and protector is mandatory for riders since there are some spots on the trail ways where it is easy to lose balance and crash. There is a scene where two bikers go off the course before the curve at 1:30 in the video. Racing Bikes Photo：Mountain Bike Dedicated mountain bikes are used in intense races such as downhill races or cross-country. A mountain bike has specialized parts such as tires, a frame and brakes to go fast, climb, ride on rough roads, and withstand high jumps. An all-mountain is a bike that works for uphill and downhill so it is good even for a ride on rocky mountains. Manufacturers such as Trek and Giant sell various kinds of models that are great for mountain bike racing. Tire sizes for mountain bikes are usually 27.5 inches, and the suspension and brake technology has greatly improved over the years. Of course, there are other more affordable models that are good for beginners and daily use as well. Downhill Mountain Bike Racing Summary Source :YouTube screenshot This video clip, made by Gadgetwear, shows a form of bike racing called Downhill Mountain Bike Racing at a shrine in Kyoto. It is truly impressive to see these riders fly down these stairs. You can see gut wrenching thrills in every minute of the video. After watching this video, you'll surely be hooked on Downhill Racing. Just be sure to wear a helmet! 【Official Website】Red Bull Holy Ride 2017 https://www.redbull.com/jp-ja/events/red-bull-holy-ride-2017

The Opening Game of the Professional Men’s Basketball's “B. League” This video, “B.LEAGUE STARTING GAME Official After MOVIE”, summarizes the B.LEAGUE's opening game. The B.LEAGUE is a top professional men’s basketball league managed by the Japan Professional Basketball League (JPBL). It was preceded by the BJ League and the National Basketball League, and was formed in September 2016. The league’s three major events are the B.LEAGUE regular season (B.LEAGUE Championship), B.LEAGUE EARLY CUP, and the All-Japan Basketball Championship. The B.LEAGUE's Opening Game Source :YouTube screenshot In the 2016-17 B.LEAGUE opening game, the theme song was “Take-A-Shot! feat.PKCZ”, newly released by the two-member dance and vocal duo ShuuKaRen. The song was performed on the court, with the entire floor covered in LED lights. This can be seen from 1:01 in the video. As seen in the video, the opening game attracted a huge number of fans, showing the popularity of professional men’s basketball. In the video, you can see crazy plays such as pro players dunking the ball. The fans of professional men’s basketball are known as “Boosters”, and play an important role in increasing the energy and hype of the game. In the video, you can see "Boosters" crowding the stands. What Is the B.LEAGUE? Source :YouTube screenshot The B.LEAGUE is a professional men’s basketball league, under the "Japan Basketball League Institute", comprised of the B1 Division, B2 Division, and B3 Division. B1 and B2 are comprised of 18 teams, while B3 is comprised of 12 teams, combining to form a total of 48 club teams. Including Sapporo, Tokyo, Kyoto, and more – the club teams are located all over Japan. The B1 and B2 teams are further divided into three conferences of six clubs each and take part in the regular season. The top eight teams qualify for the play-offs. The team that wins this tournament-style championship is crowned the B.LEAGUE champion. Teams in each league are constantly fighting for their spots, keeping you glued to the action. Source :YouTube screenshot Furthermore, once a year, the “All-Star Game” is held, where 24 specially chosen players are separated into teams and matches are held. Players that aren't contracted with any team are known as free agents, and their names are released on the free agent roster. The B.LEAGUE also has a wide variety of goods for sale. Putting on some limited-edition goods is sure to bring the hype and help you root for your favorite team! An online shop is also available, so do make sure to check it out as well. The B.LEAGUE's Elite Source :YouTube screenshot How much do the B.LEAGUE’s top players make? The players’ yearly income is not released to the public. However, annual salary and per-game earnings change according to player performance and stats. The highest yearly income of a Japanese player is said to be around 50 million yen. Therefore, there is still a ways to go before the B.LEAGUE can reach its goal of sending a 1-billion-yen player to the Tokyo Olympics. B.LEAGUE: The Professional Men’s Basketball League Turning up the Heat Source :YouTube screenshot So are you interested yet? If so, the latest B.LEAGUE schedule, information about ticket sales, and more can be found on the official website! The B.LEAGUE will bring about a new era of professional men’s basketball. Take a seat and experience history being written through these action packed games, or even better, cheer for your favorite team in the stands of the arena! 【Official Website】B.LEAGUE Official Site https://www.bleague.jp/

Introducing the Top Goals of 2019; As Chosen by Fans! This video "Top Goals of 2019; As Chosen by Fans!" was created by the J.LEAGUE.jp editorial department and contains a compilation of the top ten goals of 2019, according to fans. The "Top Goals of 2019 Ranking" was voted for by soccer fans via online questionnaire on Youtube. In this article, it's our pleasure to introduce to you, that video! Check Out the J League's Top Ten Goals of 2019! Source :YouTube screenshot Ranking number 10 of the top ten goals of 2019 is the over-head kick by Leandro Damian of Kawasaki Frontale! At number 9, from 0:29 in the video, you can see Yuta Koike of the Kashima Antlers. Coming in 8th, 7th and 6th place are Koji Miyoshi, Erik Lima and Keita Endo of the Yokohama F. Marinos. Number 5 is the goal scored in extra time by Miki Yamane of the Shonan Bellmare. From 2:59 in the video, you can see the number 4 goal by Douglas, of the Shimizu S-Pulse. and at 3rd place the shot from David Villa of the Vissel Kobe. Coming in at number 2 is the shot from Junya Tanaka of the Vissel Kobe after a nice pass from teammate Andrés Iniesta. Finally, in 1st place is the beautiful goal from Teruhito Nakagawa of Yokohama F. Marinos as he rips past the defense. You can check this goal out at 4:57 in the video. The History of J League and the Soccer Players Featured in This Video Photo：Soccer stadium J League is the name of Japan's professional soccer league. It is sponsored by the Japan Football Association (JFA), and the Japan Professional Football League. J League began in 1993 with only 10 clubs, but has grown to include 56 clubs split into 3 separate leagues: the J1 League, the J2 League and the J3 League. The top players in the J League are chosen to represent Japan in the World Cup and other important soccer competitions around the world. Players chosen in the past to represent Japan include Kazuyoshi Miura, Keisuki Honda, Hideotoshi Nakata , and Masashi Nakayama. They attracted many fans with their amazing performances. J League fans can check dates of upcoming matches, club ranks, and transfer information online and support their favorite team. Recently, you can purchase J League and Gundam collaboration goods, which are proving to be quite popular overseas as well as in Japan. J League Top Goals of 2019 Compilation Summary Source :YouTube screenshot The J League 2020 season has unfortunately been postponed. However, many fans look forward to cheering on their favorite teams again whether it be on TV or at the stadium once this year's season commences. We look forward to watching many of the amazing shots to come! If you found yourself fascinated by the goals in this video, we highly recommend checking the upcoming game schedule, purchasing tickets and going to watch a game live!

This video, titled "New! 2018 Golden Kiwi 46" [Longboard]" (New! 2018 Golden Kiwi 46" [ロンスケ ロングボード ]), was released by "Pinky Parl." In the video, you can see the introduction of the new 2018 model of the "Golden Kiwi" by DWELL. Longboards are popular because they are longer and more stable than regular skateboards and allow you to cruise through the streets smoothly. This 2018 model is lighter in weight and makes longboard dancing feel great. The graphics on the grip tape have a variety of designs in addition to the cloud pattern, including a Japanese style pattern, so if you're curious, check out the video and their website to see what it's like!

This video, titled "KARATE OLYMPICS FOREVER in Hokkaido 20170219 Making オリンピックPR in 北海道 [PV]," was released by "KARATE WORLD TV - produced by JKFan." Japan's traditional art of karate, which has enthusiasts all over the world, has been designated as an official event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The video was shot in Hokkaido in the extreme cold of winter, and shows children hoping that karate will continue to be an official sport of the Olympics. In the mountain where snow is still falling, children dressed in karate uniforms practice punches over and over again! After the exercise is completed, each child holds up a piece of paper saying "KARATE OLYMPICS FOREVER" and together, the children and adults chant it with all their heart. This video was also broadcast at World Karate Day in Germany in 2017.

Shino Matsuda Shreddin' the Gnar This video introduces Shino Matsuda, a professional surfer. It was shown on TV Osaka’s program called [BREAKTHROUGH～ Athletes who test their limits～]（「BREAKTHROUGH（ブレイクスルー）～ 限界突破に挑むアスリートたち～」 プロサーファー 松田詩野）. As seen from 0:42 in the video, Shino Matsuda has been chosen as a SHIBUYA109 Season Visual Model. She is an ordinary high school student who loves Instagram and Twitter. However, once she hits the waves, she transforms into an awesome surfer that magically manipulates her surfboard. This article will introduce Shino Matsuda and some of her accomplishments. Who Is Shino Matsuda? What's Her Story? Source :YouTube screenshot Professional surfer Shino Matsuda is from the center of surfing, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. She is 158 cm tall. She was 6 years old when she started surfing and at the time she fully immersed herself in it, surfing from sunrise to sunset. Shino Matsuda’s family talks about it from 5:14 in the video. She turned professional at 14 and the way she rides waves is said to be like how a bird elegantly glides through the air. With her distinct flexible carving, she's nothing short of successful on the world stage. You can check out her carving from 6:20 in the video. Her sponsor is Unilever which is globally famous for its shampoo commercial. As a professional surfer she is in the spotlight nationally and internationally. Her beautiful body attracts even more interests. What Is Shino Matsuda’s Competition Record? Source :YouTube screenshot Professional surfer Shino Matsuda has been successful at many international competitions and events along with Mahina Maeda who is shown from 4:18 in the video. She's one of the famous young surfers leading the world of professional surfing. Right after starting high school, she won the Ichinomiya Chiba Open. She became the WSL Asia Junior Champion in 2017, and in 2018, she won ISA World Junior Individual Silver medal and Group Gold medal. As seen from 7:31, she has been greatly successful at White Buffalo Hyuga Pro and CT (Championship Tour) events held at Avoca Beach in Australia, one of the most famous surfing spots in the world. You can watch the world competition with the top 110 surfers competing against each other from 16:39 in the video. She finished at a disappointing 17th, however, you can still enjoy her spectacular performance. Surfing in the Tokyo Olympic Games! Photo：Surfing Surfing is one of the new sports chosen to be in the Tokyo Olympic games. Tsurigasaki Shore in Chiba has been chosen as the Olympics games venue. As of February 2020, professional surfer Shino Matsuda has been given the right to participate in the Tokyo Olympic games under the condition that she trains under coach Kaisa Kawamura as a Tokyo Olympics games candidate. At the Tokyo Olympic games, you might be able to see her awesome technique, ‘off the lip’, where she turns the board 180 degrees at the top of the wave. This is shown from 6:46 in the video. Summary of the Video on Professional Surfer Shino Matsuda Today we introduced you to the 23 minute long video featuring professional surfer Shino Matsuda. The video fully shows her happily riding the waves. You should be able to see many successful professional surfers at the Tokyo Olympic games. We hope you're looking forward to it! 【Official Website】Shino Matsuda Official Website http://shino.surf/

What is Battojutsu? This video, titled "Kazaana/Battojutsu version," was uploaded by "Takayuki Kanayama." If you're a fan of manga or anime, you've probably seen or heard of battojutsu, a martial art using a Japanese sword. Yes, battojutsu is the sword art used by Kenshin Himura (Battousai the Manslayer), the main character in the popular anime/manga, "Rurouni Kenshin." If you want to know more about battojutsu, this is a video you don’t want to miss! Battojutsu, as the name implies (抜刀術: 抜/ba - Draw, 刀/tou - Sword, 術/jutsu - Technique), is the art of cutting down an opponent with a single blow by drawing a sword from its scabbard when attacked by an enemy. It's a one-hit kill sword technique, but in the unlikely event that you're attacked again, you can make sure that you kill your would-be-assailant by dodging his sword and hitting him with a second strike. You can see the two opposing swordsmen dueling at 0:40, 1:01, 1:52 and 2:12 in the video, and see just how effective battojutsu is. The History of Battojutsu Photo：Japanese sword・Battojutsu Battojutsu has a long history and is said to have been systematized approximately 400 years ago during the Muromachi (1336-1573 AD) and Edo (1603-1868 AD) periods. It's a traditional Japanese martial art and was considered to be an essential sword technique for samurai. There are a number of schools, the most famous of which are Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu and Tatsumi-ryu. At the end of the Muromachi Period, the Hayashizaki style emerged, including schools such as Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, which was derived from the school established by Hayashizaki Shigenobu (Jinsuke), who specialized in battojutsu. Even today, there are dojos all over Japan where you can learn battojutsu, so if you're interested, consider trying it out! The equipment needed for practicing battojutsu is a dojo uniform, a practice sword, and a kaku obi. The Differences Between Battojutsu and Iaijutsu Photo：A Japanese sword・Battojutsu One of the most famous martial arts that uses Japanese swords is iaijutsu. In fact, iaijutsu is also a form of battojutsu. In the Edo Period, drawing a sword from a seated position was called iai, and drawing a sword from a standing position was called tachiai. Battojutsu is also known as iai (居合), iaijutsu (居合術), nukiai (抜合), iai (居相), saya no uchi (鞘の内), bakken (抜剣), etc. depending on the region or school. It is said that kendo developed from tachiai as a practice martial art, without the use of serious weapons and with protective gear. Battojutsu techniques include koiguchi wo kiru, putting one's hand on the hilt of the sword, drawing the sword, brandishing the sword, downwards slashes, zanshin, chiburi (flicking blood off one's sword), and returning the sword to its scabbard. Koikuchi wo kiri (鯉口を切る) is a technique before drawing the sword, in which you push the katana out of its saya (scabbard) by its tsuba. This action can be seen at the start of sword fighting scenes in historical dramas. In iaijutsu, this technique indicates that you are in a "fighting stance." Summary of Battojutsu, a Sword Fighting Technique of Japan's Samurai Photo：A Japanese sword・Battojutsu In Japanese martial arts, techniques that do not use weapons are called taijutsu (体術), while those that use bladed weapons, such as katana and naginata, are called kenjutsu (剣術). Battojutsu is a type of kenjutsu that does not use as much power as taijutsu, but it is said to be one of the most advanced forms of kenjutsu because it requires intense concentration. Matches are decided in the instant the sword is drawn, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats!

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Sapporo, Hokkaido - Video Introduction This video, titled "2018-2019 SAPPORO TEINE PV," was uploaded by "TEINE CHANNEL - Sapporo Teine Official" (TEINE CHANNEL ～サッポロテイネ公式～). Sapporo Teine Photo：Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Teine, Sapporo, Hokkaido Sapporo Teine is a ski resort located on Mt. Teine, 1,023 meters above sea level, in Teine, Sapporo, located on Hokkaido, Japan's Northernmost Island. The summit overlooks the city of Sapporo and Ishikari Bay, making it a popular destination due to its splendid scenery. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort features 15 courses, with a total of 9 lifts and gondolas, and offers courses for beginners and advanced skiers alike. This popular ski resort is located approximately 15 km (~9 miles) from downtown Sapporo. 2 Zones Used as Venues During the Sapporo Winter Olympics Sapporo Teine is characterized by its division into two zones: "Highland" and "Olympia." The Highland Zone has hosted four technical alpine skiing events (slalom and giant slalom) during the Sapporo Olympics, while the Olympia Zone hosted the torch stand and five bobsledding and luge events. Sapporo Teine's 'Highland Zone' Photo：Snowboarding The Highland Zone features a total of seven courses. The City View Cruise allows you to enjoy skiing while looking out over the city of Sapporo. You can enjoy high-quality powder here until spring. [Video] 0:03 - Highland Zone This video shows snowboarders and skiers enjoying the powdery snow at Sapporo Teine. The conditions are perfect! [Video] 0:19 - Snowboarders and Skiers Enjoying the Powdery Snow Kitakabe is one of Sapporo Teine's most difficult courses and is loved by advanced skiers. It's full of steep slopes and uneven planes, making it challenging but enjoyable. At the Yuichiro Miura & Snow Dolphin Ski School held at the Highland Zone, staff members who know the snow well at Sapporo Teine will teach you not only skiing and snowboarding techniques, but also the charm of the snowy mountains. Olympia Zone: Great for Beginners and Families Photo：Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Teine, Sapporo, Hokkaido The Olympia Zone, with its many gently sloping courses, is recommended for beginners and novice skiers. The popular Rainbow Course is 1,700 meters long! Beginners can enjoy skiing here at their own pace. The Teine Olympia Ski School, accredited by the Professional Ski Instructor’s Association of Japan (SAJ), allows both kids and adults to learn how to ski, so people of all skill levels can take lessons appropriate for their level. The advanced course in the Olympia Zone, the Olympic Cauldron Ocean Dive, allows you to ski steep slopes while enjoying the view of Ishikari Bay, so if you're a confident skier/snowboarder, you should definitely give it a try! The Olympia Zone's Dinosaur Kids Park! Dinosaur Kids Park is recommended for those with kids. You can enjoy the Triceratops slide, sledding, tubing, and more. Sleds and snow tubes can be rented free of charge. The 116-meter-long wind-shielded snow escalator allows visitors to easily climb gentle slopes without being hit by snow or wind. Access to Sapporo Teine Photo：New Chitose Airport Sapporo Teine is located approximately 60 minutes from New Chitose Airport and 40 minutes from central Sapporo by car. The resort features 2,800 parking spaces available for use free of charge. If you're coming from far away, be sure to check out their special rental car plans and taxi packages. Summary of Sapporo Teine Ski Resort Sapporo Teine is a ski resort with a wide variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike. If you get tired from skiing, take a break at the rest house North Maple or the cafeteria Skadi in the Highland Ski Center, which seats up to 650 people. If you plan on doing some sightseeing in Hokkaido as well, we recommend making hotel reservations as early as possible. Last-minute reservations might not be possible. Sapporo Teine is a ski resort where both national and international competitions have been held. It's a place where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at the same venue where high-level competitions have been held. During the warmer months, the golf course offers three courses. Visitors can enjoy golfing in a place surrounded by the magnificent nature of Hokkaido. Mountain climbing is another popular activity for experiencing the outdoors of Hokkaido, and the waterfall Heiwa no Taki (平和の滝, lit. "Peace Falls") is a popular place for it. Sapporo Teine is a leisure facility that can be enjoyed throughout the year! 【Official Website】Sapporo Teine - Sapporo Teine Golf Club 【TripAdvisor】Sapporo Teine

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in Japan's Shinshu Region: Video Introduction This video, titled "2020–21 Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Promotion Video" (2020-21 野沢温泉スキー場プロモーションビデオ), was uploaded by "nozawaonsen." Blanketed in a veil of silvery white snow, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has something for the whole family, with a variety of courses, ranging from beginner to expert level. In addition to skiing and sledding, facilities include a kids' park and even a day-care center, so visitors with small children can enjoy the slopes too. Once you've had your fun on the powder, at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort you can soothe your tired body in the thermal springs, or enjoy some delicious cuisine. Before we go any further, check out Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's gorgeous snow-covered scenery and people enjoying winter activities in the video. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort’s Distinctive Features, and Course Difficulty Photo：Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is located in northern Nagano prefecture in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, and its slopes — which cover an area the size of 63 Tokyo Domes — set it apart from all other ski resorts. Twinkling prettily, trees decorated with icicles dot the landscape, which, with its 100% natural snow, boasts some of the best powder in Honshu (the main island of the Japanese archipelago) and there are plenty of gorgeous views to be seen as well. The vast slopes play host to a total of 36 runs, divided in a 40/30/30 ratio between beginner, intermediate, and expert difficulties respectively. The resort is popular amongst skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from novices to seasoned experts. What’s more is, there's the Nagasaka Gondola, a large gondola which can ferry 10 people from the Nagasaka area to the Yamabiko area in one go. These gondolas are the first in Japan to have an all-glass structure, which boasts excellent ventilation properties, and allows riders to take in the natural scenery as they travel from one point to the next. Plenty of Courses for Beginners and Families! Photo：Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan Thanks to its abundance of runs and areas aimed at beginners and children, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is popular among visitors with no skiing experience and families with small children. There's even a rental shop, so there's no need to worry if you don't have your own equipment. The Uenotaira Course (上ノ平ゲレンデ, uenotaira gerende) and Paradise Course (パラダイスゲレンデ, paradaisu gerende) are recommended for beginners or kids who aren't yet familiar with skis or snowboards. These slopes are both gentle and wide, making them the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the snow without worrying about having an accident. Furthermore, thanks to lower temperatures than those at the foot of the mountain, the quality of the snow is great. The lift adjacent to the slopes has a handrail and can take up to four people, meaning you can ride as a group; a boon for those with young children who may struggle with the lifts. Once you've had your fill of skiing about at the summit, you can leave the Paradise Course behind you and head for the Rinkan Course (林間コース, rinkan kosu). This course allows skiers to enjoy some spectacular views as they descend the mountain along a beautiful wooded trail. If you aren't confident in your skiing abilities, you can take the gondola to the bottom, so be sure to keep this in mind if you're new to skiing or snowboarding. The area at the foot of the mountain is also recommended for beginners and kids. There are wide and gentle slopes here too, ideal for kids who are experiencing skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Ziplines, Indoor Playgrounds and More! Check Out the Exciting Activities at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Photo：Zip Sky Ride at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan "Zip Sky Ride" is one of the most popular facilities at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. This zipline, comprising of a seated harness mounted on a wire rope using a pulley is located above the Hikage Course, and is 652 meters with a total altitude difference of 122 meters. The zipline can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h! This aerial activity lets visitors soar above the slopes like a bird. The ride is accessible to everyone elementary school age and up, so consider flying over the mountains with your kids! In addition, the Kids' Park and Nasky Room are great for those with kids who haven't started elementary school yet. The Kids' Park offers sledding, tubing, and more, and the Nasky Room (ナスキールーム) has educational toys, making these places great for both relaxing and playing. There's a day-care as well! "Yumin," has qualified childcare professionals present, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your kids are in good hands while you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities on the slopes. How to Get the Best Deals at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort! Photo：Friends chatting with smartphones Buying one of the special package tickets from Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's home page will allow you to save a little money. Priced at ¥6,500 for adults and ¥4,300 for kids, the special package tickets include a gondola ticket, which would usually sell for ¥6,000, or ¥3,600 per child, as well as ¥1,000 worth of lunch tickets. Furthermore, a package that includes a 1-day lift ticket, a ¥1,000 lunch ticket, and a Nozawa Onsen Sparena bath ticket is also available for ¥7,000 for adults and ¥4,600 for children. These perks are also available to those visiting one a day trip, so save yourself some money while enjoying Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. Additionally, there are a variety of seasonal value passes available to skiers, including a spring skiing service pass, and family-oriented passes, such as the spring break family pack campaign, etc. Enjoy a trip to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort next spring with your little ones and make some unforgettable memories! Check out Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's homepage for more details. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Roundup: A Ski Resort Recommended for Families and Kids The beautiful slopes covered in powdery snow offer tons of photogenic views that would look great on Instagram. There are a variety of courses tailored for both children and adults, and the views are fantastic. The area surrounding Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has a wide range of hotels, inns, and ryokan (traditional Japanese style inns) as well. A shuttle bus runs between the spa town and the ski resort, so guests can unwind with a dip in the hot springs and some delicious food after a fun-filled day of skiing. We implore you to head to Nagano Prefecture in Japan's Shinshu region and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and memorable winter activities! 【Official Website】Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort 【TripAdvisor】Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

A Look Into Modern Horse Racing This video, titled "Modern Horse Racing 150th Anniversary Promotional Video" (近代競馬150周年プロモーションビデオ), was created by the "National Association of Racing Channel [Official]" (地方競馬チャンネル【公式】) and it introduces the history of modern horse racing in Japan. It contains fascinating content such as the generation change of Jockeys, and the transition of race-tracks. This article is not only for horse racing fans but also those who do not know much about horse racing. It will talk about the history and how exciting horse racing is throughout the video. Japan's Modern Horse Racing Which Manages to Entertain So Many People Source :YouTube screenshot Modern horse racing attracts the attention of many fans. Based on set rules, horses race on a race-track. The origin of Japanese horse racing is recognizably European format that was organized by a group of British residents who were settled in Yokohama. Throughout the long history of modern horse racing, "Fukuyama Race Track," former "Kogane Race Track," and "Kawasaki Race Track," were made and brought many memories of unforgettable races for fans. The video shows these race tracks at 1:04. "Deep Impact" is one of the most famous horses which possessed an undefeated record. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2019. "Duramente" completed the first two wins at Japan Derby. These two horses are the most famous horses in Japan. Tickets for the memorial for Deep Impact were quickly sold out. This video is based on the 150 year-long history of horse racing, in which the passion towards it has been passed on from one generation to the next. Check the video at 0:45 to meet jockeys, the mother horse “S1spector,” and her child “S1prince.” The History of Modern Horse Racing Photo：Horse racing It is said that modern horse racing started in England, and the foundation for horse racing was built there. The official rules of modern horse racing were implemented in England in 16th century, and by the 17th century, modern horse racing had spread to France and Ireland, and as far as Germany and Italy by the 19th century. Modern horse racing has entertained citizens in various countries throughout its long history. Several different ways to enjoy horse racing, including simply watching the race, are, betting money and rooting for your favorite jockeys. In japan, Yutaka Take, Yuichi Fukunaga, Norihiro Yokoyama, and Nanako Fujita are the most popular jockeys. There is a lot of drama in modern horse racing and you will be thrilled to watch the races. Enjoying Modern Horse Racing Photo：Ban'ei Horse racing The common race type in Japan is a jockey riding the horse on a leveled flat surface. This is called "Flat racing." However, there are some unique types in different countries. For example, "Harness racing" is a style in which jockeys ride chariots and horses pull the vehicle. This style is not implemented in Japan, but it is quite popular in some countries. "Ban'ei horse racing" is from Obihiro, Hokkaido. It's a style in which horses pull heavy iron sleds. Enjoy a thrilling race, as the iron sleds weigh a max of 1 ton. Check out the video at 2:08 to see how fascinating Ban'ei horse racing is. "Hurdle horse racing" is also a popular modern horse racing style. "G1 Races," the highest grade of horse racing in Japan, includes "Yasuda Kinen," "Takarazuka Kinen," "Kikuka sho," "Tenno sho," and "Arima kinen." Seeing each horse's dedication to making it to the finish line causes the audience to waver between hope, despair, and cheering. Summary of Modern Horse Racing Photo：Horse racing The video "Modern Horse Racing 150th Anniversary Promotional Video" was created by "National Association of Racing Channel [Official]" and it introduces the history of modern horse racing. It shows the transition of race tracks and thrilling horse racing. It is a must-see video for those who loves horse racing. This video concludes by saying, "There are things that are passed down from generation to generation, never changing. This is why horse racing continues." 【Official Website】National Horse Racing Information Website https://www.goracing.jp/english/