Trevor Bauer picks up 4-1 victory in debut with Yokohama
May 3, 2023 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — After cheerleaders welcomed him, after receiving the largest ovation of any Yokohama player at the start of the game, Trevor Bauer delivered what was expected on Wednesday in his debut with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars.
Trevor Bauer makes second minor-league start in Japan
April 22, 2023 GMTHIRATSUKA, Japan (AP) — Trevor Bauer started Saturday in his second minor-league game in Japan and said he needs to increase his pitch count before he can debut for Yokohama's DeNA BayStars.
The former Cy Young winner, unsigned by any major league club after claims of domestic violence and sexual assault, joined Yokohama last month on a one-year deal.
Japan’s Nissan slashing EV costs, cuts rare materials use
March 9, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese automaker Nissan is revving up its electrification shift and slashing costs by using the same components across models and reducing use of expensive rare materials.
Japan’s Nissan reports better profit as chip crunch eases
February 9, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Nissan reported a 55% jump in its October-December profit Thursday, as the Japanese automaker gears up for a less bumpy journey with its French alliance partner Renault.
Profit for the quarter at Yokohama-based Nissan Motor Co.
Japan firm opens whale meat vending machines to push sales
January 28, 2023 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — A Japanese whaling operator, after struggling for years to promote its products amid protests from conservationists, has found a new way to cultivate clientele and bolster sales: whale meat vending machines.
Undefeated Inoue moving up to super bantamweight
January 13, 2023 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese boxer Naoya Inoue is giving up his four bantamweight belts and plans to fight as a super bantamweight.
The undefeated Inoue holds the title belts for the WBA, WBO, IBF and WBA.
Boston Symphony Orchestra to embark on 4-city tour of Japan
October 5, 2022 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The Boston Symphony Orchestra is embarking on a four-city tour of Japan next month, for its first overseas engagements since before the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of cultural events around the world.
Kobe, Jeonbuk Motors advance in Asian Champions League
August 18, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Vissel Kobe moved into the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League with a 3-2 win over Japanese rival Yokohama F. Marinos on Thursday.
Despite being third from bottom in the J.League standings, Kobe was too good for the Japanese league leader in the second-round encounter at Saitama Stadium.
Iniesta’s Kobe takes on Yokohama in Asian Champions League
August 17, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Andres Iniesta never really had to juggle the demands of continental competition and the struggle to avoid domestic relegation while he was winning four Champions League titles in Europe.
Nissan mulling third auto plant in the US to meet EV demand
May 13, 2022 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Nissan is considering adding a new auto plant in the U.S. to keep up with growing demand for electric vehicles, a top executive at the Japanese automaker said Friday.
“It may not be a surprise that we go for a third plant,” Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta told reporters at Yokohama headquarters.
Major Japan railway now powered only by renewable energy
April 27, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Tokyo's Shibuya is famed for its Scramble Crossing, where crowds of people crisscross the intersection in a scene symbolizing urban Japan’s congestion and anonymity. It may have added another boasting right.
Live updates: Nissan plans to halt production in Russia
March 8, 2022 GMTThe latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine war:
TOKYO — Japanese automaker Nissan is planning to halt production at its plant in Russia because of “logistical challenges.”
Nearly 55, Japan soccer great Miura joins another pro club
January 11, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Former Japan striker Kazuyoshi Miura has been signed up by another professional soccer club at the age of 54.
Miura's enduring career will head into its 37th season after he joined Suzuka Point Getters, a team in the fourth tier of Japanese soccer.
The Monster: Japanese star Inoue targeting boxing’s big time
December 1, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — They don’t call Japanese boxer Naoya Inoue “The Monster” for nothing.
The WBA and IBF bantamweight world champion is undefeated, with all but three of his wins by knockout — mostly in the early rounds.
Kawasaki Frontale wins 2nd straight J-League title
November 3, 2021 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Kawaskai Frontale won its second consecutive J-League title on Wednesday, after drawing 1-1 with the Urawa Reds.
Kawasaki, which now has won four league titles, improved to 85 points from 34 matches.
Australia to meet Japan in rugby international in October
September 17, 2021 GMTSYDNEY (AP) — Australia will play Japan in the southwestern city of Oita on Oct. 23 on its way to Britain for a three-test rugby tour against Scotland, England and Wales.
Rugby Australia said Saturday it will be the Wallabies' first match against Japan since November 2017 when they defeated the hosts 63-30 at Yokohama.
Suga ally loses in key local race ahead of national election
August 23, 2021 GMTTOKYO (AP) — A close ally of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was defeated in a high-profile mayoral election in Yokohama, Suga's home turf, in a sharp setback for the already unpopular leader ahead of general elections later this year.
Rice pizza, noodle ices: Food shows Japan’s punk rock soul
August 8, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Countries' foods are also windows on their souls.
Take hamburgers. Hand-held, quick to assemble and wolf down, they embody a quintessentially American idea that founding father Benjamin Franklin put to paper in 1748 and which still powers the ambitious on Wall Street and beyond.
At 38, Alves helps Brazil to soccer gold by beating Spain
August 7, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Soccer's ultimate winner is still finding time to collect new titles. Dani Alves is an Olympic champion at 38.
Draped in the Brazilian flag, the captain cherished the 43rd winners' medal of a career that shows no sign of winding down.
Japan beats US 2-0 to win 1st Olympic baseball gold medal
August 7, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Japan's players sprinted onto the mound and the collection of All-Stars hoisted their manager up and down as if on a trampoline.
They beamed when hanging shiny gold medals around each other's necks, fullfilling a national mission with the first Olympic baseball title in their history.
‘Bittersweet’ Alvarez accepts 2nd silver, this one in Summer
August 7, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Eddy Alvarez had to be consoled — scolded, even — after his first silver medal.
“My coach had to bring us together and make us snap out of it," he said. "He yelled at us.
Dominicans top South Korea 10-6, win baseball bronze
August 7, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — With some names that seemed more relevant to Old-Timers Day than the present, the Dominican Republic overcame a bullpen meltdown to claim its first Olympic baseball medal.
Juan Francisco homered in a four-run first inning, then hit a tiebreaking, two-run double off Seunghwan Oh of South Korea in a five-run eighth of a 10-6 victory Saturday that earned the baseball bronze.
Scioscia 1 win from matching Lasorda with gold medal
August 6, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Mike Scioscia is one win from matching mentor Tommy Lasorda, the only manager to lead the United States to a baseball gold medal.
Host Japan, which stopped its major league season during the Tokyo Olympics, is the favorite in Saturday's gold medal game (6 a.m.
Alvarez a summer-winter medalist, US reaches baseball final
August 5, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Eddy Alvarez sat in the U.S. dugout after the final out, buried his face in his hands and wept, even though his biggest game remains ahead.
New time, venue for women’s soccer final because of heat
August 5, 2021 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Concerns from the Canadian and Swedish soccer teams about Tokyo's intense morning heat have resulted in the rescheduling and relocation of the women's Olympic final.
Casas’ 3rd homer, Kazmir help US beat Dominicans 3-1
August 4, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — For Triston Casas, the Olympics feel as comfortable as spring training.
That's because when he stepped to the plate in the United States' elimination game against the Dominican Republic on Wedesday, he was facing Boston Red Sox Double-A teammate Denyi Reyes.
Bautista’s hit, and bat flip, helps Dominicans oust Israel
August 3, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — José Bautista had just gotten his first Olympic hit, extending the Dominican Republic's tournament with a walkoff single that capped a ninth-inning rally and eliminated surprising Israel.
Japan rallies against bullpen to beat US 7-6 in 10 innings
August 2, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Brandon Dickson, a 36-year-old nine seasons removed from the major leagues, was the first out of the bullpen and the first to stumble.
Edwin Jackson, a 37-year-old released by five big league teams, was the last.
Rays prospect Shane Baz to start for US vs Japan at Olympics
August 1, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Tampa Bay prospect Shane Baz will make his Olympics debut Monday night, starting for the United States against Japan.
A 22-year-old right-hander, Baz is 3-4 with a 2.26 ERA in 12 minor league starts this season, striking out 82 and walking 10 in 55 2/3 innings.
Israel gets 1st Olympic baseball win; Mexico eliminated
August 1, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Israel had just routed Mexico for its first Olympic baseball victory, riding a loud three-run homer by Danny Valencia that helped it jump to a six-run lead, and Nick Rickles wanted to check the reaction.
At home in Japan, Nick Martínez pitches US over South Korea
July 31, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Nick Martínez stepped onto the mound, and it felt like an old familiar place.
Because it was.
“Felt comfortable the whole game,” he said after striking out nine over five innings and pitching the United States over South Korea 4-2 for a 2-0 record at the Olympics.
Alyssa Naeher is a steadying force in goal for the US
July 31, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Much as she did at the 2019 World Cup, U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher came up big at the Olympics in the tensest of moments.
Naeher made three crucial penalty saves for the United States in its quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, one in regulation and two during a shootout, that kept the Americans alive at the Tokyo Games.
MLB vets immerse in Jewish heritage, build Israel baseball
July 31, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Now an Olympian representing the country, Ian Kinsler traveled to Israel for the first time last year with his wife Tess, just before the coronavirus pandemic became widespread.
Ryan: Olympic SSK baseball vastly superior to Rawling models
July 30, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Joe Ryan thinks the world of the baseball being used at the Olympics.
So much so, he prefers the model from Osaka-based SSK to the Rawlings minor league baseballs manufactured in China.
Rapinoe converts and US gets past Netherlands on penalties
July 30, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — When Megan Rapinoe stepped up to take her penalty, she was just trying to stay as calm as possible in the moment.
“You can either take one and lose it, or take one and win it,” she said.
US prospects, released players beat Israel 8-1 in Olympics
July 30, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — The United States started a pitcher who was Tampa Bay’s No. 12 prospect before he was dealt to Minnesota last week in the Nelson Cruz trade.
Israel went with a 30-year-old who has never pitched above Double-A and brought in the director of music programming at New York’s City Winery to relieve.
Hit batters lift South Korea over Israel in Olympic baseball
July 29, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Most of the Olympics is a competition among the best in each sport. Israel's fate in its baseball debut came down to a pitcher whose last professional game was nearly 23 months ago.
Engaged couple Chidester, Urtez on softball all-tourney team
July 29, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Engaged couple Amanda Chidester of the United States and Anissa Urtez of Mexico were both selected to the Olympic softball all-tournament team.
Chidester was picked as the designated player and Urtez as the shortstop.
Japan beats US 2-0, turns incredible DP to win softball gold
July 28, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — They marched single file onto the podium near shortstop with the blank expressions of the condemned.
When silver medals were handed out, they dangled them around each other’s necks like weights.
EXPLAINER: Olympic baseball a throwback to pre-analytics age
July 28, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — If the Colorado Rockies were in the Olympics, they'd have had some shorter nights.
Olympic baseball, which started Wednesday, has some notable differences from Major League Baseball.
Stewart’s walk-off HR lifts US over Japan 2-1 for 5-0 record
July 26, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Kelsey Stewart has a knack for walk-off hits in Japan.
Stewart hit a game-ending home run leading off the seventh inning, and the United States rallied late to beat Japan 2-1 Monday and win the Olympic softball group stage — and with it the right to bat last in the gold medal game.
Lawrie, Regula, sisters of MLBers, pitch 4-hitter for Canada
July 26, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Canada pitched a big league sister act at Italy in the Olympic softball tournament.
Danielle Lawrie, the 34-year-old sister of former major leaguer Brett Lawrie, allowed an unearned run and four hits over three innings in Canada's 8-1, six-inning victory over Italy on Monday.
US beats Australia, sets up gold medal rematch with Japan
July 25, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — The United States had just given up its first run and was two outs away from losing for the first time in the Olympic softball tournament.
Amanda Chidester stepped up to the plate with two runners on and slapped the ball into left field.
Games people play: A marriage of majors and the Olympics
July 24, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Getting ready to reach softball's peak and make her Olympic debut, Janie Reed was on a training field at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in western Japan.
Across the Pacific Ocean, 7,452 miles away, another important family first was unfolding in Miami: Husband Jake Reed was about to walk onto a major league mound for the first time.
Osterman pitches US softball over Mexico 2-0 for 3-0 start
July 24, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Turned down for a job in the U.S. coaching pool in 2016 after she retired as a player, Cat Osterman found she was not angry.
“I had to do a gut check,” she said. “If I'm not upset about not being selected, why do I want to be in the coaching pool?
Kessie gives Ivory Coast a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia
July 22, 2021 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Franck Kessie scored the go-ahead goal in the 66th minute and Ivory Coast beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 Thursday in its opening match in the men's Olympic soccer tournament.
Ivory Coast was making its first Olympic appearance since the 2008 Beijing Games, when the team advanced to the knockout stage.
Celtic brings Japan’s Furuhashi to Scotland on 4-year deal
July 16, 2021 GMTGLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Scottish club Celtic signed Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi to a four-year contract on Friday as the Glasgow squad remodels under new manager Ange Postecoglou.
The 26-year-old Furuhashi, who joins from Vissel Kobe subject to clearances, was leading the Japanese league in scoring with 14 goals in 20 games this season.
US to open Olympic baseball against Israel on July 30
June 28, 2021 GMTHost Japan will open the Olympic baseball tournament against the Dominican Republic at Fukushima on July 28, and Mike Scioscia's U.S. team will start two days later against Israel at Yokohama.
The U.S., in Group B, also plays defending champion South Korea on July 31.
Dominicans beat Venzeuela, get final Olympic baseball berth
June 26, 2021 GMTMelky Cabrera sparked a comeback from a three-run deficit with a two-run homer, and the Dominican Republic claimed the final Olympic baseball berth by beating Venezuela 8-5 on Saturday and winning the final qualifier at Puebla, Mexico.
Celtic hires former Australia coach Postecoglou as manager
June 10, 2021 GMTGLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Scottish club Celtic hired former Australia national team coach Ange Postecoglou as manager on Thursday.
The 55-year-old Postecoglou joins the Glasgow club from Yokohama F.
Americans dominate first World Triathlon Series women’s race
May 15, 2021 GMTIt was quite a day for American women at the season-opening World Triathlon Championship Series race outside Tokyo, one that bodes well for them at the Olympics in less than two months.
Taylor Knibb won the Yokohama Triathlon to book her place on the U.S.
Japanese automaker Nissan posts loss amid pandemic, scandal
November 12, 2020 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Nissan posted a loss of 44.4 billion yen ($421 million) in the last quarter as the pandemic slammed profitability and the Japanese automaker fought to restore a brand image tarnished by a scandal centered on its former star executive Carlos Ghosn...
Japan uses high-tech experiments to fill baseball stadium
October 30, 2020 GMTYOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Officials in Japan are using some high-tech devices to see if they can fill sports stadiums closer to capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic...
Nissan rolls out new electric crossover, aims to boost image
July 15, 2020 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Nissan unveiled an electric crossover vehicle Wednesday, the Japanese automaker’s first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn...
Japan opens baseball season after 3-month pandemic delay
June 19, 2020 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese baseball managed to do what American baseball has not — play ball.
After a three-month delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the world's second-most famous baseball competition opened a season Friday that will be shortened from its regular 143 games to 120.
Worker at Japan care home sentenced to hang for mass killing
March 16, 2020 GMTTOKYO (AP) — A Japanese court on Monday sentenced a former care home employee to hang for knifing to death 19 disabled people and injuring two dozen others in the deadliest mass attack in post World War II Japan...
Princess Cruises suspending global operations for 60 days
March 12, 2020 GMTMIAMI (AP) — Princess Cruises, which had one of its ships quarantined off the coast of Japan last month, is suspending global operations through early May because of the coronavirus pandemic...
Baseball’s final Olympic qualifying event postponed to June
March 2, 2020 GMTTAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Baseball's final qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympics has been postponed from April to June because of concerns over the virus outbreak that has infected nearly 89,000 people and caused more than 3,000 deaths, mostly in China...
Last crew members leave cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo
March 1, 2020 GMTTOKYO (AP) — The last group of about 130 crew members got off the Diamond Princess on Sunday, vacating the contaminated cruise ship and ending Japan's much criticized quarantine that left more than one fifth of the ship's original population infected with the new virus...