Japan

Japan funds two schools in Samoa

The money totals $1.8 million tala - around $US630,000 - from Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects.

Avele College School Committee on the island of Upolu received a grant of up to $601,000 tālā for the reconstruction of its school hall with a stage, kitchen, and toilets.

Lalomalava Primary School Committee in Savai'i received a grant of up to $582,000 tālā for the reconstruction of existing buildings and will include eight new classrooms, a library, a principal's room, a staff room, reception, and toilets.

     

Japan beat Samoa to keep last eight hopes alive, England through to quarters

Tries by Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch, Kazuki Himeno and 13 points from the boot of Rikiya Matsuda gave Japan a comprehensive victory as they leapfrogged their opponents into second place in Pool D with nine points.

Samoa, who had Ben Lam red carded early in the second half and answered with tries by Seilala Lam, Duncan Paia’aua and Christian Leali’ifano as well as points from the tee by Alai D’Angelo Leuila and Leali’ifano, are third on six points.

Japan Rugby World Cup squad 2023 – Jamie Joseph names 30 players

After their landmark 34-32 win against South Africa in 2015, the Brave Blossoms went on to produce even more incredible victories on home soil by beating Ireland and Scotland in 2019. They went through to the knockouts for the first time in their history.

This time out they face 2019 finalists England, and a feisty Argentina in their pool. Will they be able to produce more thrilling performances?

Coach Jamie Joseph – who is leaving Japan to return to the Highlanders next season – has named an initial 30-man squad ahead of the official 33-man squad deadline of 28 August.

Spain, Japan reach knockout stage, Canada win

Teresa Abelleira opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Hermoso and Redondo converted their respective braces for Spain.

Hermoso scored in the 13th and 70th minutes, and Redondo tallied in the 69th and 85th minutes.

Misa Rodriguez made two saves for Spain, who will battle Japan, also with two wins, on Monday for the top spot in Group C.

Eunice Sakala finished with eight saves for Zambia, who will clash with Costa Rica on Monday for third place.

Japan 2, Costa Rica 0

Japan sees red as Fiji, Samoa set early World Cup markers

Samoa edged the game 24-22 in Sapporo in what was a dress rehearsal for the two teams’ Pool D encounter at the World Cup in France later this year.

Japan took an early lead, but suffered a blow when former captain Leitch was red-carded 10 minutes before the break for a dangerous tackle on Samoa’s So’otala Fa’aso’o.

Japan flank Kazuki Himeno said it was “disappointing” that the Brave Blossoms could not shake off the mental effects of Leitch’s dismissal.

Japan’s Kubota Spears rugby club grateful to host Mapusua and Manu Samoa side

The club hosted the Manu Samoa head coach and his side for a training session at their ground ahead of their pre-rugby world cup game against Japan this Saturday.

The club posted on their official Twitter page saying “The Samoan national team, who is currently in Japan for the match against the Japanese national team that will be held this weekend, will practice at the Kubota Funabashi ground.”

“HC Seilala Mapua played for the Kubota Spears in the 2011-13 season #Spears Family.”

Japan gifts new police patrol boat to Samoa

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and Japanese Ambassador Keisuke Senta marked the launching of the boat with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Consecrated and named The Tilafaiga, the boat is valued at more than half a million US dollars.

According to the Japanese Government, the boat will help ensure the maritime safety of its neighbours and ocean territory.

     

Four killed in shooting and stabbing attack central Japan

The alleged assailant was said to have stabbed a woman, before firing a hunting rifle to kill two policemen in the city of Nakano, Nagano prefecture. A fourth death was later confirmed.

BBC reports the suspect is the son of the city assembly's speaker, local media say.

Gun violence remains extremely rare in Japan, despite the killing of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July last year.

Japan street piano confiscated after public 'break rules'

The local council in Kakogawa placed a piano inside the area's main railway station in November.

Authorities hoped residents would respond to a global trend that has seen a huge rise in street pianos.

But officials were disappointed by apparent rule-breaking, such as people playing for too long or singing.

In law-abiding Japan, some directives were laid out for the piano's use. Officials insisted that users should disinfect their hands before playing, that performances should be kept to 10 minutes and that people should avoid voice accompaniment.

Four-nations Rugby Challenge to return for first time since 2020

The tournament returns for the first time since 2020 due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.

RNZ Pacific reports National 'A' teams of Fiji, Japan, Tonga and Samoa will battle for the title.

It is the first time in 13 years that Samoa has hosted a World Rugby tournament - the last being the Pacific Nations Cup in Apia in 2010.

"We are excited to be hosting this event in Samoa after the last three years of the pandemic but also a start on what is an exciting year for rugby in our region heading towards Rugby World Cup in France.