Figure skater Ando donates Y2 million to UNICEF from wristband sales
December 26, 2005Figure skater Miki Ando on Monday donated 2 million yen to UNICEF, made through the sales of wristbands she designs. Ando visited UNICEF House to present a certificate making the donation official. Ando designed the Twinkle Band to raise money for...
Yanagisawa wants to return to Kashima
December 26, 2005Japan striker Atsushi Yanagisawa told Kashima Antlers officials Monday that he wants to return to the J-League first-division club from Italian Serie A side Messina. "I told them that I play for Kashima again and I'll leave the rest to negotiation...
Zico names squad for U.S. game
December 26, 2005Japan coach Zico has brought back injury-prone Yokohama F Marinos striker Tatsuhiko Kubo to his party while calling up Sanfrecce Hiroshima forward Hisato Sato and Urawa Reds midfielder Makoto Hasebe for the first time. Kubo and Sato are among the...
Kiyohara ready to start anew with Orix
December 26, 2005Veteran slugger Kazuhiro Kiyohara said Monday he is ready to make a fresh start in his career with the Orix Buffaloes and determined to help his new team win a championship. "I'm ready to take a new step forward. I've savored the taste of winning...
Softbank offers Matsunaka multiyear deal
December 26, 2005The Softbank Hawks offered slugger Nobuhiko Matsunaka a new multiyear deal Monday but the Pacific League home run and RBI king said he needs more time to decide on his future. Sources close to the talks between both sides said Softbank is hoping t...
Yano signs 2-year deal with Hanshin
December 26, 2005Hanshin Tigers catcher Akihiro Yano, who had declared free agency but opted to remain with the Central League champions, signed a two-year contract carrying an estimated annual salary of 220 million yen on Monday. The new deal represents a 50 mill...
Takahashi, Yuasa headed to Turin
December 26, 2005The Ski Association of Japan added Nordic combined ace Daito Takahashi and slalom specialist Naoki Yuasa on Monday to the list of Japanese skiers competing in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Turin with six other athletes. Takahashi will make...
Carrasco joins Softbank
December 26, 2005The Softbank Hawks announced Monday the acquisition of right-hander Daniel Carrasco, who has agreed on a two-year contract with the Pacific League club. The deal is worth about 500 million yen, including a signing bonus, club officials said. Carra...