Olympics: Japan joins in Olympic opening ceremony, Kato carries flag
February 10, 2006Japan, with high hopes of improving on its woeful showing of four years ago, joined 79 countries at a fiery opening ceremony of the 20th Winter Olympic Games on Friday. Speed skater and gold medal prospect Joji Kato led the delegation, Japan's largest-ever team to be sent to an overseas Winter Olympics, into the Stadio Olimpico, the same venue used for the 1934 FIFA World Cup formerly known as Comunale stadium.
Soccer: Zico welcomes U.S. test but shame about the stadium
February 10, 2006Japan coach Zico says the Asian champions are ready for their first game of World Cup year away to the United States on Friday. He just wishes it wasn't being played at a baseball stadium. Japan will face the Americans in the friendly at SBC Park, the home of major league baseball team the San Francisco Giants, with the venue staging a soccer match for the first time.
Olympics: Japan's snowboarders ready for action
February 10, 2006Kazuhiro Kokubo was in a confident mood and determined to return to Japan from the Turin Olympics in high spirits as Japan's snowboarders spoke to the media on Thursday. ''I want people to prepare themselves for a Kokubo full course,'' said Kokubo, who has emerged as a halfpipe medal candidate in Turin following two World Cup victories this winter.
Olympics: 8 Olympic skiers suspended due to high hemoglobin levels
February 10, 2006The International Ski Federation (FIS) said Thursday eight Olympic cross country and Nordic combined skiers were suspended for five days after they were found to have excessive levels of hemoglobin. No Japanese athletes were among the eight suspended following tests on Wednesday.