In the dynamic realm of sports, where talent transcends borders and stories of perseverance inspire a global audience, Japanese athletes have carved their own indelible mark. As we reflect on the past year, it's with great excitement and pride that we present the top 20 sports stories that captivated readers on our website, each unraveling the tales of extraordinary feats, triumphs, and the indomitable spirit of Japan's athletic stars.
From the adrenaline-fueled arenas to the quieter moments of personal victories, these articles encapsulate the essence of athleticism, cultural pride, and the unyielding dedication that defines Japanese sportsmanship. Join us as we revisit the stories that resonated most with our readers, celebrating the prowess and resilience of Japanese athletes who have become icons on both domestic and international stages.
We express our gratitude to you, our readers, for making these the top 20 sports stories in 2023.
Editor's note: To provide readers with a broader and more enriching experience, showcasing diverse achievements and narratives of Japanese athletes, we've consolidated the always-popular Ice Time into a single entry where appropriate. This decision was made to avoid excessive repetition, given its slew of top 20 placements.
Numbers 15 - 11
15. Masataka Yoshida Earns AL Player of the Week Award
By: Ed Odeven
Boston Red Sox slugger Masataka Yoshida batted .480 (12-for-25) in six games from May 1-7. His 16-game hitting streak ended two days later.
14. Sumo Wrestling's Solid Foundation in the UK and Europe
By: Colin Morrison
Sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan. The ancient martial art may look mysterious to those not familiar with its history and significance in Japanese culture. But to some, the sport is intriguing.
Sumo has crossed the oceans, with much of the interest in it coming from the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.
13. Rejuvenated Terunofuji Celebrates 8th Emperor's Cup in Style
By: Jim Armstrong
Lone yokozuna Terunofuji easily defeated Takakeisho on the final day of the Summer Basho to cap a successful comeback to the raised ring.
12. Shoma Uno Wins Second Straight World Title Despite Free Skate Struggles
By: Jack Gallagher
Although he wasn't at his best, Shoma Uno showed the heart of a champion, finding a way to win. His strong program component scores helped lead him to victory.
11. Kao Miura Going for Gold at World Junior Championships, 2026 Olympics
By: Jack Gallagher
Miura made it clear that he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Yuzuru Hanyu, the superstar he looked up to as a young boy, and win the Olympic gold medal.
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