Japanese athletes join Closing Ceremony for Sochi Olympics

Japanese athletes join Closing Ceremony for Sochi Olympics

SOCHI, Russia - Japanese figure skater Daisuke Takahashi (2nd from R) poses with members of Japanese women's short track skating team Sayuri Shimizu (L), Biba Sakurai (2nd from L) and Moemi Kikuchi during the Closing Ceremony for the Winter Olympics at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 23, 2014.

Naito retains WBC flyweight title

Naito retains WBC flyweight title

TOKYO, Japan - WBC flyweight champion Daisuke Naito celebrates after retaining his title for the third time by knocking out Tomonobu Shimizu in the 10th round of their match at Yoyogi national gymnasium in Tokyo on July 30.

(5)23 members of Japan's World Cup squad

(5)23 members of Japan's World Cup squad

TOKYO, Japan - (From L to R) Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers), Junichi Inamoto (Arsenal), Shinji Ono (Feyenoord) and Daisuke Ichikawa (Shimizu S-Pulse).

(1)Japanese team returns home after 2-0 victory over Poland

(1)Japanese team returns home after 2-0 victory over Poland

NARITA, Japan - Shimizu S-Pulse midfielder Daisuke Ichikawa arrives at Narita airport March 29 after playing in an international friendly match in Lodz on March 27. Ichikawa, who supplied Naohiro Takahara for a goal after assisting Hidetoshi Nakata's 10th-minute strike, said his cross had worked to perfection.

Hakuryo beats Asahikawa to makes round of 8 at Koshien

Hakuryo beats Asahikawa to makes round of 8 at Koshien

NISHINOMIYA, Japan - Daisuke Shimizu, a pitcher for Hakuryo of Chiba Prefecture, shuts out Asahikawa Jitugyo of Hokkaido on the 11th day of the 81st National High School Baseball Tournament at Koshien Stadium on Aug. 18. Shimizu struck out 15 opposing batters during the game. Hakuryo defeated Asahikawa 6-0 to make the round of eight in the tournament.

Naito retains WBC flyweight title

Naito retains WBC flyweight title

TOKYO, Japan - WBC flyweight champion Daisuke Naito celebrates after retaining his title for the third time by knocking out Tomonobu Shimizu in the 10th round of their match at Yoyogi national gymnasium in Tokyo on July 30. (Kyodo)

(5)23 members of Japan's World Cup squad

(5)23 members of Japan's World Cup squad

TOKYO, Japan - (From L to R) Mitsuo Ogasawara (Kashima Antlers), Junichi Inamoto (Arsenal), Shinji Ono (Feyenoord) and Daisuke Ichikawa (Shimizu S-Pulse).

(1)Japanese team returns home after 2-0 victory over Poland

(1)Japanese team returns home after 2-0 victory over Poland

NARITA, Japan - Shimizu S-Pulse midfielder Daisuke Ichikawa arrives at Narita airport March 29 after playing in an international friendly match in Lodz on March 27. Ichikawa, who supplied Naohiro Takahara for a goal after assisting Hidetoshi Nakata's 10th-minute strike, said his cross had worked to perfection.

Hakuryo beats Asahikawa to makes round of 8 at Koshien

Hakuryo beats Asahikawa to makes round of 8 at Koshien

NISHINOMIYA, Japan - Daisuke Shimizu, a pitcher for Hakuryo of Chiba Prefecture, shuts out Asahikawa Jitugyo of Hokkaido on the 11th day of the 81st National High School Baseball Tournament at Koshien Stadium on Aug. 18. Shimizu struck out 15 opposing batters during the game. Hakuryo defeated Asahikawa 6-0 to make the round of eight in the tournament.