Asian Games: Softball

Asian Games: Softball

Japan players give manager Reika Utsugi (C) a victory toss after defeating China in the women's softball gold-medal game at the Asian Games in Shaoxing, China, on Oct. 2, 2023.

Asian Games: Softball

Asian Games: Softball

Reika Utsugi, manager of the Japanese women's softball team, is pictured ahead of the gold-medal game against China during the Asian Games in Shaoxing, China, on Oct. 2, 2023.

Japan defeated by U.S., 3-game series tied at one apiece

Japan defeated by U.S., 3-game series tied at one apiece

SENDAI, Japan, June 24 Kyodo - Japan manager Reika Utsugi (far R) and players look disappointed after losing to the United States 5-4 at Shellcom Sendai stadium in northeastern Japan on June 24, 2017. The United States tied the three-game series 1-1.

(2)Utsugi hits winner as Japan secures softball medal

(2)Utsugi hits winner as Japan secures softball medal

ATHENS, Greece - Reika Utsugi (L) is greeted by team head coach Taeko Utsugi (R) after doubling home the winning run in the top of the eighth inning in a softball tournament match at Olympic against China at Softball Stadium on Aug. 22. Japan edged China 1-0 to guarantee themselves a medal.

Utsugi greets team after 2-1 win over New Zealand

Utsugi greets team after 2-1 win over New Zealand

SYDNEY, Australia - Veteran Reika Utsugi (No. 28) reaches to shake hands with pitcher Taeko Ishikawa and first baseman Noriko Yamaji after Japan defeated New Zealand 2-1 on Sept. 23 to finish the Olympic softball preliminary tournament with a perfect 7-0 record.

China-born Utsugi shakes hands with old teammates

China-born Utsugi shakes hands with old teammates

SYDNEY, Australia - China-born Reika Utsugi (R) shakes hands with members of her old team on Sept. 18 after Japan took a hard fought 3-1 victory from China in a preliminary game of the softball tournament at the Sydney Olympics. China blocked her hopes of playing for Japan at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in an eligibility dispute that has since been resolved.

Japanese delegation marches in Asian Games' opening ceremony

Japanese delegation marches in Asian Games' opening ceremony

The Japanese delegation marches in the opening ceremony of the 13th Asian Games held at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Dec. 6. Chinese-born softball player Reika Utsugi (R) carried the flag of her adopted country in front of 320 members of the 800-strong delegation.

Japan's flag bearer arrives in Bangkok

Japan's flag bearer arrives in Bangkok

Reika Utsugi (L), who will carry the Japanese flag at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games on Dec. 6, smiles at reporters on arrival at Bangkok international airport Friday Dec. 4. 'This event has a special meaning for me as the flag bearer for Japan,' said Utsugi, a 35-year-old Chinese-born player who obtained Japanese citizenship in 1995.

Japan's delegation for Asian Games launched

Japan's delegation for Asian Games launched

Reika Utsugi, Chinese-born softball player (4th from L), receives on Nov. 30 the Japanese flag (3rd from L) in a ceremony bringing together the Japanese delegation for the 13th Asian Games at a Tokyo hotel. She will carry the flag at the opening ceremony of the 15-day game.

China-born Utsugi shakes hands with old teammates

China-born Utsugi shakes hands with old teammates

SYDNEY, Australia - China-born Reika Utsugi (R) shakes hands with members of her old team on Sept. 18 after Japan took a hard fought 3-1 victory from China in a preliminary game of the softball tournament at the Sydney Olympics. China blocked her hopes of playing for Japan at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in an eligibility dispute that has since been resolved.

(2)Utsugi hits winner as Japan secures softball medal

(2)Utsugi hits winner as Japan secures softball medal

ATHENS, Greece - Reika Utsugi (L) is greeted by team head coach Taeko Utsugi (R) after doubling home the winning run in the top of the eighth inning in a softball tournament match at Olympic against China at Softball Stadium on Aug. 22. Japan edged China 1-0 to guarantee themselves a medal. (Kyodo)

Utsugi greets team after 2-1 win over New Zealand

Utsugi greets team after 2-1 win over New Zealand

SYDNEY, Australia - Veteran Reika Utsugi (No. 28) reaches to shake hands with pitcher Taeko Ishikawa and first baseman Noriko Yamaji after Japan defeated New Zealand 2-1 on Sept. 23 to finish the Olympic softball preliminary tournament with a perfect 7-0 record.

Japan's flag bearer arrives in Bangkok

Japan's flag bearer arrives in Bangkok

Reika Utsugi (L), who will carry the Japanese flag at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games on Dec. 6, smiles at reporters on arrival at Bangkok international airport Friday Dec. 4. 'This event has a special meaning for me as the flag bearer for Japan,' said Utsugi, a 35-year-old Chinese-born player who obtained Japanese citizenship in 1995. ==Kyodo