Scene of Japan Practice in Bonn

Scene of Japan Practice in Bonn

BONN, Germany - Japan coach Zico (L) chats with Japan Football Association captain, Saburo Kawaguchi, before Japan squad's official practice in Bonn on June 13.

Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko meet with World Cup members

Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko meet with World Cup members

TOKYO, Japan - Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, a goalkeeper for Japan's squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, leaves the Imperial Palace in Tokyo by car on May 16 after a meeting with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. The imperial couple invited to the palace coach Zico, Saburo Kawabuchi, president of the Japan Football Association, and four players from the Japanese team.

Basketball: Supremo Kawabuchi lauds B-League launch, warns of future

Basketball: Supremo Kawabuchi lauds B-League launch, warns of future

Photo taken in June 2016 shows B-League Chairman Masaaki Okawa (L) and Saburo Kawabuchi, the new Japanese basketball league's executive adviser, hold a letter reading "dream" in Tokyo. Kawaguchi declared the Sept. 22 opening of the league a "huge success" but warned it has plenty of work ahead to become a respected international competition. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko meet with World Cup members

Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko meet with World Cup members

TOKYO, Japan - Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, a goalkeeper for Japan's squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, leaves the Imperial Palace in Tokyo by car on May 16 after a meeting with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. The imperial couple invited to the palace coach Zico, Saburo Kawabuchi, president of the Japan Football Association, and four players from the Japanese team. (Kyodo)