Ed Odeven News Today

Hiromitsu Kadota slugged 567 home runs in his 23-year career before retiring in 1992 as one of NPB's greatest power hitters. He passed away on January 24.

"Being in this series for 13 years, I have fantastic memories in a full-time (ride)," Takuma Sato said, "and I think I'm very fortunate to still be racing."

Equinox, a 3-year-old colt, galloped to victories in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Arima Kinen, securing the top individual honor for a Japanese thoroughbred.

Hiroaki Oyagi led Komazawa to eight Hakone Ekiden titles. He finished his final season at the helm with victories in Japan's three premier college ekiden races.

A trio of Beijing Olympic gold medals, Roki Sasaki's perfect game and boxer Naoya Inoue's success were among 2022's defining sports highlights for Japan.

Thank you for following JAPAN Forward and our dedicated sports site, SportsLook. Let's look back at the five favorites of 2022's Top 20 sports stories.

Thank you for reading JAPAN Forward in 2022. Let's take a look at what other readers defined as Real Issues, Real Voices, and the Real Japan this year. This is the next five in 2022's top 25 on JAPAN Forward: 10-6

Thank you for reading JAPAN Forward in 2022. Let's take a look at what other readers defined as Real Issues, Real Voices, and the Real Japan this year. This is the top 25, starting with 25 - 21.

Thank you for following JAPAN Forward and our dedicated sports site, SportsLook for sports coverage in 2022. Let's look back at 2022’s Top 20 sports stories.

Mostly inactive since the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, Shohei Ono is reportedly on the verge of beginning preparations next year for a coaching career.