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![[JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Hiromitsu Kadota Carved Out a Hall of Fame Career with Talent and Grit - Vimarsana News](https://japan-forward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Kadota-JSN-0129.jpg)
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.
![[JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Takuma Sato Joins Chip Ganassi Racing in a Part-Time Role for 2023 - Vimarsana News](https://japan-forward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sato-Detroit-GP-2022.jpg)
"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."
![[JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Equinox is the Japan Racing Association's 2022 Horse of the Year - Vimarsana News](https://japan-forward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Equinox-ArimaKinen-0115.jpg)
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.
![[JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Hakone Ekiden Triumph Fulfills Triple Crown Quest for Komazawa Coach - Vimarsana News](https://japan-forward.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-ekiden6-0108-scaled-e1673162627880.jpg)
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.
![[ODDS and EVENS] 2022's Defining Sports Highlights for Japan - Vimarsana News](https://japan-forward.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sasaki-1231.jpg)
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.