Japan

Ngani Laumape continues to shine in Japan

In his second appearance for the club against Hanazono Kintetsu Liners the 29-year-old bulldozed his way to a hat-trick of tries to announce his arrival in Japan with a man-of-the-match showing.

His first of the day against the Liners was a typical piece of power running from Laumape, taking a direct carry off the scrum and powering through multiple defenders before reaching out to score.

The Kintetsu Liners struggled to contain the former All Black as his destructive running laid the platform for a 58-36 win for the two-time Japan League champions.

Richie Mo'unga, Shannon Frizell to join Japanese club from 2024

The two All Blacks will then join Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, who are coached by ex-New Zealand captain Todd Blackadder, the Japanese club said today.

Under New Zealand Rugby rules, Mo'unga and Frizell, both 28, will not be eligible to play for the All Blacks while in Japan. The duo are set to join the club after next year's Rugby World Cup in France.

Frizell has made 25 appearances for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2018. He has also played 57 games for the Highlanders.

Croatia win shootout over Japan

Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma and Maya Yoshida were all denied by Livakovic before Mario Pasalic coolly sent Japan keeper Shuichi Gonda the wrong way to set up a last-eight date for the Croatians with Brazil or South Korea on Saturday morning (NZ time).

Reuters reports three times in the knockout rounds in Russia four years ago Croatia came from behind to advance after extra time before losing to France in the final.

Dolphin bite swimmers in Japan

According to local media, at least one man was taken to hospital on Thursday after encountering the sea mammal.

Japanese officials believe the same dolphin is responsible for at least six related attacks so far this summer.

While dolphins are not usually aggressive to humans, hostility towards swimmers is not unheard of.

Japan executes Akihabara mass murderer, say reports

Tomohiro Kato committed one of the most shocking mass murders in the country's recent history.

He was 25 when he drove a truck into a lunch-time crowd of pedestrians at Akihabara shopping district, killing three people.

He then stabbed passers-by with a dagger, killing four and wounding eight.

He was apprehended by police at the scene and later admitted his crimes in his trial, saying he had been angered by online bullying.

Vanuatu’s Luganville Est School receives new buildings

The buildings accommodate four classrooms and two offices and it comes with a 6000 litre rain water tank.

Samsen said, “Vanuatu is exposed to various natural disasters so it is essential for our schools to build strong and resilient buildings. It will guarantee education continuity in times of disasters and offer a safe and secure learning environment to our children.”

Ambassador Chiba Hirohisa, said, “Japan believes that education or human resources development has the vital importance for countries, including Vanuatu, in their nation building.”

Japan reopens to tourists - but with strict rules

She has paid more than £3,500 ($4,390) for a 16-day tour, as under the country's Covid-19 restrictions she is not allowed to roam around on her own.

But Ms Ronayne, who lives in the UK, is still keen to make the trip.

"This will be my first time in Japan and also my first time in Asia. I am looking forward to it. I have been watching [Japanese reality TV show] Terrace House to learn some phrases," she said.

Upset win for Japan

The Wallaroos performance was full of errors, while the Japanese success was based on some outstanding defence.

Both sides scored two tries with Australia having the chance to steal the result late in the game but normally reliable goal kicker Lori Cramer missed a penalty attempt in the 77th minute.

The result will improve the world ranking for the Japanese who are currently ranked 12.

The Japanese also beat Fiji 28-14 earlier in the series.

Japan donates VT20M to Vanuatu for 2 projects

Ambassador Chiba Hirohisa signed the contract remotely with the Minister of Education and Training,  Samson Samsen, for "The Project for Upgrading of Showground Primary School" totaling over VT 16 million on 16 March 2022.

The project will support the construction of a new school building with relevant educational facilities to assist the students and teachers of the school in Luganville, Espiritu Santo.

Earthquake jolts Japan's northeast coast

There were some reports of fire, the government said, and a number of people sustained injuries, but none of those immediately appeared serious. Public broadcaster NHK said one person had died.

The quake on Wednesday was felt in Tokyo, some 275km away, where the shaking of buildings was long and pronounced. Hundreds of thousands of homes in the capital were plunged into darkness for an hour or more, although power was fully restored by the early hours of Thursday morning.