Sports

With Japanese students falling in the global education rankings, officials may well be worried about the apparent slide in standards; however, they can at least comfort themselves in the knowledge that students aren’t simply spending their supposed study time staring out of the window or surreptitiously sending text messages, as instead they are painstakingly perfecting their pen spinning prowess.

A point that is possibly proven by, amongst other things, the presence of the Pen Spinning Association Japan, the plethora of paraphernalia one can purchase,

and the recent competition held by the aforementioned organisation in Tokyo over the weekend.

The rather aptly named Pen Spinning Tournament Japan was eventually won by 16-year-old Ryuki Omura, after the finalists were whittled down to a dextrous 276 die-hards, and then a far more frugal 16 for the final day.

A relative newcomer to the sport, young Omura apparently hadn’t picked up a pen for anything other than conventional purposes until 14 months ago, but a quick perusal of his performance that is available here proves that he is either naturally gifted, or his grades have disastrously took a dive, meaning he may have far more time in the future to practice than his mother presumably planned on.

Still, at least he won, whereas this failed finalist will probably receive only a repetitive stress injury for all his rehearsals.

Watching live sports in the middle of winter can be less than comfortable to say the least, with frozen extremities being far from fun. But rather than attempting to counter such consequences with large amounts of lager and a half-time fist fight, some Japanese rugby fans can now opt to keep warm in the cosy comfort of a kotatsu.

The Kintetsu Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka offering a table for four at the relatively temperate price of 12,000 yen (105 dollars).

With the added enticement of a free bowl of udon. Which is a bonus,

Of sorts.

”My main job is beach volleyball. I get frustrated when someone says I am not as good at beach volleyball as I am as a TV personality.”

Japanese star Miwa Asao’s irritation at not being taken seriously as a sportswoman.

Whilst 21-year-old Miwa Asao may well have made numerous television appearances, released a DVD that has sold over 20,000 copies and a book of photographs that has been even more successful, it’s perhaps predictable that Japan’s shallow and celebrity obsessed media is intent on peddling titillation instead of talent.

A situation that understandably irritates the young lady in question, especially as she has dedicated so much time honing her skills in such an honourable sport. Something that surely shouldn’t be overshadowed just because she happens to look rather good in a bikini.

A situation that Tokyo Times will in some way try to rectify. As instead of gratuitous shots of Asao-san suggestively sprawled out on the beach wearing next to nothing, here’s one of her doing what she does best. Which is playing volleyball.

Apparently.

With club membership fees costing a colossal amount of money, the average salary man is unlikely to be whiling away every weekend on the golf course; however a large number of decidedly less exclusive driving ranges means that the option of going out and hitting a few balls is always open.

Yet whether its clobbering balls from inside a cage, or careering round the course in a cart, looking the part is paramount in Japan, so sensible slacks and a pastel-coloured Pringle polo are de rigueur. And it’s not just clothing either, as having the right equipment is considered equally important — regardless of the expense.

But even such meticulous preparation doesn’t guarantee success, and for the Japanese golfer who is struggling to get his club up and down, feels his shaft may not be stiff enough, or simply needs his balls gripped firmly, these bikini girl golf tees could be ideal.

A set of these supposedly sexy girls no doubt doing a roaring trade on online retailer Rakuten, where 4 can be bought for 2,730 yen (22 dollar). A purchase that may well have players confidently whacking off from the tee in no time.

(via the always jam-packed Japan Sugoi)