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Tag: Tokyo

  • Isreal Okon wins Heat 6 in Tokyo, targets final spot

    Isreal Okon wins Heat 6 in Tokyo, targets final spot

    Nigerian sprinter Isreal Okon delivered an impressive performance on Saturday, winning Heat 6 at the ongoing athletics competition in Tokyo and advancing to the next round.

    Speaking in an interview with SportingLife after the race, Okon said the win was a result of hard work and determination.

    “Winning Heat 6 today feels incredible. I’ve worked so hard to get to this stage, and crossing that finish line first was a moment of pure joy and relief. The competition here is fierce, and to come out on top shows that my training and focus are paying off,” he said.

    Okon also praised the energy in Tokyo and expressed pride in representing Nigeria on the international stage.

    “Tokyo has such an electric atmosphere, and I’m grateful to be part of it and represent my country with pride,” he added.

    Looking ahead, the sprinter said his main goal is to perform at his best and qualify for the final.

    “This competition is about pushing my limits, learning from every run, and showing the world what Nigerian athletes are capable of. I’m aiming to make history here and inspire the next generation back home,” he said.

    In response to recent controversies surrounding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), particularly regarding clothing and preparation, Okon called for unity and focus.

    Read Also: AFN Invites athletes for Africa U18 , U20 Championships

    “I believe that while the concerns around clothing and preparation are valid, what really matters is the unity and spirit with which we approach these challenges. The AFN and all stakeholders should take these voices seriously and work together to ensure we have the best support possible,” he stated.

    He also thanked Nigerians for their continued support, describing it as a key source of motivation throughout the competition.

    “To all Nigerians watching at home, I want to say thank you for your endless support and prayers. Keep believing in us, because your energy fuels our drive on the track. Stay proud, stay united, and keep encouraging us—together, we can achieve greatness.”

    Isreal Okon will return to the track later this week as the competition continues.

  • Duplantis unfazed by late world champs in Tokyo

    Duplantis unfazed by late world champs in Tokyo

    Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis insisted he was unfazed by the lateness of the world championships in Tokyo, the September 13-21 event bringing the curtain down on a gruelling season.

    The championships are generally held in August, with the exception of the 2019 edition in Doha, where it was pushed back to the last week of September in a bid to beat the suffocating heat in the Gulf state.

    The 2027 world champs in Beijing will also be held in September.

    But the unflappable double Olympic champion, speaking in Monaco ahead of Friday’s Diamond League meet, the 10th of the 15-meet elite circuit, put any fears of burnout in what is one of track and field’s toughest events to one side.

    “I usually get better as the season goes on,” maintained Duplantis, calling the worlds the “peak”.

    “I’ve had a lot of my best competitions in September, in the middle of September, like when we’re going to have the world championships.”

    The worlds, Duplantis added, were a “super physical event”.

    “You have to be physically primed. But also it’s very technical, and it’s very specific timing that you have to have in feeling with the pole.

    Read Also: Turkish Airlines expands global presence with new Lounge in Tokyo

    “So competitions are very necessary, and you need that to be really sharp and on point on everything.

    “So I still have a nice series of competitions leading up to it, but of course I want the peak to be Tokyo,” he said, adding he would take four weeks off after Monaco before re-focusing on the latter end of the season.

    Duplantis, with 39 Diamond League victories to his name, finished fourth and second in his two previous outings in Monaco, something the ultimate competitor was fully aware of.

    “I feel like I have a little something bubbling to prove here,” said the 25-year-old, adding he would be targeting the meet record of 6.02m at the Stade Louis II.

    “I want to have every meeting record, I guess, and I feel that this is one of the ones that is missing.”

    Wherever and whenever Duplantis competes, the weight of expectation is for another tilt at a world record.

    That currently stands at 6.28m, Duplantis having delighted a home crowd in Stockholm three weeks ago, the 12th time he has improved the world record.

    Duplantis insisted, however, that improving that mark was always a factor he took into consideration.

    “I take what the day gives me because I feel like when I’m in good shape and everything lines up, I have good conditions and a lot of the controllable from my side line up, I have the confidence that I’m capable of it on the given day if the form’s there,” he said.

    “I feel like right now I’m jumping quite well. Of course I proved that a couple of weeks ago and just recently I’ve been jumping really high.

    “If it’s good conditions and I feel good physically and feel like I have a good rhythm on the runway then I feel like I go into almost every competition with that mentality that I’m trying to at least attempt or push the world record.

    “It will be no different tomorrow.”

    Duplantis said his approach to vaulting was simple and not overly technical.

    “I’m just trying to incorporate as much speed as I possibly can, while still being able to control the last few steps before take-off and still be in the position and still be able to control it.

    “I just really try to hammer the run and the takeoff. Everything that happens after that, it’s super specific, but it’s kind of like riding a bicycle.”

  • Tokyo stock market soars following Trump’s  suspension of new tariffs

    Tokyo stock market soars following Trump’s  suspension of new tariffs

    Tokyo’s stock market rallied sharply on Thursday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of suspension of newly-imposed tariffs.

    Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index jumped 2,664.62 points or 8.4per cent, reaching 34,378.65 points about an hour into morning trading.

    The surge came after Trump took a step back from his international trade conflict, on Wednesday, announcing a 90-day pause on some tariffs that just came into force.

    Read Also: Turkish Airlines expands global presence with new Lounge in Tokyo

    In spite of the suspension, a universal customs rate of 10 per cent would apply during the three-month break, Trump had said.

    Meanwhile, tariffs on goods from Japan’s neighbour, China, were raised further to 125 per cent.

    U.S. stocks recorded a sharp recovery on Wednesday.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Turkish Airlines expands global presence with new Lounge in Tokyo

    Turkish Airlines expands global presence with new Lounge in Tokyo

    Turkish Airlines, renowned for flying to more countries than any other airline, has elevated its global presence with the opening of its largest overseas lounge at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. 

    The new facility, located in Terminal 1 South Wing, Satellite 4, Gate 47, marks the seventh lounge opened by the flag carrier outside its home base, reinforcing its commitment to world-class hospitality and service excellence.

    Spanning an impressive total area of approximately 1,500 m² upon completion of its second phase, the lounge currently welcomes passengers in an initial 800 m² space. 

    This first phase comfortably accommodates up to 105 guests and operates daily from 7:30 AM to 9:45 PM. 

    Access is extended to Miles&Smiles Elite Plus and Elite cardholders, Miles&Smiles Elite Corporate cardholders, Star Alliance Gold members, and Business and First Class passengers traveling with Star Alliance member airlines.

    At the opening ceremony, Turkish Airlines VP of Sales Far East & Oceania, Ümit Develi, said:“We are glad to open our largest overseas lounge at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, offering our guests a space that harmonizes Turkish hospitality with Japanese elegance, symbolizing over a century of close relations between our nations. 

    “Turkish Airlines Lounge at Narita International Airport reflects our dedication to enhancing the travel experience and further strengthening our presence in the Asia-Pacific region.”

    President & CEO of Narita International Airport Corporation, Mr. Akihiko Tamura, said: “We sincerely appreciate the establishment of the lounge at Narita Airport. Turkish Airlines has greatly contributed to the expansion of Narita Airport’s network, and we are truly honored that you have chosen Narita Airport as the location for your second lounge in Asia. With Turkish Airlines’ world-class route network connecting the entire globe, the opening of your lounge will enable us to provide even greater value to our passengers. We wish Turkish Airlines continued success and look forward to further enhancing Narita Airport’s capabilities while growing together in partnership.”

    Read Also: Nigeria must turn debt into economic asset – Shettima 

    Designed with luxury and comfort in mind, the lounge offers a variety of upscale amenities aimed at elevating the passenger experience. Guests are treated to a buffet-style selection featuring Turkish, Japanese, and Far Eastern cuisines. A standout offering is the Turkish pide oven—unique among lounges outside Istanbul—that serves freshly baked pide during lunch and dinner. Additional amenities include dedicated relaxation areas, daybeds with views of the apron, a VIP room for added privacy, shower rooms, accessible restrooms, and a baby care room to ensure comprehensive passenger needs are met.

    Connectivity is also a priority, with complimentary Wi-Fi, real-time flight information screens, and a dedicated workspace available for travelers. The lounge’s design is a testament to Turkish Airlines’ commitment to artistry and culture, featuring traditional Turkish marbling art and a nod to iconic local landmarks, including an entrance motif inspired by Mount Fuji.

    With this new addition, Turkish Airlines now operates seven exclusive lounges at international airports around the globe, including locations in Nairobi, Moscow, Miami, Washington, Bangkok, and New York. Each lounge underscores the airline’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and the warm touch of Turkish hospitality, ensuring a seamless travel experience across its expansive global network.

  • Anxiety over ex-Oyo NURTW leader Tokyo’s health

    Anxiety over ex-Oyo NURTW leader Tokyo’s health

    There was anxiety in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital last night over the health of a former leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state Alh. Lateef Akinsola (aka Tokyo).

    Akinsola was reported to have died earlier in the day with sympathizers trooping to his Akobo, Ibadan house for condolence.

    But one of his sons, whose name could not be confirmed, told The Nation that the report was untrue. Instead of giving details of his father’s situation, he sent a video recorded by ace Fuji star King Wasiu Ayinde to our reporter.

    Read Also: Economy: Subsidy beneficiaries, smugglers fighting back, says Tinubu

    The Fuji superstar debunked the report as unfounded in a solo praise of Akinsola, who is one of his famous fans in Ibadan.

    Officials of the union in the state were unavailable for comments.

    A source with knowledge of Tokyo’s Akobo community, however, disclosed that the former union leader was dead, insisting that mourners thronged his house in the evening.

  • Anxiety over ex-Oyo NURTW leader Tokyo’s health

    Anxiety over ex-Oyo NURTW leader Tokyo’s health

    There was anxiety in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Saturday night over the health of a former leader of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)  Alh. Lateef Akinsola (aka Tokyo).

    Akinsola was reported to have died earlier in the day with sympathisers trooping to his Akobo, Ibadan house for condolence.

    But one of his sons, whose name could not be confirmed, told The Nation that the report was untrue.

    Instead of giving details of his father’s situation, he sent a video recorded by ace Fuji star King Wasiu Ayinde to our reporter.

    Read Also: Speaker Abbas, Deputy mourn Olubadan

    The Fuji super star debunked the report as unfounded in a solo praise of Akinsola, who is one of his famous fans in Ibadan.

    Officials of the union in the state were unavailable for comments.

    A source with knowledge of Tokyo’s Akobo community, however, disclosed that the former union leader was dead, insisting that mourners thronged his house in the evening.

  • Olympics: Robots to takeover Tokyo Airport in 2020

    Olympics: Robots to takeover Tokyo Airport in 2020

     

    Visitors to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics can expect to arrive at an airport “scattered” with robots to help them, an official said Tuesday as he unveiled seven new machines to perform tasks from helping with luggage to language assistance.

    Among the seven robots on show was a fluffy cat mascot that can carry out simultaneous interpretation in four different languages.

    Visitors speak into a furry microphone, and translations appear instantly on a smart screen.

    Travellers may also be approached by a small white humanoid robot, Cinnamon, asking if they need its help.

    The sleek white robot can converse with visitors through its AI system and give directions.

    Another robot on display can carry luggage through the airport alongside the traveller.

    Yutaka Kuratomi, a representative from the Japan Airport Terminal, hopes that by 2020, the terminals will be “scattered with robots”, and it will be “normal” to see visitors communicating with machines.

    They are also aimed especially at foreign visitors, who already have high expectations that Japan will show off its world-beating technology in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

    “We want foreign tourists to think that the Japanese people are cool when they come here,” Kuratomi told AFP.

    The launch of the robots also comes as Japan grapples with a labour shortage against the backdrop of an ageing population.

    With Tokyo hosting the 2020 Olympics, Haneda Airport is bracing for a sharp increase in visitors from abroad and hopes robots can compensate for a lack of staff.

    The robots will be on a trial for a month at Haneda from January 9.

     

     

     

     

     

  • World Red Cross day

    World Red Cross day

    I sat on a sofa in my living room trying to put words together for my article on world Red Cross day but my very busy mind kept failing me. I eventually found consolation by chewing on my pen, lost in thoughts that were unrelated to the subject matter before me.

    A few moments after, i heard the news about a family of five who were involved in a fatal accident; they would have all died if not for the timely intervention of the Red Cross. Hearing this alone was enough impetus for me to put pen to paper.

    World Red Cross and Red Crescent day is an annual celebration of the principles of the international Red Cross movement. It is celebrated on May 8 each year which is a date that tallies with the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant (born May 8, 1828), the founder of the international committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel peace prize. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Less Known Red Cross Stories”.

    According to history, it is believed that the idea for an annual action that could take hold in the whole world and would be a major contribution to peace was introduced just after the world war 1 and evolved out of the “Red Cross truce”, an initiative that was studied by an international commission established at the 14th international conference in Tokyo in 1934. Two years later, the proposal was adopted and the Red Cross day was celebrated on May 8, 1948. The official title of the day has changed overtime and it became “world Red Cross and Red Crescent day” in 1984.

    It is a day celebrated to alleviate people’s suffering, enhance their dignity, protect their lives from emergencies and other natural disasters including epidemic diseases, flood and earthquakes. It is celebrated by all sections of the Red Cross organizations to help people by keeping at heart all its fundamental principles which are humanity, independence, impartiality, neutrality, universality, voluntary and unity.

    However, Winston Churchill once said that “we make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give”. So, let’s set it aside, any thoughts that only Red Cross can save lives because it is also in our capability to do so if we will. Therefore, let that change of heart begin with you.

    In conclusion, Red Cross is of the belief that the purpose of life is not to be happy at times but to be useful, honourable, compassionate and to make some difference to show that you have lived and lived well; like a saying goes, ‘we all have two hands; one is to help yourself and the other is to help others’. So, wouldn’t you agree with me that these life-savers should really be celebrated?

  • Nissan takes 14 cars to Tokyo auto show

    Nissan takes 14 cars to Tokyo auto show

    Nissan is heading to the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon show with no less than 14 cars, all specially created to be showcased at the event.

    Nissan is set to display quite an impressive number of modified models at the most important tuning event in Japan, with no less than 14 special cars being created for the show. At Nissan’s crowded stand, 13 customized versions of their production vehicles will be displayed, plus the Motul Autech GT-R racer that won the series championship in the 2015 SUPER GT GT500 class.

    It is not an exclusively manly stand, as three of the models were created in collaboration with the French fashion designer Lolita Lempicka. The Micra/March, Versa/Note and Juke Lolita Lempicka Concepts feature a two-tone white and black exterior, with a possibility for these to be produced in a limited edition series.

    The Nismo performance division will be represented by the X-Trail/Rogue SUV and Serena minivan featuring performance upgrades, along with the GT-R Nismo N Attack Package and Note Nismo S.

    Other cars on show will include the Leaf EV with an Aero Style kit, Sentra S Touring (sold in Japan as the Sylphy), Dayz Bolero and Rider, and Elgrand Rider Black Line.

  • Baseball, Softball Confederation plead for Tokyo 2020 Games

    Baseball, Softball Confederation plead for Tokyo 2020 Games

    The World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) said its forthcoming U-18 Baseball World Cup would help to unite the sport’s future stars ahead of Tokyo 2020 Games.

    According to the `Insidethegames’, the tournament holding from August 28 to September 6 in Japan will feature top 12 teams likely to take part at the 2020 if the sport is included.

    It noted that the WBSC claimed that baseball was the number one sport in Japan in terms of youth participation, infrastructure, media coverage and fan-following.

    The statement said the event would give WBSC another opportunity to gauge public support in the country, ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Additional Event Programme Panel announcement, scheduled for September.

    It said baseball and softball would be among the eight sports that presented their case for Olympic inclusion to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) panel in Japan earlier in the month.

    The publication said the proposal was made by an 8- man delegation led by WBSC President, Riccardo Fraccari. According to the online portal, Fraccari said inclusion of baseball and softball will add more value to the Tokyo Games.

    “Given our sport’s footprint in Japan and worldwide, WBSC hopes to show that staging baseball and softball in 2020 Olympics will be easily accommodated.

    “The added value as well as the historic value would be a `home run’ for Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Movement and our sport,’’ it quoted Fraccari as saying.

    The sport remains the favourite to win its case for inclusion after baseball was dropped from the Olympics after Beijing 2008 in China.

    An unspecified number of sports will be proposed by Tokyo 2020 to the IOC in September, before a final decision at its Session in Rio de Janeiro in August 2016.