Professional adventurer, John Morrell, talks to Socrates about how he came to the Japanese wonderland of Hokkaido for a flying visit... and never left! He explains how he and has family made a life leading hardy and adventurous souls on the experience of their lives in this land of snow, mountains, volcanos and bears! Have you ever dreamed of living a life of adventure? Of … [Read more...]
Asian Cup stars – what soccer leagues do they play in?
Where do the stars of the Asian Cup ply their soccer expertise? Lets take a look at the teams that dominated the recent Asian Cup and consider what domestic leagues their star players earn a living in. Are most of the region's top players battling it out in Serie A, the EPL, the Bundesliga and La Liga or are their club assignments more modest? What do the stats tell us about … [Read more...]
Sumo
I got off the train at Osaka and did not have the foggiest idea where to go. Or even in what direction to head. The jumble of busy streets and incomprehensible signs gave no indication. Boasting a Japanese vocabulary that might have stretched to half-a-dozen words on a good day, I was steeling myself for the ignominy of approaching a perfect stranger and asking plaintively, … [Read more...]
Caitlin Foord – Playing sport for a living in a foreign land.
Fast, strong, courageous, smart and skilful, Caitlin Foord is not only one of the Matilda’s best players she is one of the most valuable soccer players in the world. Having played at the very top level of her profession in forward, mid-field and defensive roles, Foord is no one-trick wonder. Unlike many other footballers she is versatile. A coach can drop her into almost any … [Read more...]
Introducing the Sunwolves! The case for Japanese Rugby.
Chris Waterman examines Japan's recent love affair with rugby and with their own team the Sunwolves. Few genuine rugby fans will have forgotten watching in disbelief as Karne Hesketh dived over on 84 minutes to claim victory for the Brave Blossoms against the Springboks and thereby ignite last year’s Rugby World Cup, and although the Japanese narrowly failed to qualify for … [Read more...]