Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Hokkaido, Japan across Hockey, Basketball.
Akane Shiga, the PWHL’s first Japanese player, has signed a two‑year deal with Detroit, bringing her Olympic experience and international pedigree to a roster that will field 16 skaters for the 2026‑27 season.
The Basketball Japan League will stage its first overseas games in Manila this September, featuring Levanga Hokkaido versus Gunma Crane Thunders and highlighting the growing connection between the two nations.
Arisa Ihara, a decorated international guard/forward, has signed with the University of Richmond women's basketball team for the 2026‑27 season, bringing a distinguished youth‑national‑team résumé and coach Alisa Kresge’s endorsement.
The Rush completed a series of trades involving future considerations, bringing in forward Ryan Mahshie and defenseman Riku Ishida while sending Brady Keeper to Idaho. The moves reflect a calculated approach to building depth for the next season.