SportsPipeline opens that brings prospects to sport's biggest stage soonerRintaro Sasaki sent waves through Japan's sports world when he entered the U.S. draft after studying at Stanford University. © APTAKESHI WATANABEAugust 12, 2026 02:58 JSTTOKYO -- More Japanese high school baseball players are choosing to attend U.S. universities, with some seeking alternative routes to Major League Baseball while others look to escape a rigid baseball environment at home.Read NextCompaniesJapan's Mizuno makes a play for India market with cricket gearSportsForeign-born players challenge Japan rugby eligibility rulesSportsMizuno enters esports market with athlete-led approachSportsStar power fuels Japan's table tennis, basketball, volleyball leagues abroadRetailSeiko rivals LVMH in key metric after luxury pivotFinanceKKR bullish on sports investment, Asian stadium deals: co-CEOTravel & LeisureForeign tourists get a grip on sumo beyond ringsideSports'Japan's era' begins in world of table tennis, top contender Harimoto saysLatest on SportsSportsTommy John, whose now-eponymous elbow surgery saved his career, dies at 83SportsJ.League sets sights on Hong Kong's soccer superfansSportsTata's decision to pull soccer team from top-tier league shocks India