Advertise on podcast: Sports Talk presented by JAPAN Forward

~~ Fernando Aguerre, a native of Argentina, has served as the International Surfing Association's president since 1994. In this exclusive interview with JAPAN Forward, he shares some thoughts on the state of the sport during the global pandemic, the beauty and fun of surfing and how the World Surfing Games is a truly international experience. He details the personal joy of surfing every day, too.

~~ Listen in as JAPAN Forward sports editor Ed Odeven and guest Mie Kajikawa talk about her career journey. Kajikawa, a volunteer interpreter at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, worked in the Detroit Pistons' community relations division during the 2004-05 season, becoming the first Japanese woman to work in business operations in the NBA. Several years later, Kajikawa established a non-profit organization Next Big Pivot to harness the power of sports, empower women and make a positive impact on society. In March, the world celebrated International Women's Day and Kajikawa's mission is connected to this year's theme, "Choose to Challenge."

~~ Listen in as JAPAN Forward sports editor Ed Odeven and guest Jack Gallagher discuss legendary choreographer David Wilson’s recent passionate and provocative remarks about Skate Canada’s decision to cancel the Canadian Figure Skating Championships and calls for new leadership among top officials. The choreographer has worked with a who’s who of top stars, including Yuzuru Hanyu, Shoma Uno, Miki Ando and Yuna Kim. Article discussed: [ICE TIME] Exclusive: Legendary Choreographer David Wilson Calls for New Leadership at Skate CanadaFind other articles by host Ed Odeven and guest Jack Gallagher.

~~ Listen in as JAPAN Forward sports editor Ed Odeven and guest Jack Gallagher kick off the first episode of ‘Sports Talk’ podcast with a discussion of figure skating.  Gallagher, who wrote his first piece for JAPAN Forward in January, shares his keen insights on two-time defending Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu in the run-up to the 2022 Winter Games. He also weighs in on Hanyu’s rival Nathan Chen, Japanese women’s skaters Rika Kihira and Kaori Sakamoto, among others. Figure Skater Yuzuru Hanyu Sets the Path for His Third Olympic Gold | JAPAN Forward (japan-forward.com) [ICE TIME] Nathan Chen Remains on Collision Course with Yuzuru Hanyu | JAPAN Forward (japan-forward.com)