Two Japanese boxers died from severe brain injuries sustained in a professional boxing event held in Tokyo on August 2, sparking widespread public discussion over the safety of matches.
Boxer Shigetoshi Kotari collapsed after his match on Aug 2 and was diagnosed with acute subdural hematoma. Despite emergency treatment, he passed away on Friday.
Meanwhile, in another match of Aug 2, Hiromasa Urakawa was knocked down by a heavy blow, struck the back of his head upon falling, and died on Saturday.
The tragic incidents have cast a shadow over Japan's boxing community, with many questioning the adequacy of current safety protocols. Public debate has intensified over how to better protect athletes' lives and health while preserving the competitive nature of the sport.
"When it comes to boxing, fighters do bear such risks and are aware of them. But for such an outcome to happen is truly regrettable. They were very promising athletes. It is heartbreaking. I extend my condolences," said a boxing enthusiast.
"Regarding the safety of matches, the relevant authorities should strengthen management and supervision. It is truly regrettable that such a tragedy occurred. I believe more attention must be paid in the future to monitoring the physical condition of the athletes," another fan of the sports said.
Public calls for enhanced safety measures after death of 2 Japanese boxers
A Japanese lawmaker has raised concerns over Japan's push to expand its military and its nuclear policy.
Responding to some politicians' dangerous tendency towards possessing nuclear weapons, Takara Sachika, a member of Japan's House of Councilors, said that Japan's push to strengthen its military, combined with what she called a misguided nuclear policy, not only heightens regional tensions but also directly threatens regional security.
"I think this is completely unacceptable. Japan is a country that has suffered atomic bombings and is one of the nations most aware of the threat posed by nuclear weapons. Yet such a country is openly discussing the issue of possessing nuclear weapons and even attempting to revise the principle of not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons, one of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. This is an extremely serious problem," Takara said.
Takara said the Japanese government's tendency to expand its military capabilities is completely contrary to the Constitution.
"From the perspective of Japan's Constitution, Japan should never have adopted a policy of ensuring security by strengthening military capabilities. Yet today, enormous effort is being poured into military expansion, and that in itself is a serious problem," said the lawmaker.
At a Diet meeting in early November 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that what she described as the Chinese central authorities' "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, and suggested the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait, drawing strong criticism worldwide.
Takara urged Takaichi to retract her erroneous remarks as soon as possible.
"I think there is a very big problem with making such remarks that provoke other countries. It is necessary to thoroughly examine the facts as soon as possible and withdraw the relevant remarks," she said.
Japanese lawmaker criticizes nuclear weapons remarks as threat to regional security
