FromJapan

English explanation of how to use chopsticks, written on a disposable chopstick paper wrapper at a restaurant in Tokyo International Airport.

English explanation of how to use chopsticks, written on a disposable chopstick paper wrapper at a restaurant in Tokyo International Airport.

English explanation of how to use chopsticks, written on a disposable chopstick paper wrapper at a restaurant in Tokyo International Airport.

The halo stove is not

I slightly summarized and translated the second page of the Sanspo article. Sanspo operates the news media for a Japanese newspaper company, Sankei Shimbun.
The Giants are in high demand considering the team's pitching staff. They acquired 2021 Cy Young Award LHP Robbie Ray (32) in a trade, but he is expected to miss the first half of 2024 season after undergoing TJ surgery last April.
The starting LHP prospect, Kyle Harrison (22), made his Major League debut last season and pitched in only seven games. At the start of 2024 season, there is no left-hander among the starting pitchers who can consistently set up games and pitch in many games. Imanaga fits the needs of the Giants.
IF Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (32), who was his teammate at Yokohama DeNA BayStars (NPB), has signed a minor league contract with the Giants and will participate in the spring training and games in February as an invited player. For Imanaga, he will be a reassuring presence.
The Angels are also a candidate. The mild climate of the West Coast is an attractive environment where Imanaga can easily demonstrate his abilities. The team is rebuilding and he will be able to adjust to the Major Leagues with the mental burden is light. However, three LHPs, Suarez, Detmers, and Anderson, are already expected to be in the starting rotation.

I slightly summarized and translated the second page of the Sanspo article. Sanspo operates the news media for a Japanese newspaper company, Sankei Shimbun.
The Giants are in high demand considering the team's pitching staff. They acquired 2021 Cy Young Award LHP Robbie Ray (32) in a trade, but he is expected to miss the first half of 2024 season after undergoing TJ surgery last April.
The starting LHP prospect, Kyle Harrison (22), made his Major League debut last season and pitched in only seven games. At the start of 2024 season, there is no left-hander among the starting pitchers who can consistently set up games and pitch in many games. Imanaga fits the needs of the Giants.
IF Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (32), who was his teammate at Yokohama DeNA BayStars (NPB), has signed a minor league contract with the Giants and will participate in the spring training and games in February as an invited player. For Imanaga, he will be a reassuring presence.
The Angels are also a candidate. The mild climate of the West Coast is an attractive environment where Imanaga can easily demonstrate his abilities. The team is rebuilding and he will be able to adjust to the Major Leagues with the mental burden is light. However, three LHPs, Suarez, Detmers, and Anderson, are already expected to be in the starting rotation.

At 17:47 on January 2nd (JST), a Japan Airlines plane and a Japan Coast Guard plane collided at Haneda Airport (Tokyo). A fire broke out on a JAL plane and it was completely burnt out. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members escaped. Meanwhile, only one of the six crew members of a Japan Coast Guard plane survived.
 

At 17:47 on January 2nd (JST), a Japan Airlines plane and a Japan Coast Guard plane collided at Haneda Airport (Tokyo). A fire broke out on a JAL plane and it was completely burnt out. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members escaped. Meanwhile, only one of the six crew members of a Japan Coast Guard plane survived.
 

At 17:47 on January 2nd (JST), a Japan Airlines plane and a Japan Coast Guard plane collided at Haneda Airport (Tokyo). A fire broke out on a JAL plane and it was completely burnt out. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members escaped. Meanwhile, only one of the six crew members of a Japan Coast Guard plane survived.
 

At 16:10 on January 1st (JST), a M7.6 earthquake occurred along the coast of the Sea of Japan. Tsunami warning issued (up to 16 feet expected) too.

At 16:10 on January 1st (JST), a M7.6 earthquake occurred along the coast of the Sea of Japan. Tsunami warning issued (up to 16 feet expected) too.

Positive COVID test, yes? Fuck me. Woke up this morning with flu-like symptoms.
 
 

In Japan, government offices generally have "the Year End and New Year holidays" from December 29th to January 3rd, and many companies follow suit. 
Kadomatsu, the traditional Japanese New Year decoration, which are mainly made with pine wood and bamboo. They are placed in pairs on either side of the entrance before the New Year, and are clean up in mid-January. In recent years, they are rarely displayed in ordinary households or small shops.
 

In Japan, government offices generally have "the Year End and New Year holidays" from December 29th to January 3rd, and many companies follow suit. 
Kadomatsu, the traditional Japanese New Year decoration, which are mainly made with pine wood and bamboo. They are placed in pairs on either side of the entrance before the New Year, and are clean up in mid-January. In recent years, they are rarely displayed in ordinary households or small shops.
 

In Japan, government offices generally have "the Year End and New Year holidays" from December 29th to January 3rd, and many companies follow suit. 
Kadomatsu, the traditional Japanese New Year decoration, which are mainly made with pine wood and bamboo. They are placed in pairs on either side of the entrance before the New Year, and are clean up in mid-January. In recent years, they are rarely displayed in ordinary households or small shops.
 

The following is a summarized English translation of an article from a Japanese sports newspaper. Therefore, this is not word for word of Rachel Luba's answer.
Rachel Luba, Bauer's agent, spoke to the Daily Sports about the current situation.
Regarding the current status of negotiations, three weeks after the winter meetings, she did not say much, ”We are still talking to multiple teams, but that's all I can say for now.”  She continued, "Trevor has had a great experience with the BayStars and we are still in negotiations with them."
(Reference in Japanese) Daily Sports on December 29, 2023

My guess is that a major league team that had previously told Bauer they couldn't sign him because of possible public relations blowback contacted him for info on Imanaga.

Japanese Ben Joyce?
On December 26, Tohoku Fukushi University's right-handed pitcher Keita Horikoshi (20) hit a speed gun of 101.9mph. On this day, his 15 pitches were over 99.4 mph.
(Reference in Japanese) Sponichi Annex on December 27, 2023

Japanese Ben Joyce?
On December 26, Tohoku Fukushi University's right-handed pitcher Keita Horikoshi (20) hit a speed gun of 101.9mph. On this day, his 15 pitches were over 99.4 mph.
(Reference in Japanese) Sponichi Annex on December 27, 2023

Japanese Ben Joyce?
On December 26, Tohoku Fukushi University's right-handed pitcher Keita Horikoshi (20) hit a speed gun of 101.9mph. On this day, his 15 pitches were over 99.4 mph.
(Reference in Japanese) Sponichi Annex on December 27, 2023

Japanese Ben Joyce?
On December 26, Tohoku Fukushi University's right-handed pitcher Keita Horikoshi (20) hit a speed gun of 101.9mph. On this day, his 15 pitches were over 99.4 mph.
(Reference in Japanese) Sponichi Annex on December 27, 2023

Thank you for this. It makes a ton of sense. Though Ohtani has departed, hopefully his exposure on the Angels will endear the team to some Japanese fans -- we have enjoyed the support from, in my opinion, some of the best fans in the world.
I hope to enjoy more of your posts and insight going forward. Domo arigato gozaimasu!*
 
*Please excuse my clumsy attempt at Japanese. I have been inspired to try to learn the language.