 Hiroyuki Sasaki

 NHK’s morning drama series “The Scent of the Wind” is struggling. It follows the classic morning drama formula—a “coming-of-age story of a woman surviving a turbulent era”—and the dual heroines, Ai Mikami and Juri Uesaka, generated a lot of buzz… but experts offer a thorough analysis.

Why Is NHK’s Kaze, Kaoru Struggling Despite Being Based on a True Story? Experts Blame Its Dull Romance

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 The first romance rumor has emerged from the popular idol group “M!LK.” Just as reports surfaced about member Taichi Shiozaki and actress Rina Koyama dating, a new drama starring Mei Nagano—who is with the same agency as Shiozaki—was announced…

M!LK’s Daichi Shiozaki Hit by Romance Report—Then Mei Nagano’s Hostess Drama Announcement Drops the Next Day

 Yusuke Kondo

 Daiki Shigeoka and Takahiro Hamada of “WEST.” announced their marriages on the August 9 episode of “W.” With four out of the seven members now married—an unprecedented situation—a wide range of opinions are circulating among fans.

WEST.’s Double Marriage News Has Fans Talking—And Digging Up Their Controversial Past Hints

 Tsuyoshi Noto

 Takehiko Kohiyama

 He will assume the role of the first principal of “Ame ni mo Makezu High School” (an official correspondence high school as defined in Article 1 of the School Education Act), scheduled to open next April

 Hiroshi Osaki—the astute manager who launched Downtown into the spotlight and served as chairman of Yoshimoto Kogyo—is set to become the principal of a correspondence high school. What on earth is this man up to!? We caught up with him for an exclusive interview!

From Downtown’s Manager to Yoshimoto Chairman—and Now a Principal: Hiroshi Osaki’s Final Place in Life

 Jiro Sato, who was reported to have been involved in a harassment incident with Ai Hashimoto—his co-star in the drama *Detective: Separate Surnames for Married Couples*—announced in August that his mother had passed away. Yet even then, what he tweeted was…

The Truth Jiro Sato Was Determined to Tell—and the Regret That Remained After His Mother’s Death

 Kumatarō Arai

 The TV drama series “GTO” has returned after a 28-year hiatus. It was in mid-July that I spotted Takashi Sorimachi, who plays the protagonist, Eikichi Onizuka. Before filming began, Sorimachi was having a thorough discussion with a staff member holding the script. He exuded the aura of an “ultra-cool older guy.”

Takashi Sorimachi’s Super Cool Uncle Aura Shines on the Set of GTO After 28 Years

 The Staff Saw It! Behind the Scenes of Weekly TV

 Ginji Watanabe of “Don Decorte” has placed second in three consecutive competitions: M-1, R-1, and Double Impact. He’s in high demand, with his McDonald’s commercial racking up 30 million views and an appearance in the “VIVANT” spin-off. We take an in-depth look at the make-or-break moment for this “hot comedian.”

Three Straight Runner-Up Finishes—and Now They’re Everywhere: How Don Decorte Is Poised for a Breakout

 Koichiro Umeki

 Masaki Sone

 Her return to acting after a five-year hiatus is making headlines! The streaming drama series *The Great Marriage Hunt War of the Shallow Cinderellas*, in which she stars, is a hit set to run through Season 3

 Yuka Ogura is making headlines with her return to acting after a five-year hiatus! The streaming drama series *The Great Marriage Hunt War of the Shallow Cinderellas*, in which she stars, has become a hit that’s now in its third season… She shared her thoughts on her acting, behind-the-scenes stories from her gravure photo shoots, and her dedication to body sculpting.

Yuka Ogura on Yoga, Stress Relief, and Her Secret to Staying Fit

 Shota Suzuki

 Akane Tachibana

 Yuki Murohashi (Trauden), Kanako (Nakagawa)

 I Want to Meet, Hear From, and Learn From That Top Performer [Part 4: Part 2]

 [Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report · Part 4] This episode’s guest is Naomi Trauden, whose acting career is also going strong! The two—who hit it off from the moment they met—had a serious conversation about how to deal with their public images and more.

[Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] Naomi Trauden Reveals “How to Come to Terms with the ‘Self That Others Expect’”

 I Want to Meet, Hear From, and Learn From That Top Performer [Part 4: Part 1]

 [Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report · Part 4] This episode’s guest is Naomi Trauden, whose acting career is going strong! Nakagawa, who hit it off with Trauden from the moment they met and “felt a sense of kinship,” delves into Trauden’s inner world and values.

[Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] Naomi Trauden, Whose Acting Career Is Booming: “It’s the Days When I Hit a Wall That Are the Most Fun”

 Ukon Shima (Broadcast Writer and Video Producer)

 Kyodo

 This year marks the 30th anniversary of Kiyoshi Atsumi’s passing. What were the little-known hardships Kiyoshi Atsumi—who gained popularity for his role as Tora-san in the “It’s Tough Being a Man” film series—faced on his path to becoming a renowned filmmaker?

&#8220;30 Years After His Death&#8221;: Why Kiyoshi Atsumi Overcame Setbacks to Achieve Success as the Actor Who Played &#8220;Tora-san&#8221;

 Afro (Ikeda)

 Comedian Naoto Ikeda of the comedy duo “Rainbow” and former Yomiuri TV announcer Kana Sato have announced their surprise marriage. Who is Announcer Sato, the woman who made Ikeda—famous within the industry as a playboy—fall head over heels for her…?

&#8220;He&#8217;s Head Over Heels&#8230;&#8221; The &#8220;Charm&#8221; of Announcer Kana Sato (aka &#8220;Sakana-chan&#8221;), Who Married Popular Comedian Ikeda of &#8220;Rainbow&#8221;

 A talented young actress in high demand for TV dramas and movies is seen with her arm around his waist at a new hotspot in Takanawa…

 The scene looked so natural that those around them didn’t even notice… but the couple shopping affectionately at this Takanawa landmark are popular actress Sara Minami and artist Daisuke Fujiwara. Bystanders say they were seen holding hands and looking very happy together.

[Full Article Published] Photos of Sara Minami and Younger Artist Daisuke Fujiwara on a “Hand-in-Hand Date at a New Landmark”

 Aika Kanda

 [Series No. 124] Me, Pink, and Sometimes NY

 Hikaru Ijūin, who appeared as a regular Monday guest on “Pokapoka,” had always been so helpful to me that I kept thinking, “Someday I have to ask him what he really thinks and apologize as one of the show’s hosts!” Knowing it might be rude, I decided to ask him anyway…

“What Hikaru Ijuin Is Really Like” — Aika Kanda Shares Her Perspective

 On August 12, at the Tokyo Dome during a game against the Giants, Kanna Hashimoto—who played the military strategist He Liao Diao in the movie *Kingdom: Battle of Souls*—performed the ceremonial first pitch.Wearing the straw raincoat from the movie, just as she took a big swing to throw the first pitch, a little mishap occurred...

Kanna Hashimoto Steals the Show in a Kingdom Costume—Even a Face-Covering Wardrobe Mishap Is Adorable

 We caught a glimpse of Ano-chan in her yukata as she made a guest appearance on a live broadcast of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival! On her way to the venue, male staff members surrounded her under ultra-high security. Even so, Ano-chan’s face was beaming with a smile.

Ano-chan Turns Heads in a Playful Blue Yukata at the Sumida River Fireworks Festival

 Sota Shima

 A special feature looking back at the romantic scandals reported by FRIDAY in the first half of 2026. In January, this magazine witnessed actress Kyoko Hasegawa on a date with an elite entrepreneur seven years her junior. Is this finally the end of “Hasekyo”—the actress known for her many romances—as a single mother?

[2026 Romance Roundup] Kyoko Hasegawa’s New Romance Takes a Glamorous Turn With a Younger Entrepreneur

 Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in ’62. He performs as part of the comedy duo “Honjama-ka” with Toshiaki Megumi, and in addition to variety shows such as “Genso! Debuya” (TV TOKYO network), he is also active as an actor and voice actor. Currently, in addition to appearing as the Friday host on “Yojigoji Days” (TV TOKYO), he is also focusing his efforts on YouTube and Instagram

 Hidehiko Ishizuka

 "Honjama-ka" Hidehiko Ishizuka’s “Maiu~” Days, Vol. 56

 “Honjama-ka” Hidehiko Ishizuka’s “Maiu~” Days, Vol. 56. In this installment, Ishizuka shares stories about Toei Kyoto Studio in Uzumasa, Kyoto—where he was hosted during the filming of a police drama in 2013. What was so amazing about Uzumasa, as experienced by Ishizuka?—

What Really Happened at Toei Kyoto Studios? Hidehiko Ishizuka Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Stories

 Keisuke Nishi

 A special feature looking back at the romance reported by FRIDAY in the first half of 2026. Although “Yu-chami” and Masashi Kumura once chose to part ways after considering their future together, she returned to the man she loves despite her inner turmoil. It seems she won’t let go of the “Goddess of Victory” this time.

 A special feature looking back at the romantic relationships reported by FRIDAY in the first half of 2026. In June, Naniwa Danshi’s Kento Nagao and former E-girls member Rio Inagaki were spotted spending time together at a Chinese-style izakaya and a bar, and were later seen heading to Inagaki’s home in the same hired car late at night.

[2026 Romance Roundup] Naniwa Danshi’s Kento Nagao and Former “E-girls” Member Rio Inagaki’s Late-Night Overnight Date

 Sota Shima, Kumatarō Arai

 Amid the excitement of the World Cup, some happy news has just broken. Japanese national soccer team player Ko Itakura and actress Haruna Kawaguchi have announced their engagement following the news that they are expecting a child. What changes in the entertainment industry can be seen behind this announcement…

&#8220;That Wouldn&#8217;t Have Happened Back Then&#8230;&#8221; Haruna Kawaguchi, at the Height of Her Popularity, Highlights &#8220;Changes in the Entertainment Industry&#8221; Through Her Marriage to Japanese National Soccer Team Player Ko Itakura

 Hide Nishihara

 A special feature looking back at the romance reported by FRIDAY in the first half of 2026. In early February, Rikako Ikee and Kosuke Hagino enjoyed a hot spring date at a luxury ryokan in Hakone. It is believed their 10-year friendship has developed into a romantic relationship.

[A Look Back at 2026’s High-Profile Romance] Rikako Ikee and Kosuke Hagino Go on a Hot Spring Date in Hakone… Their 10-Year Friendship Evolves into a Romance

 Hiroshi Matsumoto

 Hide Nishihara (Photos 1–6)

 Kaori Ohara, now 50, has released her first photobook in 22 years. From her days as a superstar in *Miniskirt Police* and gravure, she even went through a period where she had no work and changed her name. We spoke with her about her journey up to the present, where she continues to take on new challenges.

22 Years Later, Kaori Ohara Is Back — and Showing a Bold New Side in Her Long-Awaited Photo Book

 A talented young actress in high demand for TV dramas and movies is seen with a man’s arm casually draped around her waist…

 At a new landmark in Takanawa, Tokyo, a beautiful woman was seen shopping while a handsome man casually had his arm around her waist—this woman was Sara Minami, the popular actress dubbed the “next Yui Aragaki” who is in high demand for TV dramas and movies!

Entertainment

Why Is NHK’s Kaze, Kaoru Struggling Despite Being Based on a True Story? Experts Blame Its Dull Romance

M!LK’s Daichi Shiozaki Hit by Romance Report—Then Mei Nagano’s Hostess Drama Announcement Drops the Next Day

WEST.’s Double Marriage News Has Fans Talking—And Digging Up Their Controversial Past Hints

From Downtown’s Manager to Yoshimoto Chairman—and Now a Principal: Hiroshi Osaki’s Final Place in Life

The Truth Jiro Sato Was Determined to Tell—and the Regret That Remained After His Mother’s Death

Takashi Sorimachi’s Super Cool Uncle Aura Shines on the Set of GTO After 28 Years

Three Straight Runner-Up Finishes—and Now They’re Everywhere: How Don Decorte Is Poised for a Breakout

Yuka Ogura on Yoga, Stress Relief, and Her Secret to Staying Fit

[Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] Naomi Trauden Reveals “How to Come to Terms with the ‘Self That Others Expect’”

[Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] Naomi Trauden, Whose Acting Career Is Booming: “It’s the Days When I Hit a Wall That Are the Most Fun”

“30 Years After His Death”: Why Kiyoshi Atsumi Overcame Setbacks to Achieve Success as the Actor Who Played “Tora-san”

“He’s Head Over Heels…” The “Charm” of Announcer Kana Sato (aka “Sakana-chan”), Who Married Popular Comedian Ikeda of “Rainbow”

[Full Article Published] Photos of Sara Minami and Younger Artist Daisuke Fujiwara on a “Hand-in-Hand Date at a New Landmark”

“What Hikaru Ijuin Is Really Like” — Aika Kanda Shares Her Perspective

Kanna Hashimoto Steals the Show in a Kingdom Costume—Even a Face-Covering Wardrobe Mishap Is Adorable

Ano-chan Turns Heads in a Playful Blue Yukata at the Sumida River Fireworks Festival

[2026 Romance Roundup] Kyoko Hasegawa’s New Romance Takes a Glamorous Turn With a Younger Entrepreneur

What Really Happened at Toei Kyoto Studios? Hidehiko Ishizuka Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Stories

What Really Happened at Toei Kyoto Studios? Hidehiko Ishizuka Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Stories

[2026 Romance Roundup] Naniwa Danshi’s Kento Nagao and Former “E-girls” Member Rio Inagaki’s Late-Night Overnight Date

“That Wouldn’t Have Happened Back Then…” Haruna Kawaguchi, at the Height of Her Popularity, Highlights “Changes in the Entertainment Industry” Through Her Marriage to Japanese National Soccer Team Player Ko Itakura

[A Look Back at 2026’s High-Profile Romance] Rikako Ikee and Kosuke Hagino Go on a Hot Spring Date in Hakone… Their 10-Year Friendship Evolves into a Romance

22 Years Later, Kaori Ohara Is Back — and Showing a Bold New Side in Her Long-Awaited Photo Book

[Scoop] Sara Minami Spotted Holding Hands With a Younger Artist at Takanawa’s New Landmark