 Kyodo News (1st and 2nd pictures)

 Tomiichi Murayama, the 81st Prime Minister of Japan, passed away in October 2013. The man's personality is described by former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who served as prime minister until October of last year. What was the true face of Murayama from Ishiba's point of view?

Revealed at Last—Shigeru Ishiba Reflects on Tomiichi Murayama’s Postwar Statement and His Quiet Character

 Takeshi Kinugawa (1st), Yasuko Funamoto (2nd)

 Early in the new year, there was a major move in the political world. Newspapers reported that Prime Minister Takaichi may dissolve the House of Representatives and call a general election in January. What made Prime Minister Takaichi decide to dissolve the House of Representatives and call a general election? ......

Why Takaichi Chose a Snap Election—The Roles of Aso, Losing MPs, and Komeito

 Nakahira Ryo

 Shinji Hasuo

 A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault after he followed a high school girl he found at a train station. Many women have experienced being followed by a stranger. We asked a well-informed person what to do in such cases.

Man Arrested for Following High School Girl Sparks Concern Over Everyday Stalkers

 Izumi Nakagawa

 Afro

 Fasting to give birth and maintain muscle strength even when bedridden...Hibernating bears defy medical conventional wisdom! What is "delayed implantation," in which a fertilized egg waits for six months? Professor Toshio Tsubota of Hokkaido University thoroughly explains the mysterious ecology and amazing mechanism.

May Mating and Pregnancy in Winter? Fasting births and &#8220;maintaining muscle strength while bedridden&#8221;&#8230;hibernating bears defy medical convention.

 Daisuke Iwasaki

 Takeshi Kinugawa

 At a meeting held at the end of last year, Mr. Takaichi reportedly coldly dismissed an unsuccessful councilor who asked him to "dissolve the Diet while the approval rate is high. The Takaichi administration boasts of an exceptionally high approval rating, but will it take the initiative to dissolve the House of Representatives this year?

A Strong Word to the Failed Councilors&#8230; Why &#8220;Prime Minister Takaichi&#8221; wants to step forward for a &#8220;dissolution general election&#8221; against the backdrop of high approval ratings, but cannot do so.

 Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency

 With her younger brother, Prince Eugene, reaching the age of majority, the hurdle seems to have been lowered. ......

 Kako is energetically active. The year before last, she performed more than 130 official duties, and last year's activities exceeded that pace. With the coming-of-age of Princess Eugene, the hurdle seems to have been lowered, but... it is likely that the marriage will be announced in a blitz.

The second daughter of the Akishino family, Kako, has become even more beautiful, and the timing of her marriage is worrisome.

 Blank Green

 In April, Shibuya Ward in Tokyo will require businesses to install trash cans as a measure against the ever-increasing amount of littering, but this has been criticized as "covering for the government. We interviewed local residents about the reality of the overflowing trash in Shibuya.

Who Should Handle Public Trash? Shibuya Ward and Residents Weigh In on Mandatory Trash Bin Installation

 Not a happy new year... The yen continues to weaken and prices rise, the U.S. president of Venezuela is in custody, and the Restoration Association is in danger of leaving the coalition.

 Prime Minister Takaichi was busy during the year-end and New Year's holidays as well, as he was pressed to respond to a phone call with the U.S. President and, in between, prepared for a press conference at the beginning of the year. While the approval rating of his cabinet has remained at an exceptionally high level since his inauguration, there are still many concerns that lie beneath the surface.

Despite Strong Approval Ratings, PM Takaichi Faces Three Key Political Challenges

 Shinsuke Sakai

 Masahiro Tsurugi/Afro (1st photo)

 Attorney Kikuji Minamide filed a criminal complaint against Dr. Toshiaki Yoshino, a dentist who parted company with Mr. Munei Kamiya, the leader of the "Sansei Party" and launched a new "Nippon Seishinkai," alleging that he violated the "Medical Practitioners Law. Mr. Yoshino's side counter-sued with "false accusations. We will provide details.

Former Advisor Files Criminal Complaint Against Nippon Seishinkai Leader Toshiaki Yoshino

 Nakahira

 Shinji Hasuo (Yokoo suspect)

 On January 5, Yokoo, the suspect in the hit-and-run of 14 people in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, last November, was arrested for the third time on charges of murder and attempted murder. We went around his home to speak with his mother again.

Shocking Witness Accounts Emerge Regarding the Abnormal Adachi Hit-and-Run Suspect

 Takehiko Kohiyama

 Former mayor of Ito, Maki Takubo, who is suspected of academic fraud, failed to win the re-election. ......

 The January 12 election for mayor of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture. The former mayor, Akira Ogawa, who was hit by an unprecedented scandal in which he was found to have been going to a love hotel with a married city official, was thought to be going up against some headwinds, but to his surprise, he is "sure to be re-elected.

Former Mayor Akira Ogawa Predicted to Win Big Despite Love Hotel Scandal

 Sayuri Saito

 Assets and stocks are "naked" to the government...The whole picture of the "targeting the wealthy" that the Takaichi administration is embarking on. What is the true nature of the "taxpayers' burden" that is being promoted by linking all accounts to the "My Number" system? A scenario of increased tax collection looming behind the reduction of the working-age population's burden.

How the Takaichi Administration Plans to Track Assets and Target High-Net-Worth Individuals

 Akira Ikoma

 The year 2013 was marked by a series of exposures of storefront sex establishments. At the end of the year, a popular soap in Kawasaki and a long-established health club in Osaka were exposed. A sex industry journalist with experience covering these establishments explains their services. The future of the store-based sex industry is envisioned.

Raids Target Well-Known Local Sex Establishments, Threatening Industry Survival

 A man was arrested for setting fire to his room in an apartment complex in Wakaba-ku, Chiba Prefecture, on the evening of January 1. The man is said to have stated that he set the fire to exorcise the spirits of the dead, but one can only imagine the feelings of the residents who were caught up in a terrible disaster so early in the New Year.

Man Sets Fire Claiming Exorcism on New Year’s Eve, Endangers Neighbors

 The year 2025: Violent and Serious Cases

 This year's edition of "Violent & Serious Cases in 2025" will feature a selection from among the many incidents reported by FRIDAY Digital in 2025. This time, we will focus on the case of a man who ran a judo school and committed crimes against nine of his students.

Former Judo Dojo Head on Trial for Abuse of Nine Children, Remorse Questioned

 Violent and Serious Cases in 2025

 We take a look back at serious and heinous incidents reported by "FRIDAY Digital" in the year 2025. We report on the actions and words of a man who sexually assaulted a young girl on her way home from buying a birthday present for her father at his trial.

Trial Highlights Self-Serving Conduct of Man Accused of Assaulting 8-Year-Old Girl

 Takero Yui

 In mid-December of last year, a "New Beginnings Meeting" was held at the headquarters of the Shimizu Family VI, a secondary organization of the Yamaguchigumi VI, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Sixty investigators were deployed in the vicinity to guard the area. We will explain what is happening behind the scenes of this "Jikki-no-Meeting.

Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi Prepares for Leadership Transition After Conflict Ends

 Afro, Collin Xavier/Image Press Agency/ABACA/Kyodo News Images (2nd)

 Morning sickness is one of the reasons people avoid pregnancy. Although unapproved in Japan, the morning sickness drug "BonJesta" has become the talk of the town for its ability to relieve such suffering. Is there any risk?　We ask a doctor's opinion.

A Dream Drug That Eases Pregnancy Anxiety!　Doctor Explains Risks of Morning Sickness Drug Bonjesta

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 A new form of crime called "tokuryu" is gaining popularity these days. In line with the rising crime, we frequently see the latest police jargon in the news. Nonfiction writer Masahiro Ojima explains the meaning of these terms.

From the latest investigative techniques to &#8220;certain words&#8221; that appear frequently in cases&#8230; Unraveling the police &#8220;jargon&#8221; that appeared frequently in &#8217;25

 Born in 1979. Worked as an editor and writer for town magazines, travel books, and recipe books. Currently, as a web writer, he writes on a wide range of topics from decadence to traditional crafts. His life motto is "Sake is best drunk while walking". Shigeru Nekota's food blog "I love quirky restaurants! https://nekotashigeru.site/・Instagram @nekota_sigeru

 Shigeru Nekota

 The 24 billion acquisition is understandable! The surprising reason why Osakans are crazy about "Shisan Udon". The pride of the "dashi culture" is put aside to wait in line for the "Shiawase Set" and the magical "Botamochi"...! This is an emergency report on the scene where addicts keep coming back.

Osaka&#8217;s dashi culture is the &#8220;surprising reason&#8221; for the enthusiasm for &#8220;Shisan Udon&#8221; among the people of Osaka.

 Junpei Kota

 The year 2025: Violent and Serious Cases in 2025

 In October, Aoki, the defendant in the "Nagano quadruple murder case," was sentenced to death. We look back at the case and the circumstances surrounding the murders.

Nagano Quadruple Murder Sentencing: &#8220;This is a Virtual Space&#8221;&#8230;Delusion?　The last words of the defendant who kept silent.

 Violent and Serious Incidents in 2025

 In this installment of "Violent & Serious Cases in 2025," we take a look back at the serious and heinous cases reported by FRIDAY Digital in 2025. In this fourth installment of "Saitama Skull Murder," we look back at the man who displayed the victim's skull in his room and wonder what he was thinking.

Saitama Skull Murder] &#8220;I had a desire to kill,&#8221; the murderer secretly harbored &#8220;dark urges.

 Yasuko Sakaguchi

 The staff saw it! Weekly TV's inside story

 Daigo of Chidori, 45, who decided to drop "Sake no Tsumami ni Naru Hanashi" due to the Hitoshi Matsumoto cosplay issue, has become the new charisma of the variety world in Reiwa. What is the reason for his popularity on both distribution and terrestrial TV?

After the Matsumoto Hitoshi Cosplay Yield Riots, &#8220;Chidori&#8221; Daigo is ″Musou″ on Terrestrial Wave &#038; Distribution!

 Hideki Asai

 The savior of soaring rice prices! A public health nurse teaches the 8 best "bulking up" and alternative foods, including glutinous oats that expand 1.5 times and oatmeal rice, which is the most cost-effective and diet-friendly "eating defense.

News

Revealed at Last—Shigeru Ishiba Reflects on Tomiichi Murayama’s Postwar Statement and His Quiet Character

Why Takaichi Chose a Snap Election—The Roles of Aso, Losing MPs, and Komeito

Man Arrested for Following High School Girl Sparks Concern Over Everyday Stalkers

May Mating and Pregnancy in Winter? Fasting births and “maintaining muscle strength while bedridden”…hibernating bears defy medical convention.

A Strong Word to the Failed Councilors… Why “Prime Minister Takaichi” wants to step forward for a “dissolution general election” against the backdrop of high approval ratings, but cannot do so.

The second daughter of the Akishino family, Kako, has become even more beautiful, and the timing of her marriage is worrisome.

Who Should Handle Public Trash? Shibuya Ward and Residents Weigh In on Mandatory Trash Bin Installation

Despite Strong Approval Ratings, PM Takaichi Faces Three Key Political Challenges

Former Advisor Files Criminal Complaint Against Nippon Seishinkai Leader Toshiaki Yoshino

Shocking Witness Accounts Emerge Regarding the Abnormal Adachi Hit-and-Run Suspect

Former Mayor Akira Ogawa Predicted to Win Big Despite Love Hotel Scandal

How the Takaichi Administration Plans to Track Assets and Target High-Net-Worth Individuals

Raids Target Well-Known Local Sex Establishments, Threatening Industry Survival

Man Sets Fire Claiming Exorcism on New Year’s Eve, Endangers Neighbors

Former Judo Dojo Head on Trial for Abuse of Nine Children, Remorse Questioned

Trial Highlights Self-Serving Conduct of Man Accused of Assaulting 8-Year-Old Girl

Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi Prepares for Leadership Transition After Conflict Ends

A Dream Drug That Eases Pregnancy Anxiety!　Doctor Explains Risks of Morning Sickness Drug Bonjesta

From the latest investigative techniques to “certain words” that appear frequently in cases… Unraveling the police “jargon” that appeared frequently in ’25

Osaka’s dashi culture is the “surprising reason” for the enthusiasm for “Shisan Udon” among the people of Osaka.

Nagano Quadruple Murder Sentencing: “This is a Virtual Space”…Delusion?　The last words of the defendant who kept silent.

Saitama Skull Murder] “I had a desire to kill,” the murderer secretly harbored “dark urges.

After the Matsumoto Hitoshi Cosplay Yield Riots, “Chidori” Daigo is ″Musou″ on Terrestrial Wave & Distribution!

Public Health Nurse Shares Top 8 Meal-Boosting and Substitute Foods

News

Revealed at Last—Shigeru Ishiba Reflects on Tomiichi Murayama’s Postwar Statement and His Quiet Character

Why Takaichi Chose a Snap Election—The Roles of Aso, Losing MPs, and Komeito

Man Arrested for Following High School Girl Sparks Concern Over Everyday Stalkers

May Mating and Pregnancy in Winter? Fasting births and “maintaining muscle strength while bedridden”…hibernating bears defy medical convention.

A Strong Word to the Failed Councilors… Why “Prime Minister Takaichi” wants to step forward for a “dissolution general election” against the backdrop of high approval ratings, but cannot do so.

The second daughter of the Akishino family, Kako, has become even more beautiful, and the timing of her marriage is worrisome.

Who Should Handle Public Trash? Shibuya Ward and Residents Weigh In on Mandatory Trash Bin Installation

Despite Strong Approval Ratings, PM Takaichi Faces Three Key Political Challenges

Former Advisor Files Criminal Complaint Against Nippon Seishinkai Leader Toshiaki Yoshino

Shocking Witness Accounts Emerge Regarding the Abnormal Adachi Hit-and-Run Suspect

Former Mayor Akira Ogawa Predicted to Win Big Despite Love Hotel Scandal

How the Takaichi Administration Plans to Track Assets and Target High-Net-Worth Individuals

Raids Target Well-Known Local Sex Establishments, Threatening Industry Survival

Man Sets Fire Claiming Exorcism on New Year’s Eve, Endangers Neighbors

Former Judo Dojo Head on Trial for Abuse of Nine Children, Remorse Questioned

Trial Highlights Self-Serving Conduct of Man Accused of Assaulting 8-Year-Old Girl

Sixth Yamaguchi-gumi Prepares for Leadership Transition After Conflict Ends

A Dream Drug That Eases Pregnancy Anxiety! Doctor Explains Risks of Morning Sickness Drug Bonjesta

From the latest investigative techniques to “certain words” that appear frequently in cases… Unraveling the police “jargon” that appeared frequently in ’25

Osaka’s dashi culture is the “surprising reason” for the enthusiasm for “Shisan Udon” among the people of Osaka.

Nagano Quadruple Murder Sentencing: “This is a Virtual Space”…Delusion? The last words of the defendant who kept silent.

Saitama Skull Murder] “I had a desire to kill,” the murderer secretly harbored “dark urges.

After the Matsumoto Hitoshi Cosplay Yield Riots, “Chidori” Daigo is ″Musou″ on Terrestrial Wave & Distribution!

Public Health Nurse Shares Top 8 Meal-Boosting and Substitute Foods

A Dream Drug That Eases Pregnancy Anxiety!　Doctor Explains Risks of Morning Sickness Drug Bonjesta

Nagano Quadruple Murder Sentencing: “This is a Virtual Space”…Delusion?　The last words of the defendant who kept silent.