 Akira Ikoma

 This is the second part of a series of articles on the "Chon-no-Ma" towns that have disappeared, written by Akira Ikoma, a sex journalist. This article introduces the "aftermath" of various "chon-no-ma," including examples where everything has been torn down and no trace remains, and others where the buildings are being used as tourist attractions.

The Unusual Aftermath of Japan’s Vanished Short-Time Districts

 Takero Shigumura (1st photo) Kazuhiko Nakamura (2nd photo)

 On May 15, the "funeral" of the late President Jiro Kiyota was held at Inagawa Kaikan in the suburbs of Yokohama City. More than 100 yakuza from all over Japan attended the service, and the first to arrive was Shinobu Tsukasa, head of the Yamaguchi Gumi VI. In the midst of the condolences, one change could be seen

Yamaguchi-gumi Leader Shinobu Tsukasa and New Wakagashira Attend Inagawa-kai Boss’s Funeral as Yakuza

 Naoyuki Miyashita (Nonfiction writer)

 The opposition parties submitted a bill at the end of May, and the House of Representatives Legal Affairs Committee finally began deliberations on the issue.

[Exclusive] Allegations Emerge Against Constitutional Democratic Party’s Naoko Shinoda for Overlooking Welfare Fraud

 Shinsuke Sakai

 Kyodo News

 Takashi Fujiwara, a former member of the House of Representatives and former LDP Youth Bureau chief, had lost a lawsuit against X Inc. The request was for the disclosure of information on X's postings that slandered him, but it was not approved. What was the reason?

Ex-LDP Youth Leader Loses Appeal in Defamation Disclosure Case Against X

 Ryo Nakahira

 On May 22, the second trial of a defendant accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl on her way home from buying a birthday present for her father was held. The defendant's repeated self-serving "excuses" and his "true motive" were revealed.

Defendant Who Assaulted 8-Year-Old Girl on Her Way Home From Buying a Birthday Gift for Her Father Offers Appalling Excuses in Court

 Junpei Kota

 A string of tire derailment accidents have been reported across Japan. What can be done to prevent them? A tire professional explains the proper way to change tires and the risks associated with poor maintenance.

DIY Tire Changes Are Risky: Nationwide Spike in Cars Falling Off Jacks — Causes and Prevention Tips Explained

 Blank Green

 The owners of a convenience store in Kabukicho were arrested for illegally purchasing 100 million yen worth of cigarettes. It is believed that they were trying to resell the cigarettes, but in recent years, the resale of cigarettes mainly to China has been thriving. We explored the reasons for this.

Convenience Store Owner Arrested for Buying ¥100 Million in Cigarettes — The Reason Japanese Tobacco Is Booming Among Chinese Resellers

 Shinji Hasuo

 An incident occurred in the Omiya area where many girls gather. A 32-year-old man called "Sensei" allegedly locked a teenage girl in a multipurpose toilet and sexually assaulted her. There have been multiple reports of sexual assaults in the Omiya area. This is the dangerous reality of the gathering.

Teenage Girl Allegedly Assaulted in Multipurpose Restroom — Ōmiya Sensei Lured Victim Under Guise of Caregiving in Shocking Crime

 Hiroyuki Komatsu (1st photo)

 In this issue of Playback, we take a look back at what this magazine reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In May 2005, a man was arrested on suspicion of confining and assaulting a woman. We look back at the case of the man who was called "the prince of confinement.

The Twisted Crimes and Disturbing Fetishes of Japan’s Infamous Confinement Prince

 After working as a money writer, financial planner, and market analyst for a securities company, Matsuoka became independent in 1996. Wrote articles on finance and asset management mainly for business and economic magazines. Author of "A Textbook for the First Year of Robo-Advisor Investing" and "Understanding with Rich Illustrations! Cashless Payments: The Book That Will Definitely Benefit You".

 Kenji Matsuoka

 Afro

 The banking industry is on a roll, as evidenced by the recently announced financial results. The three megabanks have posted the highest net income for three consecutive years. What is the interest on the BOJ's "excess reserves" that the BOJ is pumping back into the banking industry like a "subsidy"?

Almost a Waste of Taxpayer Money&#8221; &#8211; Why the BOJ is Still &#8220;Subsidizing&#8221; Banks Despite Megabanks&#8217; Highest Profits

 From "I Liked You, I Had to Kill You

 The "middleman" of the case compilation website "Jiken Bimonenroku" has published "Liked You, Had to Kill Me" (co-authored by Mizuho Takagi, Tetsujinsha), which picks up cases related to love between a man and a woman. From the book, "Encouraging Woman" is introduced.

Wishing you good luck&#8230; The &#8220;true purpose&#8221; of the &#8220;ex-girlfriend&#8221; sex worker who made a man decide to kill a prostitute

 From "You I Loved, I Had to Kill

 A wife who had been called a "maggot" and beaten by her husband for many years finally stabbed him. However, the crime led to unexpected consequences. ......

A wife who was called a &#8220;maggot&#8221; finally decides to take revenge&#8230; The &#8220;ironic result&#8221; of stabbing her verbally abusive and violent husband

 Sayuri Saito

 I am half hopeful and half concerned about Minister Koizumi," said Michiharu Oizumi, professor emeritus at Miyagi University. However, even if stockpiled rice released under a voluntary contract is priced at the 2,000-yen level, it does not mean that the price of rice as a whole will fall.

Rice Prices Set to Stay High Until Next Year’s Harvest as Market Polarization Deepens

 Former NHK announcer Matomo Ushida, who is running for the upper house of the National Democratic Party of Japan this summer, gave a speech at JR Hamamatsucho Station on May 25 with Yuichiro Tamaki, the party's representative, and others. Ushida has yet to make any significant comments, but there is a reason for that...

Why Former NHK Announcer Maatomo Ushida Struggles to Stand Out in Street Speeches Despite Her Charisma

 A group of executives who operated fake dating sites and swindled women out of as much as 5.3 billion yen in cash has been arrested. When they received complaints from victims, they refunded a portion of the money and made the victims write an affidavit saying that they would not consult the police. This is their ingenious criminal technique.

¥5.3 Billion Scam Group Exposed — How They Used Fake Dating Sites and No-Police Pledges to Trap Victims

 Fuji Media Holdings has announced plans to appoint new directors, and while the general shareholders' meeting in June is attracting attention, the fact that President Shimizu has suggested that former directors who "left" the company due to a series of controversies will be "sent down from heaven" is causing turmoil. The company's June general shareholders' meeting is attracting attention.

President Hints at Surprise Amakudari Move as Ousted Execs Face an Uncertain Future

 In June 2010, the ban on the personal use of marijuana was partially lifted in Thailand, sparking a worldwide debate. This year, less than three years after the ban was lifted, marijuana is once again the subject of regulation. What is the current marijuana situation in Thailand? We interviewed the front lines of the "marijuana business.

Thailand’s Cannabis Industry: Where Cafes Double as Hotspots for Japanese Tourists

 Pineapo Urach

 The "Bembo" TV drama "Bembo" has made a big splash in Japan. In Tokushima, "Panpan Street," which retains strong traces of the prewar Akita-machi brothels, is still in operation. Underground explorer Pinappo Urach went there.

Inside Tokushima&#8217;s 150-Year-Old Active Brothel: Infiltrating the Hidden World of Panpan Street

 Shigeru Nekota

 The Osaka Expo has been a great success every day. The restaurants inside the Expo site are good, but I would like to recommend some of the "popular restaurants among the locals" located a little before the nearest station, Yumeshima. A gourmet writer living in Osaka will introduce them to you.

No Crowds, Cheap &#038; Delicious! Top Post-Expo Eats in Osaka

 The head of the administrative office of the public interest incorporated association "Japan Run-in Temple" was arrested for cocaine possession. What happened behind the scenes?　We interviewed consultants who had been in and out of the organization about the office manager and the recent state of the organization.

The Atmosphere Changed — Cocaine Bust at Kakekomidera as Street Kids Speak Out

 An associate professor of Toyama University was arrested for his involvement in the management of an illegal men's esthetic salon. Interviews with the people involved revealed that the suspect was a troublemaker.

From Campus Scandal to Criminal Front: The Tumultuous Downfall of a University Associate Professor

 Motoko Abekawa is a freelance writer mainly for the web. She is also involved in the production of books and corporate PR magazines. She does not specialize in any particular field, but covers a wide range of topics that intrigue her, including history, comedy, health, beauty, travel, gourmet food, and nursing care.

 Motoko Abekawa

 Kenji Kawato (interview)

 The "Cleaning Up Brothers" were formed by comedians with experience in organizing relics. In March this year, they visited the Noto Peninsula for the second time. As clean-up professionals and comedians, what did they see in the disaster-stricken area and what is the "reality of Noto"?

The Heart Can’t Be Tidied Up: A Comedian’s Candid Look at Noto’s Ongoing Recovery

 More and more used condominiums are turning into "slums" in Japan. The main reasons for this are the aging of the population and the rising cost of living. What is the "frightening future" that many condominium residents may face?

Aging Condos, Aging Residents: The Hidden Crisis of Rising Costs and Decline in Japan&#8217;s Older Apartments

 Nakahira

 On May 14, a 78-year-old unemployed man was arrested by the Saitama Prefectural Police for forcibly taking a high school girl in his car and attempting to indecently assault her. What is his reputation, this magazine asked his neighbors and wife?　And what about his unexpected background?

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