 Nakahira Ryo

 Shinji Hasuo

 On May 27, a man was sentenced in the Tokyo District Court for sexually photographing four women and breaking and entering into their homes. The man, who was released from prison less than a year after serving 17 years for rape and other crimes, spoke in court about his "regrets.

Court Delivers Verdict in Case of Man Who Claimed, &#8220;I Entered and the Woman Happened to Be Naked&#8221;

 Two men were arrested for wearing balaclavas, breaking into the residence of an acquaintance, injuring him, and robbing him of two Japanese swords. In most cases of Japanese sword theft, the purpose is to buy and sell, but this time the purpose may be different. ......

Masked Katana Robbery Suspect Arrested After Victim Recognizes Him as a Possible Acquaintance

 Izumi Nakagawa

 A new weapon against bears coming out of hibernation!　What is the latest technology "Environmental DNA" that can identify a bear "1km upstream" with a glass of river water?　We also take a closer look at the amazing survey system introduced by Akita Prefecture, which can detect a bear before it is sighted.

Environmental DNA Can Detect Bears from a Cup of Water—And Akita Prefecture Is Putting It to Use

 Kei Kato

 Aging water pipes are becoming a problem throughout Japan. Amidst a string of collusion cases involving waterworks projects, the author received a piece of information. It was about the numerous postponements of waterworks projects in Osaka City, and the many suspicions behind them.

Why 90% of Osaka&#8217;s Waterworks Projects Run Late—and the Curious Explanations Given

 Kyodo

 The resignation of former manager Shinnosuke Abe just before the interleague game was triggered by his arrest for assaulting his daughter. His arrest for assaulting his daughter was the trigger, but what stood out behind the scenes was the Yomiuri Group's move to "immediately cut off" Mr. Abe. ......

Shinnosuke Abe Coverage Raises Questions Over Nippon TV&#8217;s Editorial Choices

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

 Motoko Abekawa

 Why does Daidoh continue to release "odd" beverages such as "Drinkable Cheesecake" and "Frisk" carbonated beverages that cause a stir on social networking sites, despite the headwind of 20,000 vending machines being taken out? 　We look into the company's unique survival strategy for competing with the major players.

20,000 Vending Machines Gone—So Why Is DyDo Making Drinkable Cheesecake?

 Akira Ikoma

 Sex Trafficking and the State in the World (Part 2)

 What is the reality in Germany, a country that has legalized sex trafficking? This is the second part of the second series of articles by sex trade journalist Akira Ikoma, who examines sex trafficking regulations in countries around the world and asks how such regulations should be enforced in Japan.

The Dark Side of Germany, Dubbed Europe&#8217;s Brothel, as Legalization Brings the Sex Industry into the Mainstream

 Sex Trafficking and the State in the World (Part 1)

 Japan is facing the question of how to regulate sex trafficking, including a review of its Anti-Prostitution Law. This is the second in a series of articles exploring how countries around the world are dealing with sex trafficking. In Part 1, we introduce the "legalization model" of the Netherlands.

&#8220;What If We Just Legalized It?&#8221; The Successes and Challenges of the Dutch Model for Legalized Sex Work

 On May 16, a well-known tennis coach was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman he knew. The suspect stated that he did not do it forcibly, but we wonder if this is due to a culture of not being able to speak up against leaders in the world of sports.

Famed Tennis Coach Arrested on Non-Consensual Sex Charges; Claim That It Wasn&#8217;t Forced Raises Questions

 Japan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

 On May 22, a woman representing an animal welfare group was arrested on suspicion of violating the Animal Protection Law (abuse). The bones and carcasses of more than 30 dogs and cats were lying around the facility. What happened to the woman who used to be an active animal rescuer?

Dozens of Dead Animals Found in Disturbing Hoarding Case Linked to Animal Rights Group Head

 Jiji Press (4th photo)

 A female member of the Japan Innovation Party (JIEP)'s election campaign accused the party of padding her salary and pinning the difference on her. The woman says, "Before I knew it, I was forced to be a part of the fraudulent activities that took place by taking advantage of the Uguisuyo....

Japan Innovation Party Campaign Announcer Claims Salary Deductions and Unexpected Police Search

 JMPA

 Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family, and Prince Hisahito of Akishino, the eldest son, have been performing official duties together. This was the first time since the World Championships in Athletics last September that the two of them performed official duties together. According to experts, there will be an increase in the number of "official duties performed by a sister-brother pair" in the future. The following is an explanation of the possible advantages.

Princess Kako&#8217;s Elegant All-White Look Draws Attention as Speculation Grows Over More Joint Appearances with Prince Hisahito

 Kyodo News (1st and 3rd pictures)

 Fumitaka Kobiazu, 52, a former police lieutenant who has devoted most of his 30-year career to the investigation of organized crime and drug cases, details the field of firearms countermeasures.

Ex-Narcotics Investigator Goes on the Record About the Fight Against Illegal Guns in Organized Crime

 Shinji Hasuo (1st to 5th), Takero Yuzuru (8th)

 On May 17, an incident occurred at the Ichikawa Zoo and Botanical Garden in Chiba Prefecture, where a foreigner intruded into the monkey mountain where the popular "Punch-kun" lives. This behavior drew condemnation from around the world, but it seems that problems had been brewing there for some time.

Ren Meguro&#8217;s Busy Schedule Fuels Competition as SHOGUN and Drama Projects Line Up

 On May 11, the trial of a man who took voyeuristic pictures of women and broke into their rooms concluded at the Tokyo District Court. The man, who was released from prison in 2011 after serving 17 years, committed the crime using a smartphone that he got for the first time. What was the man's motive?

Former Long-Term Inmate Blames Trend After Committing New Voyeurism Offense with Smartphone

 On May 13, the Metropolitan Police Department arrested the representative of an information provider and six others on suspicion of violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law (unregistered business) for soliciting investments in overseas financial products without registration. Their clever tricks are available at .......

Suspect Behind ¥87 Billion Illegal Fund Scheme Allegedly Used Investor Money for Luxury Lifestyle and Sophisticated Organization Building

 Satoru Ota

 Hinano Toshima

 The Showa period (1926-1989) monster soft vinyl market has seen an extraordinary surge in prices, with Garamon selling for approximately 30 million yen. Nabeyakan sounds an alarm about the dark side of this boom, which has been triggered by the COVID-19 crisis and the influence of social networking services (SNS), as well as the appearance of elaborate forgeries.

From Collectibles to Gold Mines? Nabe Yakan Exposes the Risks Behind the Kaiju Sofubi Craze

 On May 21, the Tokyo District Court sentenced a woman accused of murdering a baby she gave birth to at a girls' bar where she worked to three years and six months in prison. The woman's confession, which was revealed at the trial, can be found at .......

Woman who gave birth to a baby and killed him at a girls&#8217; bar where she worked is sentenced to three years and six months in prison for repenting too late.

 Born in Yamagata Prefecture in 1983, Yoko Tunemochi worked for 10 years in the editorial department of a health information magazine, editing monthly magazines and web media before becoming a freelance writer. Currently, she interviews, plans, and writes about doctors and specialists, focusing on health care and medical fields.

 Yoko Kemmochi

 Courtesy of Kazuhiko Hayashi

 With 70,000,000 in assets and 250 million in debt... The former vice-president of Tokyo Women's Medical University, who bled from the anus due to the severe stress, is now ready to start a yogurt business at the age of 60. This film looks at the miraculous turnaround of an elite doctor who abandoned his position and took on the challenge of supporting cancer patients from the bottom of the heap.

With 70,000,000 in assets and 250 million in debt&#8230;former vice-president of Tokyo Women&#8217;s Medical University, who &#8220;bled from the anus&#8221; in a medical accident, is ready to take on the challenge of starting a yogurt business.

 Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1969, Katsuhide Takahashi is the Representative Director of Malibu Japan Co. After working for Mitsubishi Bank, Citigroup Securities, and Citibank, he established Malibu Japan in 2013. He has visited more than 60 countries around the world. He is an expert on resorts in Japan and abroad, including the Bahamas, Maldives, Palau, Malibu, Los Cabos, Dubai, Hawaii, Niseko, Kyoto, and Okinawa. He graduated from Keio University in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in economics and received a master's degree in economics from Aoyama Gakuin University in 2000. His many publications include "Bank Zero Era" (Asahi Shimbun Publications), "Why Only Niseko Became a World Resort" (Kodansha + alpha Shinsho), "Regional Banks Disappear" (Heibonsha), and "Super Wealthy People Do Not Need 'Omotenashi'" (Kodansha + alpha Shinsho).

 Katsuhide Takahashi

 The real wealthy are secretly shifting to "high-end low-rise residences" in Minato-ku and Shibuya-ku, and we take a closer look at the reality of these "low-rise fortresses" being secretly traded for 9.5 billion yen, and why.

Towers are the luxury ruins of the future&#8230; Ultra-wealthy people are secretly targeting &#8220;low-rise fortresses&#8221; in central Tokyo&#8230; The reality is that they are being secretly traded for 9.5 billion yen.

 In this issue of Playback, we look back at what we reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In May 2006, five bodies were found in an apartment. What is the "relationship" between the arrested woman and the five bodies?

Playback &#8217;06] &#8220;The Hiratsuka 5-body Incident&#8221;: Bodies Rumble from a 1K Room&#8230; The Mystery of the &#8220;Suspected Mother&#8221; Remains to This Day

 Hideki Asai

 The latest tactics of the professional-level "AI scam," in which even half of the well-informed are deceived, are thoroughly explained, along with five defensive measures to protect oneself from the scam.

Could You Be the Next Victim? Harvard Highlights the Rise of Convincing AI-Generated Phishing Emails

 Kako, the second daughter of the Akishino family, continued her energetic official duties during the Golden Week holidays, wearing a black dress on the 7th and a white one-piece on the 9th, in contrasting fashions. Behind her contented smile, there were two changes.

Princess Kako Appears in an Elegant Dress from a Favorite Brand as Two Shifts Shape Her Busy Days

 On May 14, two Vietnamese nationals were arrested on suspicion of breaking into the vacant house where the Setagaya murders took place in order to steal. The incident has continued at the site since the police stopped providing security to preserve the scene in '20. ......

News

Court Delivers Verdict in Case of Man Who Claimed, “I Entered and the Woman Happened to Be Naked”

Masked Katana Robbery Suspect Arrested After Victim Recognizes Him as a Possible Acquaintance

Environmental DNA Can Detect Bears from a Cup of Water—And Akita Prefecture Is Putting It to Use

Why 90% of Osaka’s Waterworks Projects Run Late—and the Curious Explanations Given

Shinnosuke Abe Coverage Raises Questions Over Nippon TV’s Editorial Choices

20,000 Vending Machines Gone—So Why Is DyDo Making Drinkable Cheesecake?

The Dark Side of Germany, Dubbed Europe’s Brothel, as Legalization Brings the Sex Industry into the Mainstream

“What If We Just Legalized It?” The Successes and Challenges of the Dutch Model for Legalized Sex Work

Famed Tennis Coach Arrested on Non-Consensual Sex Charges; Claim That It Wasn’t Forced Raises Questions

Dozens of Dead Animals Found in Disturbing Hoarding Case Linked to Animal Rights Group Head

Japan Innovation Party Campaign Announcer Claims Salary Deductions and Unexpected Police Search

Princess Kako’s Elegant All-White Look Draws Attention as Speculation Grows Over More Joint Appearances with Prince Hisahito

Ex-Narcotics Investigator Goes on the Record About the Fight Against Illegal Guns in Organized Crime

Ren Meguro’s Busy Schedule Fuels Competition as SHOGUN and Drama Projects Line Up

Former Long-Term Inmate Blames Trend After Committing New Voyeurism Offense with Smartphone

Suspect Behind ¥87 Billion Illegal Fund Scheme Allegedly Used Investor Money for Luxury Lifestyle and Sophisticated Organization Building

From Collectibles to Gold Mines? Nabe Yakan Exposes the Risks Behind the Kaiju Sofubi Craze

Woman who gave birth to a baby and killed him at a girls’ bar where she worked is sentenced to three years and six months in prison for repenting too late.

With 70,000,000 in assets and 250 million in debt…former vice-president of Tokyo Women’s Medical University, who “bled from the anus” in a medical accident, is ready to take on the challenge of starting a yogurt business.

Towers are the luxury ruins of the future… Ultra-wealthy people are secretly targeting “low-rise fortresses” in central Tokyo… The reality is that they are being secretly traded for 9.5 billion yen.

Playback ’06] “The Hiratsuka 5-body Incident”: Bodies Rumble from a 1K Room… The Mystery of the “Suspected Mother” Remains to This Day

Could You Be the Next Victim? Harvard Highlights the Rise of Convincing AI-Generated Phishing Emails

Princess Kako Appears in an Elegant Dress from a Favorite Brand as Two Shifts Shape Her Busy Days

How a Recent Break-In Incident Highlighted the Ongoing Unsolved Setagaya Family Murder Case