 Shinji Hasuo

 On June 30, Seiichi Sakamoto, a player for the “Chiba Sky Sailors” of an independent professional baseball league, was arrested on suspicion of violating the Road Traffic Act (hit-and-run) and other charges. According to reports, the incident appears to be linked to some kind of trouble…

How One Irreparable Mistake Turned a Baseball Player&#8217;s First Pro Season Into a Nightmare After a Hit-and-Run Arrest

 Izumi Nakagawa

 Aflo (Photos 2–4), Kyodo News (Photo 5)

 An elementary school fire left 11 students injured. The “rescue bags” that failed to work and the children who fled to the eaves. What are the pitfalls of “handkerchief evacuation drills” pointed out by experts? We take a closer look at realistic school disaster preparedness measures designed to save lives.

Elementary School Fire Reveals Why Some Evacuation Drills Fail When They Matter Most

 Ryo Nakahira

 The sentencing hearing for a man who posted on social media that he would “support single mothers” and, under the pretense of paying the mother money, coerced her into sending obscene videos of her two daughters via video call, will be held on July 8. What “excuses” has the man offered during the trial so far?

He Claimed He Wanted to Help Single Mothers—In Reality, He Was After Nude Images of Their Daughters

 Akira Ikoma

 Sex Work Around the World and the State, Part 4: Part 1

 Amid moves to revise Japan’s Anti-Prostitution Law, what is the current state of sex trade enforcement around the world? In Part 1 of the fourth installment of Akira Ikoma’s series, he introduces the “prohibitionist model” adopted primarily by Asian countries.

Criminals, Not Victims? The Policy Contradictions Behind a Thriving Sex Industry

 Sex Work and the State Around the World, Part 4: Part 2

 In the second part of the final installment of Akira Ikoma’s four-part series on sex trade regulations around the world, he examines the “abolitionist” stance of the current Anti-Prostitution Law. He also offers concluding reflections on the future of sex trade regulations.

Seventy Years On, Japan&#8217;s Anti-Prostitution Law Faces New Questions About Holding Sex Buyers Accountable

 Junpei Kōta

 A town of 17,000 people was thrown into chaos by a 150-meter-long, 300-metric-ton “black serpent” that suddenly appeared on shore

 On December 25 of last year, a giant hose—150 meters long, up to 2 meters in diameter, and weighing an estimated 300 metric tons—washed ashore in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, a small port town in the Hokuriku region with a population of 17,000. It took a long time to remove the entire structure, and a large amount of taxpayer money was spent on its disposal.

Should Sex Buyers Face Criminal Penalties? Rethinking Japan&#8217;s 70-Year-Old Anti-Prostitution Law

 While the promotion of self-medication has made it easier to purchase medications, there has been a rise in “headaches caused by headache medicine.” A specialist also explains unexpected lifestyle habits that can trigger headaches

Can Too Many Painkillers Make Your Headaches Worse? The Truth About Medication-Overuse Headache

 Courtesy of Kansai Clean Service

 “Kansai Clean Service” specializes in cleaning up hoarder homes and other difficult-to-clear properties. The company’s employees have faced nothing but grueling situations—including some hair-raisingly terrifying experiences.

After Both Seller and Buyer Met Mysterious Deaths, a Leading Kansai Crime Scene Cleaner Reveals His Most Unexplained Encounters

 “Kansai Clean Service” specializes in cleaning up hoarder homes and other difficult-to-tackle properties. The company’s employees have faced nothing but grueling situations—including some truly hair-raising experiences.

A Long-Haired Woman&#8217;s Ghost? Kansai&#8217;s Top Crime Scene Cleaner Shares a Spine-Chilling Story

 JMPA, MB Media / Afro

 A survey by a viewership data analysis company ranked the “captivating power” of commercials featuring Japan national team players and the head coach. Even when the same players are featured, there seems to be a world of difference in the level of attention they receive—but where does this difference come from?

Why Hajime Moriyasu, Not Japan&#8217;s Star Players, Became the Center of Attention in the National Team&#8217;s New Commercial

 Shinsuke Sakai

 With the rainy season upon us, the number of patients seeking treatment for “ear fungus” is on the rise. The primary cause is prolonged use of earbuds. Furthermore, cleaning the ears with cotton swabs is also a contributing factor. We asked a specialist how to prevent “ear fungus.”

Doctor Warns of Rising Ear Fungus Infections During the Rainy Season Caused by Prolonged Earbud Use

 The man who emerged from the Asakusa Police Station is a so-called “voyeur hunter” who targets voyeurs committing crimes at tourist spots. The incident came to light after he was caught for “voyeurism” and police examined the records on his smartphone.

Suspected Voyeur Hunter at Senso-ji Didn&#8217;t Want His Own Face Recorded—Then Was Arrested for Voyeurism a Month Later

 Shimei Kurita (Nonfiction Writer)

 Kyodo News

 Just under 20 women belonged to the Luffy Group… Female decoys were highly valued

 The specialized fraud organization believed to be the predecessor of the Luffy Group had up to about 200 members, including female scammers… Female decoys were highly valued. The targets of the scam calls were mostly elderly men, who tended to let their guard down when speaking with young women.

An Art Student, a Sex Worker, a Heiress—The Women Who Helped Build the Luffy Group&#8217;s ¥6 Billion Criminal Empire

 Jiro Takewara (Journalist)

 Jiji Press (2nd photo)

 The Japanese criminal organization “JP Dragon,” based in the Philippines, made its money through fraud, extortion, and protection rackets targeting restaurants and other businesses. We have obtained shocking photos of the group’s boss, Ryuji Yoshioka, who is currently being held at the Bicutan Detention Center in the Philippines

[Scoop!] Exclusive: “Latest Photos” of Ryuji Yoshioka, Boss of Japanese Criminal Organization “JP Dragon,” in Detention

 Daisuke Iwasaki

 A stay-at-home mom who had always thought stocks were scary made a resolution at age 56. She reportedly increased her assets eightfold over the course of eight years. What was she thinking, and what did she focus on when investing? We spoke with the investor herself, Nasudakko.

She Feared Investing at First—Now This Homemaker Has Built a $4 Million Fortune in 8 Years

 Hideki Asai

 Aflo

 Extreme weather caused by the worst-ever “Super El Niño.” This year, the rule of thumb for a “cool summer” has been shattered, and there is a risk that a heatwave and massive typhoons will strike Japan head-on. A thorough explanation of the chain reaction of risks—including a severe food crisis—and how to prepare.

Japan and the World Face Extreme Weather Risks as a Powerful El Niño Threat Emerges

 The “Judo School Sexual Abuse Trial,” reported by “FRIDAY Digital” from July to October ’25. The defendant, a former judo school director, was sentenced to 22 years in prison on 10 charges, including non-consensual sexual intercourse with nine children. Here’s a look back at the trial.

Former Judo Instructor Who Abused Seven Girls Faces Victims’ Pain as His Apology Fails to Reach Them

 Shirashi Midori

 “Finance cars” are sold at a discount because they come with certain issues, such as outstanding loans. While they were originally popular among organized crime members who couldn’t legally purchase cars, they’re reportedly gaining popularity among semi-yakuza members as well. What’s the reason behind this?

Why Finance Cars Attract Criminal Networks Despite Their Major Risks and Limitations

 A horrific crime occurred on the riverbank in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, where Ms. A (17), a high school senior living in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, was strangled to death. The suspect is said to be her 19-year-old ex-boyfriend, but…

She Said She Was Going to Meet Her Ex—Then Came a Tragic Ending

 Financial Planner / Representative, Rapport Consulting Office.After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at Nagoya University, he worked at a securities firm and an insurance agency before going independent. Through financial consultations and writing and supervising articles, he supports people in thinking for themselves and taking action regarding their financial matters. He holds certifications as a Level 1 Financial Planning Specialist, CFP®, Real Estate Transaction Specialist, and Sauna & Spa Professional.

 Hiroki Takekuni

 Afro

 The Era of “Point-Earning” with Shareholder Perks! Hot picks are emerging, such as Monex—offering a yield of over 15% through d-Point exchanges—and ChocoZAP, with a yield exceeding 66%. We’ll introduce a wide range of high-return stocks you can use in your daily life, including Matsukiyo and Don Quijote.

The Era of Point-Earning Through Shareholder Perks! Matsukiyo, Don Quijote… and Other Hot Stocks Where You Can Aim for a Yield of Over 66%

 A woman who was deceived by a married man “pretending to be single”—who tricked her into believing “Let’s get married,” extorted money from her, and even got her pregnant—filed a lawsuit seeking damages. The court ordered the man to pay approximately 4.6 million yen. During the trial, the man’s “outrageous lies” were exposed.

Married Man Who Pretended to Be Single Ordered to Pay Damages After Getting Woman Pregnant

 On June 18, the trial of a woman who stabbed her husband’s mistress in the head with a knife began at the Tokyo District Court. Although her husband and eldest son defended her, the victim is seeking a conviction. The highly anticipated verdict is scheduled to be handed down on July 1.

Woman Accused of Attacking Husband&#8217;s Lover Receives Support From Family as Verdict Looms

 On June 24, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of five individuals, including the owner of the Yoshiwara soapland “Louvre,” on charges of violating the Anti-Prostitution Law (providing a venue). This raid was different in nature from the soapland raids that followed one after another last year, reportedly sending shockwaves through the industry. What is the reason for this?

Yoshiwara’s Long-Established High-End Soapland “Louvre” Raided: “A Reputable Establishment That Seemed Unlikely to Have Any Run-Ins with the Police”—Owner’s Arrest Sends “Wide Ripples”

 There is no end to the number of adults attempting to approach minors via social media. On June 3, a man was arrested on suspicion of luring a middle school girl he met on Instagram to his home and sexually assaulting her. Here, we examine the cunning tactics used in past cases.

News

How One Irreparable Mistake Turned a Baseball Player’s First Pro Season Into a Nightmare After a Hit-and-Run Arrest

Elementary School Fire Reveals Why Some Evacuation Drills Fail When They Matter Most

He Claimed He Wanted to Help Single Mothers—In Reality, He Was After Nude Images of Their Daughters

Criminals, Not Victims? The Policy Contradictions Behind a Thriving Sex Industry

Seventy Years On, Japan’s Anti-Prostitution Law Faces New Questions About Holding Sex Buyers Accountable

Should Sex Buyers Face Criminal Penalties? Rethinking Japan’s 70-Year-Old Anti-Prostitution Law

Can Too Many Painkillers Make Your Headaches Worse? The Truth About Medication-Overuse Headache

After Both Seller and Buyer Met Mysterious Deaths, a Leading Kansai Crime Scene Cleaner Reveals His Most Unexplained Encounters

A Long-Haired Woman’s Ghost? Kansai’s Top Crime Scene Cleaner Shares a Spine-Chilling Story

Why Hajime Moriyasu, Not Japan’s Star Players, Became the Center of Attention in the National Team’s New Commercial