 Daisuke Iwasaki

 Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was born as a result of a coalition government between the Liberal Democratic Party and The Japan Innovation Party. The trigger for the formation of the coalition was a single short message. What was written in the e-mail? Takashi Endo, a senior member of the Restoration Association of Japan, tells us.

How a Single Short Message Sparked the Birth of the Takaichi Administration — Inside the Secret LDP–JRP Negotiations

 Takeshi Kinugawa

 Former ″Madonna of Nagatacho″ and ″Jeanne d'Arc of Okayama″, though strong characters: ......

 The Takaichi administration seems to be sailing smoothly, with a 71% approval rating in opinion polls, but the cause for concern seems to lie within its own ranks. If the two female ministers are handled in the wrong way, it will be the Takaichi administration that spills blood or...

Takaichi Cabinet’s Two Female Ministers Could Become a Double-Edged Sword: Katayama &#038; Onoda Under Scrutiny

 Shinji Hasuo

 On October 19, a 31-year-old nursery school teacher was arrested by the Saitama Prefectural Police on suspicion of setting fire to the nursery school where she worked. The suspect stated that she was fed up with her relationships with other people. What is the reason for arson due to stress at work?

“I Couldn’t Take It Anymore”—Inside the Impulse That Led a Nursery Teacher to Set the Facility on Fire

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 One day in mid-October, a fine autumn day, Shomei Takeuchi, a young leader of the Yamaguchigumi VI, appeared in a residential area of Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The destination of his visit was an organization affiliated with the long-established yakuza Matsuba-kai. What was the purpose of the visit to another organization by Wakao Takeuchi in broad daylight? ......

Sixth-Generation Yamaguchi-gumi Wakagashira Spotted on High-Profile Visit to Inagawa-kai Boss—A Show of Aggressive Outreach

 Sayuri Saito

 Afro (1st photo), Kyodo News (2nd and 3rd photos)

 If you're bought, it's too late": Foreign land acquisition is rampant in Hokkaido. Unauthorized logging in Kutchan Town and mega solar power plants in Kushiro Marsh ... The reality not shown in the statistics and the shadow of Chinese money. Experts thoroughly investigate the laxity of national land management.

Unregulated Foreign Solar Developers Tear Into Hokkaido Woodlands—Illegal Logging Surges

 Pasya/Afro

 The Sangseito (Upper House of the Diet) party created a whirlwind in the summer election for the House of Councillors. The party's conservative ideology has been popular and has increased its votes, but now that Prime Minister Takaichi, who also stands for conservatism, has become prime minister, it was thought that its presence would fade... ......

Even With a Conservative PM, Sanseitō Refuses to Fade—Miyagi Election’s Photo Finish Stuns Japan

 The number of boys' schools has been drastically decreasing, halving to 92 compared to 20 years ago. The rate of decline is greater than that of girls' schools. Boys' schools are in danger of extinction due to the trend toward co-educational schools among students taking entrance exams. On the other hand, there are some boys' schools that have been rapidly increasing their academic performance. What is the name of that school?

Number of Boys’ Schools Falls to 92—Half the Total from 20 Years Ago, Even as Top Schools Improve Results

 Takehide Mizutani

 On October 7, five Japanese men and women who had been running a special fraud operation based in the Philippines were detained. What does it mean that the key persons who have been marked by the authorities have been captured? Writer Takehide Mizutani, who is familiar with the situation, discusses.

Shocking Photos Expose JP Dragon’s Scam Base—Even Parents With Children Involved in Fraud

 Nakahira

 On October 27, the Chiba District Court handed down the sentence of a defendant who took a suicidal high school girl around for four days. The defendant has expressed remorse for his crime and apologized for his crime at his trial, but there were also scenes where he showed a trace of regret for the victim. ......

Defendant Confesses to Unprotected Sex—But His Words Reveal a Disturbing Lingering Attachment

 The first trial was held for a man who allegedly killed a 30-year-old woman by stabbing her to death in a hotel room. The two had met on a dating website. The following is a look back at the details of the trouble and the defense's arguments in court, based on interviews conducted immediately after the incident.

“We Were Dating”—57-Year-Old Defendant Claims Relationship After Allegedly Stabbing 24-Year-Old Woman to Death

 Kei Kato

 The final day of the Expo was a success, and the association was in the "black". At first glance, the closing process appears to be proceeding smoothly, but numerous problems have immediately erupted. The association says, "We are doing everything we can to deal with the situation...

Unpaid Bills and Piles of Waste—The Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Biggest Problems Come After Closing Day

 Born in Taiwan in 1976. Winner of TV Tokyo's "TV Champion" in 2002 and 2007. He loves cooking, sweets, and alcohol, with a focus on fine dining and hotel gourmet cuisine. He writes easy-to-understand articles with his unique perspective on everything from inflammatory incidents to gastronomy and trends, and from the state of food to issues facing restaurants. He is also a judge, lecturer, producer, and consultant.

 Dong Long

 Kyodo News (1st photo)

 Michelin Tokyo 2026] Behind the decline of Michelin stars, chefs and patissiers are "investment targets"!　What is the identity of the "black market" fund behind the decrease in Michelin stars? We also introduce a hot new restaurant, "Night Market," which has been listed in the Bib Gourmand after only two months in business.

Owner Relationship Exposed—Inside the Case Surrounding Wakasa Tano

 Yuuki Okukubo

 Since the COVID-19 crisis of 2008, coma rip-offs have been rampant in Yushima. The tactics are becoming more and more heinous, and in some cases there have been deaths. The following is an explanation of what is happening in Yushima.

Yushima in Danger—The Evolving Sleep-and-Scam Scheme and Its New Tricks

 Ryo Nakahira

 On October 21, the Saitama District Court heard the trial of a man accused of kidnapping a minor and having non-consensual sexual intercourse with her by luring her through a matching app. What was revealed about the despicable crime and the "regret" shown by the defendant?

Man Accused of Abducting 13-Year-Old Met on Dating App Expresses Regret in Court

 JMPA

 Princess Kako attended Girls Messe 2025. She wore a pure white dress with black dots. Recently, her blue dress has been the subject of controversy because of its "conspicuous body line. An expert explains Kako's concern for her attire.

A Hint of Change? Princess Kako Stuns in a White Dress with a Soft Silhouette

 Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has become the first female prime minister in the history of constitutional government after forming a coalition with the Restoration Association of Japan. She has chosen Satsuki Katayama, a former finance bureaucrat, to be the key finance minister in her administration. ......

Takaichi’s Smartest Move Yet? The Political Shock of Naming Satsuki Katayama Finance Minister

 Blank Green

 One week has passed since the Osaka Expo closed on October 13. Dismantling of the pavilions is said to be in full swing. At the time of the opening of the Expo, there were many concerns such as "a toilet that was reportedly 200 million yen in construction costs and burst into flames" and "a stone hanging from the ceiling".

Why Osaka Expo Ditched Its No-Smoking Rule—The Untold Story

 On October 22, the former head of a judo school accused of 10 crimes, including non-consensual sexual intercourse with seven girls, was sentenced. What was the "important thing" that the defendant, who committed a series of crimes in accordance with his own desires, told the judge? And what was the verdict?

Inside the Trial: Former Judo School Director’s Disturbing Confession and the Court’s Judgment

 A manager and a female employee were arrested for forcing a female staff member of a girls' bar into prostitution while monitoring her with GPS. The victim said that she was not treated as a human being. ......

 With the conclusion of his policy speech, the Takaichi Cabinet is now in full swing. A poll conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun revealed some shocking figures. The KDP's approval rating, which had made a major breakthrough in the recent Upper House election, has dropped to almost half. ......

I&#8217;m not blinkered! Yuichiro Tamaki, &#8220;the man who failed to win the reigns of power,&#8221; whose approval rating has dropped by half, is aiming for a &#8220;counterattack.

 Shinji Hamasaki (1st, 3rd, and 7th photos), Takeo Yuzuna (4th photo), Kazuhiko Nakamura (6th photo)

 In this issue of Playback, we look back at what we reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In this issue, we introduce a report on the disaster-stricken areas one month after the Great East Japan Flood of September 2003. Despite the lack of progress in recovery, people were looking forward to the future.

Playback &#8217;15] Deep Scars of the Disaster&#8230; Walking in the Disaster Area One Month after the Great East Japan Floods

 Hideki Asai

 Kyodo News

 The Takaichi Administration is "tightening" the system for foreigners. But the future of the "labor shortage of 11 million people" looms. Convenience stores and nursing care services can't operate...?　What are the barriers to "coexistence" with Japanese society?

The Future of the &#8220;Stricter System&#8221; for Foreigners under the Takaichi Administration and the &#8220;Labor Shortage of 11 Million&#8221;&#8230; What is Really Needed for &#8220;Coexistence&#8221;?

 Which is the "strongest cup yakisoba" that is cheap and tasty? The "three wise men", Mr. Takero Kanda, a home-made ramen researcher, Mr. Takayuki Oishi, a cup noodle researcher, and Mr. Ichiro Yamato, an instant noodle hunter, debated and came to a conclusion!

Three people who have eaten all kinds of instant noodles discuss thoroughly! The three men discuss the best cup yakisoba noodles in a ranking format!

 The cabinet of Sanae Takaichi was born after a "difficult birth" due to the withdrawal of the New Komeito Party from the coalition. In the midst of such a situation, a "letter of instruction" given to all ministers has become a topic of conversation. Moreover, it has been "leaked" to some of the mass media. ......

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#8217;s &#8220;directive&#8221; to all her ministers reveals her &#8220;strong arm&#8221; in her &#8220;daring to release to the media&#8230;

News

How a Single Short Message Sparked the Birth of the Takaichi Administration — Inside the Secret LDP–JRP Negotiations

Takaichi Cabinet’s Two Female Ministers Could Become a Double-Edged Sword: Katayama & Onoda Under Scrutiny

“I Couldn’t Take It Anymore”—Inside the Impulse That Led a Nursery Teacher to Set the Facility on Fire

Sixth-Generation Yamaguchi-gumi Wakagashira Spotted on High-Profile Visit to Inagawa-kai Boss—A Show of Aggressive Outreach

Unregulated Foreign Solar Developers Tear Into Hokkaido Woodlands—Illegal Logging Surges

Even With a Conservative PM, Sanseitō Refuses to Fade—Miyagi Election’s Photo Finish Stuns Japan

Number of Boys’ Schools Falls to 92—Half the Total from 20 Years Ago, Even as Top Schools Improve Results

Shocking Photos Expose JP Dragon’s Scam Base—Even Parents With Children Involved in Fraud

Defendant Confesses to Unprotected Sex—But His Words Reveal a Disturbing Lingering Attachment

“We Were Dating”—57-Year-Old Defendant Claims Relationship After Allegedly Stabbing 24-Year-Old Woman to Death

Unpaid Bills and Piles of Waste—The Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Biggest Problems Come After Closing Day

Owner Relationship Exposed—Inside the Case Surrounding Wakasa Tano

Yushima in Danger—The Evolving Sleep-and-Scam Scheme and Its New Tricks

Man Accused of Abducting 13-Year-Old Met on Dating App Expresses Regret in Court

A Hint of Change? Princess Kako Stuns in a White Dress with a Soft Silhouette

Takaichi’s Smartest Move Yet? The Political Shock of Naming Satsuki Katayama Finance Minister

Why Osaka Expo Ditched Its No-Smoking Rule—The Untold Story

Inside the Trial: Former Judo School Director’s Disturbing Confession and the Court’s Judgment

Owner Relationship Exposed—Inside the Case Surrounding Wakasa Tano

I’m not blinkered! Yuichiro Tamaki, “the man who failed to win the reigns of power,” whose approval rating has dropped by half, is aiming for a “counterattack.

Playback ’15] Deep Scars of the Disaster… Walking in the Disaster Area One Month after the Great East Japan Floods

The Future of the “Stricter System” for Foreigners under the Takaichi Administration and the “Labor Shortage of 11 Million”… What is Really Needed for “Coexistence”?

Three people who have eaten all kinds of instant noodles discuss thoroughly! The three men discuss the best cup yakisoba noodles in a ranking format!

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s “directive” to all her ministers reveals her “strong arm” in her “daring to release to the media…