 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

 Aika Kanda

 [Series #120] Me, Pink, and Sometimes NY

 Whenever I travel abroad, I always make sure to visit the local discount stores that are popular with locals. It’s like a treasure hunt and so much fun. Overseas, I often see “a certain kind of stain” cited as the reason for a discount… I was shocked to encounter it unexpectedly at a popular clothing store in Aoyama, Tokyo!

Freelance Announcer Aika Kanda Reveals Her Embarrassing Misunderstanding

 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

 Spurred by the words, “Kippei can make it to the majors,” he decided to return to baseball…

 Kippei Mikawa played for the Rikkyo University baseball team as a promising right-hander with a top speed of 149 km/h, but after failing to produce results, he left baseball to find a job. However, unable to find a sense of purpose in his corporate career, he realized once again that baseball was his only true calling…

He Walked Away From a Career to Chase a Dream—Now He’s Fighting for an MLB Future

 Yusuke Mimura (Sports Writer)

 Kaoru Watanabe, Japan Magazine Publishers Association (Photos 1, 2, and 4)

 [Special Feature: Supporting Japan’s World Cup Team] Massive Stacks of “APA President’s Meals” and “Canned Mackerel” in the Media Room… Who Are These “Two Enemies” More Troublesome Than the Opponents?

 While media representatives are voicing complaints about FIFA’s tournament management—saying, “This is the worst tournament I’ve ever seen!”—the JFA’s response has been at an all-time high. The prime example of this is the clubhouse, built three years ago at a cost of approximately 6.5 billion yen.

Japan’s Secret Weapon Isn’t on the Pitch: Inside Moriyasu Japan’s Clubhouse Advantage

 Hirotsuru Fujiyama

 Takayuki Ogawachi

 Actor Tetsuya Takeda (77), who has just celebrated his 77th birthday, has released a new book titled *Bloom, Old Man: A Textbook for the Second Half of Life* (published by Futabasha). From aging and family issues to even erotic topics, Takeda cuts through all the worries of his generation in his own unique style!

Tetsuya Takeda Reveals His Secret to Youthfulness and Why He Embraces Being Called &#8220;Old-Fashioned&#8221;

 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

 Nanako

 Courtesy of ZOOMO

 The puma family at Morioka City Zoo ZOOMO is a hit. We spoke with the zookeeper in charge to hear the “behind-the-scenes story” of the eventful year of raising the three cubs—born last June—and their mother, Nina.

A Social Media Sensation! The Dramatic Parenting Story Behind the Puma Family at Morioka City Zoo ZOOMO

 Kumatarō Arai

 Yuta Tamamori of “Kis-My-Ft2,” who stars in the July Sunday 10 p.m. drama “My Fiction,” and actress Aoi Morikawa were filming at a seaside park. Even between takes, Morikawa wore a carefree smile and was having a great time with the staff.

Aoi Morikawa and Yuta Tamamori Film Sweet Park Date Scene for New July Drama

 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 Specialist in Defense and Baserunning Who Played for the SoftBank Hawks, Lotte Marines, and Kufu Hayate

 A first for an NPB-trained position player! Shuhei Fukuda, now serving as a coach in MLB, is teaching defensive and baserunning techniques while touring the Mariners’ academy in the Dominican Republic, as well as their rookie league, minor league, and major league teams—all while overcoming the language barrier.

&#8220;Blood, Sweat, and Tears&#8221; — Mariners Coach Shuhei Fukuda Opens Up About Life in the Majors

 Aflo (Photos 1 and 2)

 A conflict has erupted within the organization that runs Ise Grand Shrine’s traditional “Great Bonfire” event over the collection of high participation fees and unaccounted-for funds. The board member at the center of the controversy is being criticized for using the shrine’s name to raise money.

Why Ise Grand Shrine&#8217;s 80-Year-Old New Year&#8217;s Eve Bonfire Tradition Is Under Fire

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 Kazuya Kamenashi and Minami Tanaka have announced their pregnancy-induced marriage. This site first reported on their relationship on December 31, 2023. What are the behind-the-scenes details of the roughly two-and-a-half-year journey that led these two to tie the knot?

The Hidden Story Behind Kamenashi and Tanaka&#8217;s Relationship, According to the Reporter Who Knew First

 Ryo Nakahira

 Shinji Hasuo

 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.

Inside the Manipulative Tactics Used to Exploit Minors Online

 On June 28, singer and actor Akihiro Miwa passed away due to old age. He was 91. In late 2012, *FRIDAY* conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Miwa, in which he spoke about his famous song “Yoitomake no Uta” and the social climate of the time.

“Not a Shred of Pride”… In Memoriam: Akihiro Miwa—The “Anger Born of Love” He Spoke of in an Exclusive Interview

 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”

 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

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 Mrs. Devi is standing trial as a defendant in two criminal assault cases. Although she “largely” admitted to the charges, the next hearing appears to be “bound to be turbulent”…

Dewi Sukarno Takes the Stand as Her Next Court Appearance Promises Fireworks

 Ryoji Hanamasa

 Yuki Yanagita, who has won seven league titles and eight Japan Series championships with SoftBank, is entering the final year of his seven-year contract this year. The man who declared in the offseason of 2019 that he would remain with the Hawks for life is now said to be battling the effects of aging that come at him day by day

&#8220;I&#8217;ve Become an Old Guy&#8221; — SoftBank Slugger Yuki Yanagita Reflects on Age, Growth, and Baseball

 Keitaro Haga

 Hiroyuki Sato

 Behind the Scenes of Her First Photo Book… How Did This Rising Star—Who’s Making Waves in Both Acting and Variety Shows—Do with Her Long-Awaited Photo Book?

 A rising star who’s making waves in both acting and variety shows is finally releasing her first photo book. “My whole family was thrilled,” says Mao Takano… She opened up about everything from the memorable desert shoot to a behind-the-scenes story with her family involving a red bikini!

Mao Takano Opens Up About Her Striking Desert Photo Shoot

 A Chinese national was arrested for driving without a license. The offense occurred while he was on probation. The man had also driven without a license after drinking in May of last year. His car plowed into a line of elementary school students on their way home from school, leaving four with serious and minor injuries. Here are the details of that accident and the man’s account of the incident.

Drunk Driver Injures Four Elementary School Students While Serving a Suspended Sentence

 Takeo Ketsu

 Round 3 of the Super Taikyu Series, the “NAPAC Fuji 24-Hour Race,” was held at Fuji Speedway. Among the highlights were the more than 100 beautiful race ambassadors who gathered from all over the country!

A Look at the Latest Costumes Worn by Race Ambassadors at the Fuji 24-Hour Race

 Shinji Hasuo (Photos 2–5)

 In April 2024, a couple who ran a restaurant in Ueno, Tokyo, were murdered. On June 24, a lay judge trial for the two defendants charged with murder, abandonment of a corpse, and mutilation of a corpse was held at the Tokyo District Court. What emerged was the details of a haphazard plan.

Alleged Mastermind Describes the Poorly Planned Scheme Behind the Nasu Double Murder

 In April 2024, a couple who ran a restaurant in Ueno, Tokyo, were murdered. On June 25, the lay judge trial of the intermediary—who is charged with murder, abandonment of a corpse, and mutilation of a corpse—took place at the Tokyo District Court. The gruesome details of the murder scene that were revealed…

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