 Aika Kanda

 [Series No. 122] Me, Pink, and Sometimes New York

 Not only did I have no beauty routine, but I’d lived my whole life without even being interested in beauty. Yet, starting this year, I’ve suddenly found myself caught up in a beauty routine. After receiving a pelvic support belt and seeing results, my routine gradually took shape—and now it’s grown to 11 steps!

“The Reality of Routines”: Aika Kanda Opens Up About Her Everyday Life

 Kumatarō Arai (Photos 1–3), Kenji Sugawara (Photos 4 and 5)

 Non is appearing in a Fuji TV series for the first time in 14 years! In mid-June, filming for the drama *Tokyo Middle 30* was taking place in Tokyo, and Non was tackling a scene where she had to run at full speed.

Non Is Back on Fuji TV After 14 Years—Inside Her High-Energy Role as a 35-Year-Old With No Plan

 Masahiro Kawayanagi

 On July 3, while investigators from the local Aichi and Hyogo Prefectural Police maintained a security presence, five top executives of the Sumiyoshi-kai visited the headquarters of the Hirai-ikka, a second-tier affiliate of the 6th-generation Yamaguchi-gumi. We captured exclusive photos of the meeting between the two groups, which was attended in person by Shinobu Tsukasa, the leader of the 6th-generation Yamaguchi-gumi.

Yamaguchi-gumi Boss Shinobu Tsukasa Personally Joins Outreach to 10 Major Groups—Exclusive Photos

 Sayuri Saito

 Afro

 Behind the phenomenon of new-crop rice failing to drop in price despite a surplus lie the agricultural cooperatives’ reluctance to sell and the wall of vested interests held by politicians and bureaucrats. An expert provides a thorough explanation of the mechanics of government intervention, which aims to maintain high prices while ignoring consumers.

Japan’s Rice Prices Stay High Despite Ample Supply—What’s Really Behind the ¥2,000 Rice Problem?

 The craftsmanship honed by The Drifters reached a turning point with the rise of new shows like *Hyokin-zoku*, which relied on improvisation. Meanwhile, new hit shows such as *Waratte Iitomo!* also emerged. We look back on the frenzy of television’s golden age in the 1980s.

The Drifters, Hyoukinzoku and Iitomo!—The Behind-the-Scenes Stories That Defined Japan’s TV Golden Age

 In the ’80s, when television was at its peak, a string of “monster” shows with viewership ratings exceeding 50% emerged one after another. Six former producers and broadcast writers selected the top 10 legendary variety shows that are still talked about today and look back on their appeal and innovation.

The 1980s TV Shows That Dominated Japan With 50%+ Ratings—Six Insiders Reveal What Happened Behind the Scenes

 Tsuyoshi Kinugawa (Prime Minister Takaichi), Hiroyuki Komatsu (Mrs. Akie)

 A memorial service for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was held on July 11. Prime Minister Takaichi, who considers herself his “successor,” attended the event, but as for Mrs. Akie Abe, the former prime minister’s wife…

“Takaichi, Really?” Criticism Erupts Over Her Abe Speech—And Her Relationship With Akie Abe Raises Questions

 Keitaro Nakagawa

 On July 2, events celebrating the release of NiziU’s new album were held at three major CD stores in Shibuya, drawing more than 500 fans to Center Street. Fans were thrilled to see the members smiling and waving at them.

NiziU Takes Over Shibuya in Off-the-Shoulder Looks and Mini Skirts at New Album Event

 Office worker and writer. An office worker and writer who explores Chinese restaurants in Tokyo. While attending university, he studied abroad for a year at Fudan University in Shanghai, where he became hooked on authentic Chinese cuisine. Currently, while working at an IT company, he explores newly opened Chinese restaurants, primarily in Tokyo.

 Asei

 The “Authentic Chinese Feast,” featuring dishes like “Whole Roasted Lamb” and limited-edition mapo tofu, is making waves after selling out in just one day following an announcement on social media. We explore why the casual atmosphere—where even a single person can enjoy dishes typically meant for large groups—and the chance to interact with the owner are driving young Japanese people wild.

Real Chinese Food Is Taking Japan by Storm—Inside the Banquet That Sold Out Overnight

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 The Young Lion Hailed as the “Second Yoshinobu Yamamoto” Explains the Reasons Behind His Evolution

 Hibiki Shinohara of the Saitama Seibu Lions was selected as the fifth overall pick in the draft not for his fastball velocity but for his precise control. However, in just over a year as a pro, he has developed into a powerhouse pitcher capable of reaching a top speed of 158 km/h, recording “20 holds in his second year out of high school.”

What Hibiki Shinohara Learned From Kaima Taira—and the Lesson Yu Darvish Taught Him

 Akinori Nakagawa

 Takehiko Kohiyama

 Miwako Toyama (THYMON Inc.)

 Special Interview: In His 61st Year in Show Business… The hit drama series *Aibou*, in which he stars, Celebrates Its 26th Anniversary, and His First Co-Starring Role with Daughter Shuri Is Making Headlines!

 Yutaka Mizutani, who made his acting debut at age 14 and is now in his 61st year in show business, speaks about his fourth film as a director—currently screening in theaters nationwide—saying, “My career in show business up until now has been a long, long period of preparation, and I felt that my own world has finally begun.”

“I Could Have Quit Acting at Any Time” – Yutaka Mizutani Reveals the Thinking Behind His Long Career

 Kyodo News

 Tomoko Minaba (64), owner of the DeNA BayStars—who, along with the Hiroshima and Chunichi teams, are languishing in the Central League’s B Class—is reportedly lashing out at the team’s management. What exactly happened?

DeNA Owner Tomoko Namba Is Furious Over the BayStars’ Slump—Can an Emergency Shake-Up Turn Things Around?

 A trial was held at the Tokyo District Court for a man who responded to a post on an online message board asking, “Will you sexually assault a woman?” and proceeded to sexually assault a woman and steal her money. The trial revealed the man’s numerous despicable acts.

Ex-Boyfriend Allegedly Hired a Man to Rape Her for ¥30,000—What the Court Revealed

 Afro (Sato), Kumatarō Arai (Hashimoto)

 The harassment allegations between Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto remain unresolved. The controversy has now spread to an unexpected place.

Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto Controversy Takes an Unexpected Turn: Travis Japan’s Kaito Nakamura Caught in the Fallout

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 On July 13, a new product launch event for a beauty brand was held in Tokyo, where Mizuki Yamamoto, who had just been appointed as the brand’s ambassador, took the stage. She showcased her “beautiful skin” and “natural, stunning legs,” which shone even brighter than her pure white dress, captivating the audience.

Mizuki Yamamoto Turns Heads as a Beauty Device Ambassador With Luminous Skin and Stunning Bare Legs

 Izumi Nakagawa

 “Is a reduced workweek a burden?” The “10-year career wall” faced by working women. In response to this concern, SS Pharmaceutical, a long-established pain reliever manufacturer, has launched an unprecedented “AI career counseling” service. What is the goal of this new strategy to address the “emotional pain” that medicine cannot cure?

Can AI Ease the Pain Medicine Can’t? Inside a Pharma Giant’s Bold New Career Support Venture

 Yuya Kawasaki (Miyane)

 “Miyaneya,” which has long been a staple of afternoon news programming, will come to an end at the end of September. Amid a fierce battle for ratings, the female network announcer set to take over as host—replacing Seiji Miyane, who was the “face” of the show—is…


Who Is Chiaki Kuroki? Jiro Shinbo Speaks Out on the Rising Announcer Tapped to Succeed Miyaneya

 Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1962. He is part of the comedy duo “Honjama-ka” with Toshiaki Megumi. In addition to appearing on variety shows such as “Ganso! Debuya” (TV TOKYO network), he is also active as an actor and voice actor. Currently, he appears as the Friday host on “Yojigoji Days” (TV TOKYO network) and is also focusing his efforts on YouTube and Instagram.

 Hidehiko Ishizuka

 "Honjama-ka" Hidehiko Ishizuka’s “Maiu~” Days Vol. 54

 “Honjama-ka” Hidehiko Ishizuka’s “Maiu~” Days, Vol. 54. This time, we’ll talk about Ishizuka and the “Raku Raku Phone (Raku Raku Smartphone).” What was it about the “Raku Raku” phone that left Ishizuka—a longtime feature phone user—so impressed…?

Finally Saying Goodbye to the Feature Phone! The “Rakuraku Phone” That Was So Convenient It Shocked Hidehiko Ishizuka of “Honjama-ka”

 Influencer Reika Miyazaki, who was found guilty of violating the Corporation Tax Act by evading approximately 157 million yen in taxes, was sentenced on July 15 by the Tokyo District Court to two years and six months in prison, suspended for four years, and a fine of 40 million yen.Behind the scenes, her husband, former EXILE member Keiji Kuroki…

Keiji Kuroki’s Celebrity Empire Takes a Hit as Wife Reika Miyazaki Faces Tax Evasion Charges

 Kumatarō Arai

 There’s still no end in sight for the controversy surrounding Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto. FRIDAY captured footage at the filming location in May, but during breaks in shooting, the two never spoke to each other. Were their co-stars even aware of this controversy...?

What Really Happened on Set? The Unusual Atmosphere Surrounding Jiro Sato and Ai Hashimoto’s Drama

 Koichiro Umeki

 Yasuhisa Kikuchi

 Back by popular demand following the huge success of their first photobook—plus exclusive new shots! The “Invincible Sisters” taking the gravure world by storm open up about everything from behind-the-scenes stories to their future plans

 Back by popular demand following the huge success of their first photobook—plus exclusive new shots! Each has explored body sculpting to refine their natural, soft, and curvaceous figures! The “Invincible Sisters,” who are taking the gravure world by storm, open up about everything from behind-the-scenes stories to their future plans.

“The Main Attraction? A Firm and Gorgeous Body!” Erika and Marina Momose Star as This Week’s Cover Girls

 The shockingly sloppy and brutal details of a heinous crime in which seven people, including a popular child actor, were arrested

 In April 2024, the charred bodies of a couple who ran a restaurant in Ueno, Tokyo, were found in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture. The lay judge trial for defendants Sasaki and Hirayama was held at the Tokyo District Court. What came to light were details that were incredibly sloppy and inhumane.

Inside the Takarajima Couple Murder Trial: Alleged Organizer and Broker’s Role Comes Under Scrutiny

 Shimei Kurita (Nonfiction Writer)

 Kyodo News (Komae Crime Scene) / Shinji Hasuo (Watanabe, Kojima)

 Art Students, Sex Workers, Daughters of Prominent Families… The True Faces of the Female Fraudsters Who Rose to Power

 Even now, more than four years after the “Rufi Group” committed its widespread robbery spree, fraud and robberies involving “black-market part-time jobs” continue unabated. The group consisted of just under 20 women, and its boss, Yuki Watanabe, skillfully manipulated the women in his organization.

Inside the Luffy Group—The Women Behind the Criminal Network Linked to ¥6 Billion in Losses

 Kyodo News (1st photo) Kazuhiko Nakamura

 On July 6, “Zento Shin,” a credit card early payment processing company, filed for quasi-bankruptcy. The company had business relationships with over 200,000 merchants, primarily restaurants and nightlife establishments, and this bankruptcy has plunged its affiliated merchants nationwide into a state of emergency

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