 Hajime Sasaki

 Just before the first real event! Special Interview

 An idol was born from "Nobuyuki Sakuma's NOBROCK TV". The name of the group is "DRAW♡ME". P. Sakuma talks about the unique members, Ririka Moriwaki, Saki Tateno, Yuka Nihei, Mitsuho Fukudome, Kei Fubuki, and Mirichamu.

NOBROCK TV Idol Group Formation: Sakuma Reveals Unexpected Connections Between Unique Members

 Nihonbashi Group*.

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 Documentary No-entry "Crematoriums"--Daily life of people who burn death at the end of their lives

 Private companies that operate crematoriums are debating raising fees due to soaring fuel and labor costs. In addition to the difficulty of securing and training personnel in a harsh working environment, new entrants are not expected, and existing facilities are becoming increasingly important as public infrastructure.

Cremation for 9,000 Yen? Japan’s Grim Reality and Controversy Over Child Cremation Fees

 The flames of the crematorium, which sends the body to heaven at 1,300 degrees Celsius... Reporting on the real scene of a multi-death society.

 Not much is known about the reality of crematoriums. Adjustment of fire power is still a manual and extremely nerve-wracking job, even for veterans, and equipment used daily at high temperatures requires detailed maintenance. This article introduces the harsh work conditions and the latest equipment.

[Feature] Life at a Restricted Crematorium—Handling Death When the Smell Lingers

 Sayuri Saito

 Afro

 Japan's national land disappears...a startling hole that can be bought with "no contact information". What are the limits that cannot be prevented even by the "tighter regulations" of the Takaichi administration? We look at the devastation of Niseko and the danger of land becoming ownerless land, and the "trump card" proposed by experts for local governments.

Japan’s Territory Disappearing? Alarming Loopholes You Can Exploit Without Any Contact—Beyond Government Control

 Shinji Hasuo

 A man was arrested in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, on New Year's Eve last year for the brutal murder of a female manicurist in her home. The man arrested was the victim's "ex-boyfriend" who had been following her even after they broke up. Why was the man so obsessed with the victim?

[Mito Nail Technician Murder] Suspect Placed Tracker in Plush Toy, Obsessively Stalked Victim

 Mitsutoshi Abe (former TV reporter, political journalist)

 On January 23, Mrs. Devi was arrested on suspicion of assaulting her manager. The reporter who followed her closely for four days talks about her true face. ......


Reporter Captures the Real Mrs. Dewi—Anger, Reactions, and Personality Amid Assault Scandal

 Kumataro Arai

 On Christmas Eve last year, we spotted Wakana Matsumoto at a retro shopping street in downtown Tokyo where a drama was being filmed! She was walking happily with a female staff member. We were surprised by her small face and beautiful style that suddenly appeared in the downtown area!

Wakana Matsumoto Seen at Iconic Showa Retro Street During NHK Spring Drama Shoot, Flaunting Petite Frame

 Nakahira Ryo

 The trial of a day-care worker who indecently assaulted eight boys at the day-care center where he worked. The judge's words that cut to the chase when the defendant stated that his motive was "a sense of accomplishment".

Judge Calls Out Distorted Motive Behind Childcare Worker’s Abuse of 8 Kids

 Takahiro Kagawa (1st and 2nd photos) Takayuki Ogawauchi (3rd and 4th photos) Sankei Shimbun (5th photo)

 --The couple spent the year-end and New Year's holidays together before their main stage performance, and were full of happiness!

 Erika Sawajiri, who is turning 40, is in a serious relationship with her new boyfriend, Mr. A, who lives on a remote island and is 14 years younger than her. Despite their ultra-long-distance relationship, they have taken their time to deepen their relationship, but will she be able to find the right timing for marriage with her busy schedule?

Erika Sawajiri Sparks Romance Rumors: 14-Year Age Gap, Remote Island Love, and a Spring Wedding?

 Shimei Kurita (nonfiction writer)

 Takayuki Ogawauchi

 Shinjuku 2-chome has become known as "Gay Town. In recent years, it has opened its doors to foreign tourists and female customers. However, the damage caused by overtourism has been reported.

Chaos and Transformation in Tokyo’s Shinjuku 2-Chome, the Heart of the Global Gay Scene

 Shinjuku 2-chome in Tokyo is famous as "the world's largest gay town. The homosexuals living there have connections and stories that are unique to Shinjuku 2-chome. We interviewed them about these connections and stories.

Increasing Partnership Recognition, but What Life Is Really Like for LGBTQ+ People in Tokyo’s Shinjuku 2-Chome

 Shu Nishihara

 Minami Tanaka was spotted heading to an eel dinner in Tokyo after a radio broadcast, and in 2026, she is still renewing her image as a "smart girl" overflowing with mockery and care!

From Charm to Care: Minami Tanaka Explains the Link Between Smart and Thoughtful Women

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

 Motoko Abekawa

 The year 2026 "丙午" is the end of Mr. Delicacy!　In a period of drastic change that occurs only once every 60 years, a popular astrologer gives advice on "survival strategies" to seize opportunities by moving rather than worrying.

Sanma Akashiya and Anmika Stand Out in 2026’s Hinoe-Uma Year: How Winners and Losers Differ

 Ichiro Takatsuka

 As "timelesz" has been gaining popularity and recognition due to the effect of its tie-production, Nakajima Kento (ex-Sexy Zone) has been steadily increasing his fan base. The collaboration between Nakajima and the "Ae! group's collaboration at Cowcon was revealed...?

Behind the Scenes of Nakajima and Aぇ! Group’s Kouhaku Performance Wins Fans’ Hearts

 Kyodo News

 Last offseason, Seibu pitcher Mitsunari Takahashi was approved to try out for the Major League Baseball via the posting process, but he ultimately chose to remain with the team this year. Why did he stay, despite offers from three major league teams?

Major League Offers to Seibu’s Mitsunari Takahashi Deemed Minor League Level, Highlighting Clear Gap with Former Teammate Imai

 Tickets are extremely hard to come by! --The last concert before the end of Arashi's career is expected to be a bit of a mess even before the event begins.

 The last concert before the end of Arashi's career is scheduled to start on March 13 this year, and there have been harsh criticisms about the ticket prices and schedule. Although there is no word on the remedy, we hope that the many fans who have been supporting the group will be rewarded.

Controversy Grows as Arashi’s Last Concert Allows Previous Winners to Apply

 Will it lead to their debut?

 Sato and Ukisho of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT's junior unit "ACEes" have been receiving a lot of praise on variety shows. Many fans are looking forward to their debut, and it is a good trend that they are receiving high praise individually.

Ryuga Sato and Hidaka Ukisho Steal the Spotlight on Variety Show, Drawing Rave Reviews for ACEes

 Ryo Sakamoto (Writer, former head of Culture and Society Department of Tokyo Sports Newspaper)

 The actor Ayumi Ishida is to receive the Japan Academy Prize Chairman's Special Award. What she told the press before her death. ......

Ayumi Ishida Honored with Chairman’s Special Award, Reflects on Marriage and Identity

 In this issue of Playback, we take a look back at what we reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In this issue, we look back at an incident that took place in January 2004: why did four men, who were senior employees and colleagues at a 17-year-old boy, brutally send him to his death?

Playback &#8217;16] &#8220;Fly or It&#8217;s Over!&#8221; Four Men Sanctioned 17-Year-Old Boy for Drowning

 One year has passed since three men and a woman were killed and wounded in front of JR Nagano station. The defendant has pleaded not guilty. We take a look back at the life of the defendant, whose mailbox was filled with demand letters due to his horrific crime and massive debts.

One year after the triple murder in Nagano, the 47-year-old defendant, who used a beef knife to kill three people one after another without saying a word, was &#8220;heavily in debt and filled with demand letters.

 Hazuki Takeda, nonfiction writer

 Yoshinori Matsuda

 The All Japan Sumo Tournament was held in November to determine the number one amateur sumo wrestler in the makuuchi division. Former yokozuna Hakuho was also at the event. Will there be a second Onosato or Toyoshoryu? Nonfiction writer Hazuki Takeda follows closely!

Former yokozuna Hakuho &#8220;has plenty of room to grow&#8221;&#8230;closely follows the &#8220;amateur number one&#8221; All Japan Sumo Tournament, a gateway to success for makuuchi rikishi!

 Company employee and writer. A corporate employee and writer who eats Chinese food in Tokyo. Studied abroad at Fudan University in Shanghai for a year while in college and fell in love with Chinese food. Currently, while working for an IT company, he eats at newly opened Chinese restaurants around Tokyo. ■Blog: https://chuka.tokyo/ ■X : https://x.com/iam_asheng ■Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/asheng_chuka/

 Aso

 A large number of "6,000-store-level" giant Chinese restaurant chains have now landed in Japan. What is the "inside story" behind the rapid increase in the number of "serious Chinese" restaurants such as Maoratan and Mongolian cuisine? Let us take a closer look at the full picture and the next boom.

As many as 6,000 stores! Chinese &#8220;Giant Chains&#8221; Landing in Japan One after Another: &#8220;Too Desperate to Continue&#8221;.

 Yoshio Tsunoda/Afro

 The leader of the "NHK Party", Takashi Tachibana, is in jail behind the scenes of the general election. However, an unexpected situation has occurred to Mr. Tachibana. ......

Takashi Tachibana&#8217;s &#8220;living expenses in jail&#8221; seized by Ayaka Otsu: &#8220;Receipt money&#8221; &#8211; what is it?

 Shinnosuke Abe, 46, the Giants manager who is under strict orders from the team to win the championship in his third season in charge, was a lonely sight at his "place of relaxation.

Richard the Messiah&#8221; at the Giants&#8217; last round of golf, &#8220;No one wanted to team up with Manager Abe&#8230;&#8221; Unexpectedly, &#8220;Richard the Messiah&#8221; in a loneliness crisis.

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