 Hideki Asai

 Kyodo News (1st photo), Afro (2nd photo)

 Foreigners are snapping up Japanese kitchen knives costing tens of thousands of yen! While the industry is booming thanks to inbound tourism, manufacturing sites face a severe shortage of artisans—including some in their 80s still working—and the risk of the traditional division of labor collapsing. We delve into the light and shadow of Japan’s traditional crafts, which have the world in a frenzy, and uncover their little-known reality.

Japanese Knives in Global Demand Boom as Master Craftsmen Edge Toward Extinction

 Ryo Sakamoto (Former Head of the Culture and Society Department, Tokyo Sports Newspaper)

 Sports Hochi/Aflo (1st photo), Kojiro Yamada (2nd photo)

 Actress Tamao Nakamura passed away on June 9. When one thinks of Tamao, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the “marital” anecdotes involving Shintaro Katsu, who died in 1997. Here is the untold story of the love shared by this couple, who overcame many hardships…

Farewell to Tamao Nakamura: Her Passionate and Tumultuous Life with Shintaro Katsu

 Izumi Nakagawa

 Kyodo News (First Photo)

 It has been revealed that “13,900 trees in Tokyo” are in abnormal condition! Behind the spate of fallen-tree accidents lies an ironic chain of events: in addition to mushrooms and extreme heat, excessive pruning caused by “falling-leaf complaints” has weakened the trees. We delve into the dangerous reality brought about by human convenience.

Tokyo Warns of Hidden Danger as 13,900 Trees Show Signs of Damage or Instability

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 On June 13, the awards ceremony for the international music awards “MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026” (MAJ) was held, bringing together artists from Japan and abroad. HANA, MISAMO, and Mrs. made surprise appearances.

HANA Steals the Show, Mrs. GREEN APPLE Shocks with Surprise Appearance at “MAJ” Awards

 Kyodo News

 Regarding former Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe (47), who was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department in late May on suspicion of assaulting his eldest daughter and resigned unexpectedly the following day, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office decided on June 15 to suspend prosecution. However, it is reported that plans for his return to terrestrial television are already being drawn up.

Shinnosuke Abe’s Possible Media Comeback After Non-Prosecution Decision

 Sports Hochi/Aflo (1st photo), Tsuyoshi Kinugawa (2nd photo)

 The Japan national soccer team, considered one of the tournament favorites, drew 2–2 against the higher-ranked Netherlands. In a tough match where they trailed for most of the game, veteran Yuto Nagatomo—who has made five consecutive appearances in this tournament—continued to cheer on his teammates from the bench…

Yuto Nagatomo’s Influence Goes Beyond the Pitch, Says Former National Team Star

 Akira Ikoma

 Sex Work Around the World and the State, Part 3: Part 2

 The “decriminalization model” makes sex work between consenting adults entirely exempt from criminal punishment. While this system, which guarantees sex workers the status of employees, seemed ideal, it has reportedly sparked a flood of criticism in the countries where it has been implemented.

“Who Protects the Workers?” Concerns Grow Over Sex Work Decriminalization’s Unintended Effects

 Sex Work Around the World and National Policies, Part 3: Part 1

 As discussions on revising Japan’s Anti-Prostitution Law progress, how do countries around the world regulate the sex trade? In the third installment of this series, we explain the “decriminalization model”—a “third way” distinct from the “Nordic model” and the “legalization model.”

“Consenting Adults, No Crime?” Countries Embracing Sex Work Decriminalization Backed by Human Rights Groups

 Wakako Tanaka

 Courtesy of Daiji Kawanaka

 “Being Manipulated”… In response to online slander directed at 15-year-old *Japan Junior High School Newspaper* reporter Daiji Kawanaka, the publisher issued an unprecedented statement. What is the reality of the “hypocrisy of adults” that he so keenly exposes, and the “discrimination against children” that remains deeply rooted in Japanese society?

&#8220;I Won’t Give In to Slander That I’m Being Manipulated!&#8221; A 15-Year-Old Reporter for the *Japan Junior High School Newspaper* Speaks Out on “Adults’ Deception and Discrimination Against Children”

 On June 16, the wake for actress Tamao Nakamura (aged 86) was held at the Kirigaya Funeral Hall in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. What did the big-name celebrities who attended reveal about the true nature of this beloved national actress during her lifetime?

Akashiya Sanma, Akiko Wada Among Mourners Sharing Memories of Tamao Nakamura

 Takayuki Ogawachi

 Staff Witnessed It! Behind the Scenes of Weekly TV

 Prompted by Kuruma Takahira’s departure, Yoshimoto has introduced new rules. Contracts will be terminated if an artist cannot be contacted for four weeks, and the agency will take a 20% cut of TikTok earnings. Some young talents are even considering going independent. Amid a string of social media controversies, agencies are tightening their oversight.

“New Yoshimoto Rule?” Agencies Consider 20% Cut of TikTok Earnings as SNS Controls Tighten

 Sayuri Saito

 Natsu Ando, with 20 years of caregiving experience, explains “Why You Should Entrust a Parent with Dementia to Professionals.” She covers essential knowledge for preparing for emergencies—including systems designed to prevent caregivers from quitting their jobs and help them balance work and caregiving, as well as where to turn for advice if you notice changes in your parent’s condition.

Natsu Ando’s Message After 20 Years of Care: Don’t Quit Your Job — Professional Support Is Key for Dementia Care

 Michio Kurose

 Special Interview

 Actress Akiko Sendō has appeared in numerous hit dramas, including *Tokyo Love Story* and *If I Look Back, There He Is*. Once known as the “Queen of School Festivals” and a “trendy actress,” she has now moved her base to Hokkaido, where she continues her career.

35 Years After Tokyo Love Story, Akiko Sendō Is Thriving as a Trendy Auntie in Hokkaido

 Sota Shima

  Unthinkable in the SMAP Days! Enjoying Yakitori and High-End Clubs…

 Goro Inagaki appeared in Ginza in the evening—even with a hat on and his eyes hidden behind sunglasses, he couldn’t quite hide his star power. Enjoying yakitori and high-end clubs… something unthinkable during his SMAP days: a tipsy bar-hopping spree lasting a total of 6 hours!

Gorō Inagaki Seen in High Spirits on Six-Hour Ginza Bar Crawl, Embracing Bachelor Life

 Aki Shikama

 Afro (First Photo)

 ANA’s New Shareholder Benefits Draw a Flood of Criticism as “Cheap-Looking”! An expert explains how the “cold treatment”—limited to budget fares and LCCs—reveals a disregard for shareholders, as well as the harsh reality of the aviation industry, where ANA and JAL have taken divergent paths.

Why ANA&#8217;s New Shareholder Benefit Is Drawing Heavy Criticism From Investors

 Shinji Hasuo

 A trial regarding an assault case involving the boss of a yakuza group affiliated with the Kohei-ikka, a Sumiyoshi-kai faction, was held at the Tokyo District Court, resulting in a sentence of one year in prison, suspended for three years. However, no settlement payment was made to the victim, and prosecutors stated, “The victim cannot refuse.” We spoke with an expert.

No Settlement Money, Yet a Suspended Sentence? How an Alleged Yakuza Boss Avoided Prison

 Tsuyoshi Kinugawa

 Although the Takaichi administration appears rock-solid after its landslide victory in the general election, the “negative campaign video” scandal is gradually taking its toll. Even anonymous letters are circulating in the Nagatacho area……

&#8220;If She Had Apologized Sooner&#8221;—PM Sanae Takaichi Corrects Diet Testimony as Anonymous Memos Rock Nagatacho

 Takayuki Ogawauchi

 Due to stricter residency requirements…

 Requirements for the “Management and Administration” residency status have been abruptly changed, now mandating a minimum capital of 30 million yen. Indian restaurant owners in Nishi-Kasai’s “Little India” are crying out in distress. Voices of anger are rising over the unreasonableness of the government’s decision, including the risk that even children born in Japan could be forced to return to India.

Why Japan Could Lose Most of Its Ethnic Restaurants—A Community Leader Speaks Out

 On June 10, a male corporate badminton player was arrested for stalking a woman late at night and committing an indecent act against her on the street. The man had come to Tokyo for an important tournament, and the night of the incident in February was the first night of the tournament—.

&#8220;Drinking Every Night&#8221;—Corporate Badminton Player Accused of Sexually Assaulting Woman in Her 20s

 Takamoto Tokuhara/Aflo (1st photo), Ichiro Takatsuka (2nd photo)

 In their World Cup opener, the Japanese national soccer team drew 2–2 with the Netherlands, a formidable opponent considered a “title contender.” Defender Shogo Taniguchi played the full 90 minutes, energizing the team on both offense and defense. Behind the scenes, supporting him was…

Shogo Taniguchi Shines at Both Ends—With Wife Rika Izumi by His Side and a Major Decision Ahead

 Koichiro Umeki

 Yasuhisa Kikuchi

 My Personal Commitment to Gravure... My 3rd Photo Book, Brimming with the "Mature Allure" of My 30s, Is Coming Soon! We Reveal the True Face of the Super-Popular M-League Player Who Continues to Captivate Fans as a TV Personality and Professional Mahjong Player

 We reveal the true face of Kana Nakata, the ultra-popular M-League player who continues to captivate fans as both a TV personality and professional mahjong player! Her third photo book, brimming with the “mature allure” befitting her 30s, is set for release. She expressed her hope that fans will see her “personal commitment to gravure.”

&#8220;I Want People to See My New Curves&#8221;—Kana Nakada Talks About Her Latest Photo Shoot

 Masao Kurihara　

 Kozumi Watanabe

 Japan National Soccer Team Manager Hajime Moriyasu and his senior, Ikuo Matsumoto. How does “Hajime Moriyasu” appear in his eyes? The man who once made history for Japanese soccer in Mexico spoke about Manager Moriyasu and “Moriyasu Japan.”

&#8220;He Never Makes the Wrong Call&#8221;—Hajime Moriyasu&#8217;s Former Coach Explains His Greatest Strength

 The trial of a Chinese man accused of pickpocketing on a JR Yamanote Line train was held on June 4 at the Tokyo District Court. Police have recently been monitoring a Chinese pickpocketing ring that comes to Japan posing as tourists to commit crimes. The man had visited Japan four times previously.

Was a Pickpocket Ring Behind It? The Bizarre Courtroom Behavior of a Chinese Defendant

 Breaking New Ground as an “Adulterous Wife” in a Series of Explicit Love Scenes

 "I actually wanted to be a classic idol," reveals Mariko Shinoda, who was a core member of AKB48. She spoke to us about her "burnout syndrome," the turning points she faced, and her current state of mind as she breaks new ground as an actress following her graduation.

Latest Articles