 JMPA

 While they continue to live separately at the former temporary residence, Kako and her son are smiling as they perform their official duties together.

 Princess Kako visited the 74th Kanto Tokai Flower Exhibition with Prince and Princess Akishino, and in the background of her 14 official engagements in January alone... it is clear that she is making steps to improve her relationship with Prince and Princess Akishino in order to smooth the way for their marriage.

Princess Kako Shines in White — A Step Toward Reconciliation With the Akishino Family

 Akira Ikoma

 On January 31, the Marin Group, which operates soaplands nationwide, closed all of its stores. It was a sudden event, with only one message sent to employees the night before. What happened?

Japan’s Marine Group Soaplands Close Overnight — From Boom to Sudden Shutdown

 (Photos of the interior of the condominium and the residents' briefing session)

 Tokyu Land Corporation has been taken to court by the residents of a condominium the company built. The name of the condominium is Tokyu Doel Ars Setagaya Floresta. What in the world was going on at that condominium?

Setagaya High-End Apartments Plagued by Defects — Legal Battle with Tokyu Land Escalates

 Hiroyuki Komatsu

 The WBC is about to start. The members of the Samurai Japan team have been announced. Here are some of the frustrations and anguish that the WBC Samurai Warriors have shared with this magazine.

“Time to Show Them!” — WBC Stars Reveal Their Battles Off the Field

 Tomoyuki Hanai

 On January 25, a birthday celebration for Yamaguchigumi VI head Tsukasa Shinobu was held at the headquarters of the affiliated organization. In addition to direct advisors from all over the country, Advisor Takayama and Waka-atama Takeuchi also participated. We report the inside story of the event, which included a karaoke contest with companions.

Yamaguchi-gumi Boss Shigeru Tsukasa Celebrates Birthday with Karaoke and Nationwide Gathering of Lieutenants

 Kyodo News (2nd photo)

 The World Cup in North and Central America is only four months away. With Moriyasu Japan being called the "strongest team in history," expectations are high for the team to change the course of Japanese soccer history, but what does Shinji Kagawa, who has long carried the ace number, think?

From Team Leaders to Trusted Allies — Kagawa Shares Expectations for Japan at the Upcoming World Cup

 Kumataro Arai

 On February 1, "Toyotomi Brothers! The Toyotomi Brothers," an interactive exhibition facility of the NHK Taiga Drama "Toyotomi Brothers!　Kitaomi Nagahama Taiga Drama Museum" opened in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture. Sei Shiraishi appeared at the opening ceremony and was greeted with cheers from onlookers.

From TV to Real-Life Glamour — Sei Shiraishi’s Stunning Rickshaw Debut

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 On February 4, the 50th Holland's Award ceremony was held for the "2026 50th Holland's Award," and Kyoko Yoshine, Kaho, Nana Mori, and Akari Takaishi received the awards. The audience was excited to see the mature Kyoko Yoshine and Ryoma Takeuchi, who appeared as presenters for Kaho.

Kyoko Yoshine Stuns with Bold Décolleté, Ryoma Takeuchi Steals the Spotlight from Kaho at Elan d’Or Awards

 Aflo

 Miho Takagi, the 1000m women's speed skater, was on the verge of her second consecutive victory since the Beijing Olympics. However, she lost to Jutta Leerdam of the Netherlands and won the bronze medal. Speaking of the new queen, Leerdam is ......

Miho Takagi’s Winning Streak Ends — Yutta Råldam Wows with Her Ice Grace

 Norifumi Arakida (FRIDAY Digital Entertainment Desk)

 On February 5, "Number_i" announced that it had signed an agent contract with a major U.S. agent company, William Morris Endeavor (WME) ("Endeavor"). President Takizawa's ......, which was conducted underwater.

Number_i Signs with Top U.S. Agency — Inside the Plan for Worldwide Success

 Keitaro Haga

 Yasuhisa Kikuchi

 Before the release of their latest photo book, Erika and Marina Momose tell the secret story of their close-up photo shoot in Vietnam!

 Erika and Marina Momose, the most powerful sisters who have been making rapid progress, talk about the secret story of their close-up photo shoot in Vietnam before the release of their latest photo book, which has been their goal since their return to work! They showed off their unique poses and dared to try poses they had never tried before.

“Who’s Cutest?” Erika and Marina Momose Take the Spotlight

 Kyodo News

 The "last Samurai" to participate in the WBC, which opens on March 5, has finally been selected. This means that Hiroto Saiki (27) of the Hanshin team will not be selected.

“Spare Me as the Fifth!” — Hiroto Saiki Left Off WBC Roster, Hanshin’s Hidden Strategy Revealed

 Hiroyuki Komatsu, Kyodo News, Yohei Nagata/Afro Sports Reuters/Afro

 Milan Cortina Olympics Special -- Athletes of the Japanese flag shine in the world of silverware

 Four years ago in the winter, "Fortius", which had hit rock bottom, finally made it to the Olympic stage for the first time. At one point, the team had no sponsors, and the members had to scrape by with their savings to fund their activities.

From Struggle to Spotlight — Fortius Eyes First Medal at the Big Stage

 AFLO

 At the Dodgerfest fan appreciation event held on February 1 (Japan time), tension was suddenly palpable. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Shohei Ohtani would not pitch in the WBC. But what about him?

Shohei Ohtani Shines at Dodgers Fan Event — Behind the Smile, a Fierce WBC Ambition

 On February 3, the day of Setsubun, Setsubun-kai was held in various regions. Especially in the Kansai region, "Bakebake" and "Toyotomi Brothers! and "Toyotomi Brothers!", and the beautiful women threw beans at the audience.

Minami Hamabe, Akari Takaishi and Other Stars Bring Smiles to Naritasan Setsubun Festival

 Kei Kato

 --Toshitaka Sakurai, a former Giant Draft pick, is now struggling to win a championship at the Tokyo Dome!

 Toshitaka Sakurai, the Giants' first-round draft pick, retired from the game and became a scout. A year later, however, his strong desire to be on the mound led him to join the Miki House baseball team. He is now an ace in the game and has made a triumphant return to the Tokyo Dome.

Back Where He Belongs — Toshiki Sakurai’s Fight for Another Chance on the Mound

 Nakahira

 Shinji Hasuo

 An elementary school teacher was arrested for indecency with a girl in the lower grades. The incident was triggered by a parent's request for advice to the school. However, he was arrested for indecency with another child. ......

Elementary School Teacher Arrested for Indecent Acts as Neighbors Recall “Something Unusual”

 Hideki Asai

 Why do 70% of miner's license holders "have two licenses"? An inconvenient truth recommended by the Digital Minister. The "too inconvenient reality" behind the "single driver's license" is thoroughly explained, including "being turned away" at the rental car counter, not being able to use it overseas, and delays in reissuing it.

Digital Minister Recommends Carrying Two Cards Despite Push to Integrate &#8220;My Number Driver’s License&#8221; into One Amid Usability Concerns

 In this issue of Playback, we take a look back at what we reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. This time, we will look back at an interview with Nanako Fujita just after she passed her jockey's license in February 2004. We will introduce her fresh and new face just before her debut.

[Playback 2016] Nanako Fujita’s Shy Pre-Debut Look—Her First Candid Moment

 Takero Yui

 IMP." is a seven-member group belonging to TOBE, an entertainment agency headed by Hideaki Takizawa. The comment section of their SNS account went "up in flames" just before their performance at Yokohama Arena, which is a dream stage for the members.

Reason for &#8220;Insta-Commentary Raging&#8221; before the &#8220;Dream Stage&#8221; Yokohama Arena Performance by TOBE&#8217;s Group &#8220;IMP.

 Kumataro Arai Kazuhiko Nakamura Kyodo News

 Special Research Project Part 1

 A professional company's independent analysis ranks the latest commercial songs that have attracted viewers' attention. The surprising fact hidden in just 30 seconds or so is...

B&#8217;z, MISIA, Leo Ieiri&#8230; The latest CM songs that attract viewers &#8220;Nailed It&#8221; ranking

 Hiroyuki Komatsu Kyodo News Yohei Nagata/Afro Sports Reuters/Afro

 Milan Cortina Olympics Special -- "Athletes of the Japanese flag" shine in a world of white and silver

 Chika Takeuchi says she wants to retire after winning her long-cherished gold medal... Ayumu Hirano, who stood on the podium for 3 consecutive events, is aiming for consecutive gold medals following Beijing... Japan's youngest female medalist, Kokan Murase, will challenge her second Olympics to change her bronze in Beijing to gold.

The Last Olympics for the Most Number of Women to Compete&#8230;Snowboarding Women&#8217;s Chika Takeuchi Says, &#8220;That&#8217;s Why I Have a Chance&#8221;.

 Kumataro Arai, Kazuhiko Nakamura, Kyodo News

 Special Research Project - Part 2

 A specialist company's original analysis ranks the latest commercial songs that have made viewers "click" with their audience! Why do "arrangements of well-known songs" and songs by Mrs. GREEN APPLE attract viewers so much?

Arrangements of famous songs&#8221; and &#8220;Mrs.&#8221; songs&#8230; The latest CM song &#8220;Nailed It Ranking&#8221;.

 The staff saw it! TV Weekly: Behind the Scenes

 While Fuji Television's Yuki Hioki, 45, has left the company, and popular TV operators are leaving following the departure of Nobuyuki Sakuma, there is also a movement toward a return to terrestrial broadcasting. What is the future of the variety industry: terrestrial broadcasting within compliant limits vs. free distribution?

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