 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

Zen Tōshin’s Collapse Leaves Victims in Despair as ¥115 Billion Bankruptcy Triggers a Financial Nightmare

 Hide Nishihara

 TV Asahi Insider Reveals the Backstory Behind the Unprecedented Cancellation of “Ano Channel”

 “I don’t want to continue this anymore, so I’m leaving the show,” Ano declared on social media, leading to the unprecedented cancellation of “Ano Channel.” A TV Asahi insider involved in the show’s production revealed the behind-the-scenes details, stating, “She must have read through the script.”

Insiders Speak Out: Claims That Ano-Chan Reviewed the Script and Named Another Celebrity She Didn’t Like

 Kojiro Yamada

 A shopping district near one of Tokyo’s most exclusive residential neighborhoods. At the exit of a supermarket in one corner of the district stood a strapping man exuding an extraordinary aura—actor Shotaro Mamiya. Our magazine witnessed him enjoying a happy shopping trip with his wife, Ms. A, whom he announced his marriage to in ’24.

Taking the Lead in Carrying Plastic Bags… Shotaro Mamiya Spotted Enjoying a Happy Shopping Trip with His “Beautiful Wife Who Supports His Success”

 Which curry is truly the best at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson? Four curry experts taste-test and judge. We reveal the little-known differences in quality among the three major convenience store chains and present a ranking of the ultimate bowls.

[The 2026 Convenience Store Curry War] Experts Engage in an In-Depth Debate Over the “Ultimate Bowl” That’s Addictive After Just One Bite!

 The three major convenience store chains are locked in a fierce battle over chilled and retort-packaged curries. Which one has succeeded in developing the “ultimate curry” that’s so addictive you’ll want more after just one bite? Here, we introduce the ultimate curry selected by a panel of experts.

Which &#8220;Convenience Store Curry&#8221; Is the Best? Introducing the &#8220;Ultimate Choice&#8221; Selected by Four Experts

 Shinji Hasuo (Haneda Airport)

 [Playback] looks back at what this magazine reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. This time, we focus on a terrorist attack that occurred in Bangladesh in July 2016, 10 years ago. It was a tragic incident in which seven Japanese nationals lost their lives.

[Flashback ’16] Ignoring Pleas for Help… The Brutal Scene of the “Dhaka Restaurant Terror Attack”

 Masao Kurihara

 JMPA

 For a Friend, He Spent a Fortune to Fly to the North, Central, and South America World Cup…

 “To be honest, I thought we could win the Brazil game…” says Teruo Iwamoto, who was once selected for the Japanese national team alongside Hajime Moriyasu and was also his teammate. He traveled to the World Cup at his own expense “to cheer on ‘Coach Moriyasu.’”

We Still Talk About It Every Month… The Contents of the “LINE Message Sent Before the Brazil Match” from Manager Hajime Moriyasu’s Close Friend, Teruo Iwamoto

 Kazuki Izawa

 Ayumi Takagaki (Nakagawa)

 Minami Kobayashi (Nakagawa)

 I Want to Meet, Hear From, and Learn From That Top Runner [Part 3: Part 2]

 [Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] The guest for Part 3 is Wolf Aron of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, who made the transition from judo to pro-wrestling. Anna Nakagawa, who has been friends with him for five years, shared stories about their friendship and some behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

[Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] A Friend of Five Years! Learning the Secrets of Being Natural from Wolf Aaron

 I Want to Meet, Hear From, and Learn From That Top Performer [Part 3: Part 1]

 [Anna Nakagawa’s FRIDAY Report] The guest for Episode 3 is Wolf Aaron of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, who made the transition from judo to pro-wrestling. Anna Nakagawa, who has been friends with him for five years, delves into where the “strongest rookie” stands today and explores his philosophy as a pro.

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