 Shinsuke Sakai

 Kyodo News

 It has been seven years since the late composer Masaaki Hirao's ex-wife and his three sons began a fierce legal battle over his estate. The battle continues to this day. Last December, a decision was handed down. We will report on the details.

Inheritance Battle of the Late Masaaki Hirao — Court Orders Sons to Pay ¥89 Million to Second Wife’s Side

 Ryo Nakahira

 On February 3, the Saitama District Court held the first trial of a former junior high school teacher charged with assaulting a woman who was drunk and sleeping with him and theft. The details of the despicable crimes and the suspect's surprising behavior after the crimes were revealed at the trial.

Junior High Teacher Arrested for Dawn Hallway Assault and Theft — Four Years of Brazen Conduct Exposed

 Masayuki Kikuchi, military photojournalist

 The first postwar "Hinomaru" aircraft carrier, the "Izumo" model, a collaboration between the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Air Self-Defense Force.

 The F-35B, a next-generation stealth fighter that can take off and land vertically with a runway of only about 200 meters, will be deployed on an aircraft carrier for the first time after the war. It is currently in the midst of training for pilots and maintenance personnel. Will it be a shield to protect Japan from the Chinese threat?

Preparing for Regional Threats — The F-35B’s Nerve-Tightening Vertical Touchdown

 Keisuke Nishi

 A year and a half after her breakup, Reiwa's "white gal" has been approached by a comedian and an athlete, but her "favorite person" is still--

 The public did not leave Yu-chami alone after she confessed her breakup on a TV program, but the answer she gave was "ex-saya. Even when she is tired, she rushes to her beloved Kusumura whenever she can find a little time. The depth of her love is mind-boggling.

Yuchami Spotted with Ex Masashi Kumura — Romance Rekindled!

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

 Milan Cortina Olympics Special Report--The "Athletes of the Sun" Shine in the World of White and Silver!

 She may not have the greatest moves, but she is the best figure skater in the world, and the source of her strength is.... She announced her retirement, and this Olympics was her last challenge. Will she be able to become the queen of all major competitions and finish her career with a gold medal at the Olympics?

Kaori Sakamoto Completes the Picture with Stunning Landings on Ice

 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

 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.

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