 Aki Shikama

 Did you know that there is a big difference in airfare between flights departing from Tokyo and those departing from Seoul, Korea, for destinations such as the U.S. and Europe? In fact, this has long been popular among travelers and those who are "training" for airline miles.

Seoul Departures: How Travelers Score Premium Economy for Less

 Keitaro Haga

 Takeshi Kinugawa

 Big news has arrived in the M-League, which is set to open in September. Rio Tojo, a.k.a. "Miss Perfect," a former member of Sega Sammy Phoenix, has decided to join the league. We asked her about the circumstances behind her unprecedented and sudden return to the M-League.

Rio Tojo Back in M-League — “I Want to Win Against Former Teammate Chimori for Those Who Were Let Go”

 Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1962. He was a member of "Honjamaka," a comedy duo with Toshiaki Megumi, and was a member of "Ganso! Debuya" (TV TOKYO), as well as an actor and<br />voice actor.<br />
He is also active as a voice actor. Currently, he appears as the Friday MC of "Yoji Goji Days" (TV TOKYO), and also focuses on YouTube and Instagram.

 Hidehiko Ishizuka

 Honjamaca's Hidehiko Ishizuka's "Delicious Days" vol. 25

 Hidehiko Ishizuka of "Honjamaka" reveals the inside story of the long-running TV show "Hiroshi Sekiguchi's Tokyo Friend Park II" (TBS) in this installment of "Honjamaka". What happened to the air hockey costume that became a stuffed animal?

The Story Behind the Mascot Costumes — Hidehiko Ishizuka Talks Tokyo Friend Park

 Noriyuki Kanda

 Yoshiko Souishi

 The Yoshiwara brothels are also depicted in the NHK historical drama "Belabo: Tsutaju Eika No Yume Banashi. In Fukuhara, Kobe, a colorful town to the west that rivals Yoshiwara, there is a legendary soap operative. She is also a "soap teacher" who teaches her skills to prostitutes.

[Full Text] Legendary Soapland Worker Fukuhara Reveals Her Secrets and Pride — Breaking Bad Habits to Protect the Girls

 Shiroshi Midori

 Shinji Hasuo (1st to 6th photos), Midori Shirakami (7th to 9th photos)

 A general store owner and his wife were arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale at a store in Asakusa Underground, said to be the oldest underground shopping mall in Japan. The scene of the crime was a store with a rather unique atmosphere combined with its retro location. We asked a neighbor about the store's reputation.

Cannabis Case in Asakusa Underground — Suspect’s Shop Shows Questionable Plants on Sign

 Akira Ikoma

 The "Revised" History of the Entertainment Establishments Control Law (Part 2)

 The 1984 amendment to the Entertainment Establishments Control Law imposed space restrictions that had been in place only for Turkish baths, and also prohibited the rebuilding of establishments. Furthermore, no-pants cafes will no longer be allowed to operate. The impact of these changes can be seen at .......

From Wiped-Out Cafés to Booming Fashion Health — The Impact of the 1984 Entertainment Law Reform

 History of the Amendment of the Entertainment Establishments Control Law

 The major revision of the Entertainment Establishments Control Law in 1984 was an epoch-making event that established the general framework of the sex industry up to the present. However, it lacked an important perspective, according to sex industry journalist Akira Ikoma.

1984 Overhaul of Japan’s Entertainment Law — Targeting New Adult Entertainment from No-Panties Cafés to Lucky Holes

 A surprising university has topped the list for the first time this spring, beating such prestigious universities as Waseda University, Meiji University, and Kinki University, which always have the highest number of applicants. It is Chiba Institute of Technology in Narashino City, Chiba Prefecture. How did this little-known university come in first place? Experts point out the factors behind its rapid growth and the challenges it faces.

Record-Breaking Applicants Excluding Waseda — The Surprising University That Tops Meiji and Kinki

 Takeshi Kinugawa (Takaichi) and Shinji Hamasaki (Ishiba)

 For the second consecutive business day, the Nikkei Stock Average has reached an all-time high. The market is doing so well that it could be called an "Ishiba bubble," but the image of Prime Minister Ishiba was supposed to be that of a "stock market bubble." ......

Irony as Nikkei Peaks Under Ishiba — Investors Watch Takai’s Sanaenomics Closely

 Diceke Takahashi

 Afro

 Overseas Chinese" is the generic name for Chinese immigrants, and it is said that there are about 60 million of them around the world. Even before China's rapid economic growth, many of them have developed successful businesses around the world. In recent years, the image of the overseas Chinese has been changing.

Becoming Rich in Japan Is the Easiest in the World — The Power of Chinese Influence in Japan and Beyond in Shin・Kakyo

 Comedy award competitions are held by various TV stations. Because they are easy to get viewer ratings and entry fees are expected, many competitions have been held as a program that can make solid money. Perhaps this has led to the problem of winners not getting their break.

Earnings Without Breakthroughs — Are Prize Races Corrupting Variety?

 It was in late July that I spotted soccer legend Ronaldinho, a former Brazilian national team player and former member of FC Barcelona, in Tokyo. When approached by a fan, he smiled, showing his trademark white teeth.

Soccer Legend Ronaldinho Spotted at a Yakiniku Restaurant — Fans Delighted by His Unchanging Smile

 Shinji Hasuo

 A 26-year-old man was arrested for threatening to post online that former AKB member Ayaki Murayama and her family would be "massacred to death." He was arrested last year for a similar post. Why did the man repeat his mistake?

The Reason an Unemployed Man Arrested for Threatening a Former AKB Idol Repeatedly Posted Murder Threats Online

 Reuters/Afro

 South Korean society is on shaky ground. Kim Keon-hee, the wife of the former president of South Korea, has been arrested on 16 charges. The total amount of luxury brand goods she received from supporters and others is said to exceed 20 million yen. What is the tragic end of Kim's life as a result of these unprecedented charges?

South Korea’s Former First Lady Suspected of Taking ¥20 Million in Luxury Goods

 The "FC Barcelona" authorized academy was found to have been involved in an untransparent transfer of business. The problem is not limited to the management company that transferred the business, but has developed to the point of involving the Katsushika Ward Office and the ward assembly that invited the academy. What is it all about? ......

“Did the Ward Really Not Know?” Inside the Opaque Business Transfer at FC Barcelona’s Official Academy

 Ukon Shima (Broadcaster, Video Producer)

 Kazuhiko Nakamura

 Ai no, Gakko" is a controversial film that depicts the forbidden "love" between an overly serious high school teacher and a host who aims to become "No.1" in the nightlife world. Raoul plays the host who falls in love with Fumino Kimura, who plays the heroine. ......

The Controversial “Ai no, Gakkō” Creating a Buzz, and Raul’s Divine Performance with Heroine Fumino Kimura

 Ichiro Takatsuka

 Kumamushi made their big break in 2002 with the phrase "It's warm, it's warm, it's warm! Although their TV exposure has decreased, the duo continues to perform on stage, mainly at the Toyokan, a sacred place for comedy. We spoke passionately about the duo's "whereabouts.

From Nothing to a Decade Later: Kumamushi’s Reason for Continuing to Perform

 Tetsuko TAKEMOTO

 Playback] A look back at what this magazine reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. This year's Koshien Tournament, in which Hiroryo's withdrawal from the tournament became a hot topic of conversation, was made possible by the sudden appearance of two "supernovae" in the summer of 10 years ago. Here is a look back at their success.

Playback &#8217;15] Two &#8220;Monsters&#8221; Thrilled Koshien&#8230; Kiyomiya and Okoye Captivated the Crowd in the Summer of 2015

 Sayuri Saito

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

 The successor to McDonald's, which withdrew from Russia, has reportedly launched a limited-edition hamburger bearing the "Hello Kitty" name. Since the article about this was distributed, there have been a number of posts on social networking sites from Sanrio fans complaining and accusing the company.

Lamentation in Japan over the launch of &#8220;Hello Kitty Burger&#8221; at the successor to McDonald&#8217;s in Russia&#8230; Sanrio asked Sanrio for the truth.

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

 Katy Perry, who announced her breakup with Orlando Bloom this June after nine years together, was reported to have a "new boyfriend" in July, but he is a big shot. ......

Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau&#8217;s romance explodes&#8230; Social media goes wild as ex-husband O Bloom joins the fray!

 Kuro-chan

 Takayuki Ogawauchi

 Serialization: "It's Tough to be Kuro-chan, Too!　Part 4: Kuro-chan talks about his true feelings toward the many successful "out-of-take comedians" and his vision for the future.

 Kuro-chan from "Yasuda Dai Cirucus," Japan's best surprise comedian, talks about what's going on behind the scenes in the industry in the serial "Kuro-chan mo tsurazu yo! In the fourth installment of the series, Kuro-chan talks about his "office independence. In the fourth installment, Kuro-chan talks about his "theory of independence from an agency. In this fourth installment, Kuro talks about his views on office independence.

Kuro-chan&#8217;s &#8220;love for an office that is a little bit different&#8221;!　Kuro-chan&#8217;s &#8220;A Slightly Unusual Love for His Office

 In late July, Roberto Baggio, a former member of the Italian national soccer team, made an appearance at the Osaka Expo. He came to Japan to participate in the Kagami-Wari event at the Italian Pavilion. He was approached by many fans at the venue. His trademark ponytail was still in place.

&#8216;I&#8217;m still wearing my ponytail!&#8217;　Fans and officials rejoice&#8230;Roberto Baggio came to the Osaka Expo!

 Aida En (1st photo), Kazuhiko Nakamura (2nd photo), Takeo Yuzuna (3rd photo)

 In this issue of Playback, we look back at what this magazine reported 10, 20, and 30 years ago. In 2003, parents sued a major restaurant chain, Saizeriya, claiming that their daughter committed suicide due to sexual harassment by her boss. What was the nature of the "sexual harassment"?

Playback &#8217;15] The Mystery of the &#8220;Sexual Harassment&#8221; that Drove a Female Employee to Suicide: &#8220;He Visited Her Home and Forced Her to Perform Sexual Acts&#8221;&#8230;

 Ryoji Shigemasa (1st, 11th), Haruki Shimokoshi, Yuya Kawasaki, Yutaka Asai, Takahiro Kagawa, Ippei Hara (7th, 9th) Shuichi Masuda (8th), Shu Nishihara

 On August 15, Sho Nakata of the Chunichi Dragons held a press conference to announce his retirement at the end of this season. This report looks back at his appearance at the ballpark and beyond.

Latest Articles

Seoul Departures: How Travelers Score Premium Economy for Less

Rio Tojo Back in M-League — “I Want to Win Against Former Teammate Chimori for Those Who Were Let Go”

The Story Behind the Mascot Costumes — Hidehiko Ishizuka Talks Tokyo Friend Park

[Full Text] Legendary Soapland Worker Fukuhara Reveals Her Secrets and Pride — Breaking Bad Habits to Protect the Girls

Cannabis Case in Asakusa Underground — Suspect’s Shop Shows Questionable Plants on Sign

From Wiped-Out Cafés to Booming Fashion Health — The Impact of the 1984 Entertainment Law Reform

1984 Overhaul of Japan’s Entertainment Law — Targeting New Adult Entertainment from No-Panties Cafés to Lucky Holes

Record-Breaking Applicants Excluding Waseda — The Surprising University That Tops Meiji and Kinki

Irony as Nikkei Peaks Under Ishiba — Investors Watch Takai’s Sanaenomics Closely

Becoming Rich in Japan Is the Easiest in the World — The Power of Chinese Influence in Japan and Beyond in Shin・Kakyo

Earnings Without Breakthroughs — Are Prize Races Corrupting Variety?

Soccer Legend Ronaldinho Spotted at a Yakiniku Restaurant — Fans Delighted by His Unchanging Smile

The Reason an Unemployed Man Arrested for Threatening a Former AKB Idol Repeatedly Posted Murder Threats Online

South Korea’s Former First Lady Suspected of Taking ¥20 Million in Luxury Goods

“Did the Ward Really Not Know?” Inside the Opaque Business Transfer at FC Barcelona’s Official Academy

The Controversial “Ai no, Gakkō” Creating a Buzz, and Raul’s Divine Performance with Heroine Fumino Kimura

From Nothing to a Decade Later: Kumamushi’s Reason for Continuing to Perform

Playback ’15] Two “Monsters” Thrilled Koshien… Kiyomiya and Okoye Captivated the Crowd in the Summer of 2015

Lamentation in Japan over the launch of “Hello Kitty Burger” at the successor to McDonald’s in Russia… Sanrio asked Sanrio for the truth.

Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s romance explodes… Social media goes wild as ex-husband O Bloom joins the fray!

Kuro-chan’s “love for an office that is a little bit different”!　Kuro-chan’s “A Slightly Unusual Love for His Office

‘I’m still wearing my ponytail!’　Fans and officials rejoice…Roberto Baggio came to the Osaka Expo!

Playback ’15] The Mystery of the “Sexual Harassment” that Drove a Female Employee to Suicide: “He Visited Her Home and Forced Her to Perform Sexual Acts”…

Sho Nakata of the Chunichi Dragons: “I want to end up liking baseball” – Words of a man who captivated in and out of the ballpark

Latest Articles

Seoul Departures: How Travelers Score Premium Economy for Less

Rio Tojo Back in M-League — “I Want to Win Against Former Teammate Chimori for Those Who Were Let Go”

The Story Behind the Mascot Costumes — Hidehiko Ishizuka Talks Tokyo Friend Park

[Full Text] Legendary Soapland Worker Fukuhara Reveals Her Secrets and Pride — Breaking Bad Habits to Protect the Girls

Cannabis Case in Asakusa Underground — Suspect’s Shop Shows Questionable Plants on Sign

From Wiped-Out Cafés to Booming Fashion Health — The Impact of the 1984 Entertainment Law Reform

1984 Overhaul of Japan’s Entertainment Law — Targeting New Adult Entertainment from No-Panties Cafés to Lucky Holes

Record-Breaking Applicants Excluding Waseda — The Surprising University That Tops Meiji and Kinki

Irony as Nikkei Peaks Under Ishiba — Investors Watch Takai’s Sanaenomics Closely

Becoming Rich in Japan Is the Easiest in the World — The Power of Chinese Influence in Japan and Beyond in Shin・Kakyo

Earnings Without Breakthroughs — Are Prize Races Corrupting Variety?

Soccer Legend Ronaldinho Spotted at a Yakiniku Restaurant — Fans Delighted by His Unchanging Smile

The Reason an Unemployed Man Arrested for Threatening a Former AKB Idol Repeatedly Posted Murder Threats Online

South Korea’s Former First Lady Suspected of Taking ¥20 Million in Luxury Goods

“Did the Ward Really Not Know?” Inside the Opaque Business Transfer at FC Barcelona’s Official Academy

The Controversial “Ai no, Gakkō” Creating a Buzz, and Raul’s Divine Performance with Heroine Fumino Kimura

From Nothing to a Decade Later: Kumamushi’s Reason for Continuing to Perform

Playback ’15] Two “Monsters” Thrilled Koshien… Kiyomiya and Okoye Captivated the Crowd in the Summer of 2015

Lamentation in Japan over the launch of “Hello Kitty Burger” at the successor to McDonald’s in Russia… Sanrio asked Sanrio for the truth.

Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s romance explodes… Social media goes wild as ex-husband O Bloom joins the fray!

Kuro-chan’s “love for an office that is a little bit different”! Kuro-chan’s “A Slightly Unusual Love for His Office

‘I’m still wearing my ponytail!’ Fans and officials rejoice…Roberto Baggio came to the Osaka Expo!

Playback ’15] The Mystery of the “Sexual Harassment” that Drove a Female Employee to Suicide: “He Visited Her Home and Forced Her to Perform Sexual Acts”…

Sho Nakata of the Chunichi Dragons: “I want to end up liking baseball” – Words of a man who captivated in and out of the ballpark

Kuro-chan’s “love for an office that is a little bit different”!　Kuro-chan’s “A Slightly Unusual Love for His Office

‘I’m still wearing my ponytail!’　Fans and officials rejoice…Roberto Baggio came to the Osaka Expo!