Tokyo International News Agency

Innovative regenerative medicine technology has entered a new phase. On February 19, 2026, an expert panel of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved, for the first time in the world, conditional and time-limited manufacturing and marketing authorization for two types of regenerative medicine products using iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells). This marks the practical realization of iPS cell technology, which has been under research for many years, opening new avenues of treatment for patients suffering from severe heart disease and Parkinson's disease. The approved products are 'ReHeart,' a myocardial cell sheet for severe heart failure developed by Qualips Inc., and 'Amschepur,' cells for brain transplantation aimed at treating Parkinson's disease, developed by Sumitomo Pharma. These products are created by differentiating iPS cells, aiming to regenerate lost tissues and functions. iPS cells were developed by Professor Shinya Yamanaka...

Major media outlets, including the BBC, reported on February 19, 2026, that Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III of the UK, has been arrested by British police. This arrest is reportedly linked to an investigation into the former Prince for suspected leakage of classified information and official misconduct, stemming from his past relationship with the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who committed suicide after being charged with sex trafficking of underage girls. Since his relationship with Epstein came to light, former Prince Andrew had already stepped back from royal duties, and his princely title and military honors had been stripped. Prior to this arrest, his residence, Royal Lodge, was also reportedly searched. In response to the arrest, King Charles issued a statement saying, "I place full trust in the investigative authorities and will cooperate fully." This response has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally, s...

On February 19, 2026, breaking news claiming the arrest of Britain's former Prince Andrew spread rapidly on the social media platform "X" (formerly Twitter), causing a significant stir. Multiple posts, citing BBC reports, stated that the arrest was for "suspected misconduct in public office" in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case. According to information shared on social media, Prince Andrew was reportedly arrested on his 66th birthday. The allegations are said to involve "sexual misconduct and human trafficking suspicions" revealed in files related to Jeffrey Epstein, as well as "actions during his time as a trade envoy." Some reports also suggest he is accused of providing confidential information to Epstein. Police are reportedly conducting searches in Berkshire and Norfolk. In response to this breaking news, numerous expressions of surprise and interest have flooded social media. Reactions include comments like "Prince Andrew...

Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, was reportedly arrested on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Multiple British media outlets and international news agencies broke the news, causing significant ripples. According to reports, Prince Andrew was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police on his 66th birthday and remains in detention. The primary charges include engaging in improper conduct in public office and allegedly leaking classified information to American financier Jeffrey Epstein. Allegations surrounding Epstein have long been discussed, and Prince Andrew's association with him has been under scrutiny. This arrest suggests that investigations into Epstein-related classified information leaks have escalated. This shocking news has been widely reported by major international media outlets such as BBC, CNN, Sky News, and TV Asahi, with special programs and live reports. Meanwhile, some domestic media's reporti...

The "Mochimochi Mascot" series is generating significant buzz on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The announcement of new releases, particularly for the popular anime Gintama and the popular game Touken Ranbu ONLINE , has sparked active trading among fans, involving reservations, exchanges, and transfers. New "Mochimasu" for Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames Draws Intense Attention with "Paako" Bonus Pre-orders for the "Mochimochi Mascot Gintama: The Movie - Yoshiwara in Flames" series, scheduled for release in July 2026, began on February 20th at 10 AM at Animate, and from 1 PM onwards at other retailers. The series features 8 types, each priced at 990 yen (tax included). A box contains 8 mascots. The announcement that "Paako" would be an Animate-exclusive bonus for box purchases immediately garnered significant attention from fans. On social media, numerous calls for exchanges and transfers involving popular characters lik...

The Osaka City Waterworks Bureau has announced that it has received a donation of 21 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately 566.54 million yen. This extraordinary and substantial donation is designated for measures to combat the aging of water pipes within Osaka City. In accordance with the donor's wishes, no ceremony for a letter of appreciation will be held, allowing this act of generosity to quietly, yet powerfully, support the city's vital infrastructure. According to the announcement, the donation was made anonymously, with the donor specifically requesting its use for addressing the issue of deteriorating water pipes. News of this high-value gold donation quickly became a major talking point on social media, sparking numerous expressions of surprise and admiration. Comments included, "F-f-f-five hundred million yen!!", "It's like something straight out of a manga, I'm shaking," and "Rejecting a letter of appreciation anonymously? Are t...

Former South Korean President Yoon has been sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding an insurrection. The verdict, delivered on February 19, 2026, at the Seoul Central District Court, reduced the prosecution's requested death penalty, causing significant shock both domestically and internationally. According to the ruling, former President Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, citing threats from North Korea and "anti-state forces" as reasons to dispatch the military to the National Assembly and attempt to ban political activities. This act was deemed an illegal imposition of martial law, violating the requirements and procedures stipulated in Article 77 of the Constitution, and was consequently recognized as an act of masterminding an insurrection. This incident has been described as a "self-coup" or "presidential coup." The prosecution had initially sought the death penalty for former President Yoon. However, the court reportedly handed...