Tokyo International News Agency

Actress Yuzuki Hirakawa, who appeared in the tokusatsu drama series Kamen Rider Z-ETS , has officially completed filming for the production, according to posts on Toei's official social media accounts. Hirakawa played the role of Kureha Miyamoto (Code Number: Six), a pivotal character who left a lasting impression on viewers as a cool and composed warrior. According to the official announcement, the day Hirakawa finished filming—known in the industry as her "all-up"—also happened to be her birthday. On this special day, which marked both a major milestone in her career and the beginning of a new year of her life, she was met with warm celebrations on set. Fans responded with enthusiasm, commenting, "It's so dramatic that her filming wrap and birthday fell on the same day," and "What a perfect way to end it." On the other hand, many fans expressed deep sorrow over the shocking exit of her character, Kureha Miyamoto. Kureha had served as a close frie...

On May 17, the renowned animation studio Khara celebrated its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Hideaki Anno, the studio's founder and representative director, shared a message via the company’s official social media accounts that has sent shockwaves through the fan community: he expressed his ambition to produce both "New Evangelion" and "New Yamato" projects. In his commemorative post, Anno stated, "I will continue to work hard on creating things like the new Evangelion and the new Yamato, among others." This mention of a "New Evangelion" has come as a massive surprise to fans worldwide, as the series was widely considered to have reached its definitive conclusion with the 2021 release of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time . Social media erupted with reactions ranging from disbelief to pure joy. "Is this the first time we've actually heard the phrase 'New Eva'?" one user questioned, while another remarked, ...

On May 17, 2026, the final day of "Nijisanji Fes 2026" was headlined by the special stage "CONCERTO_Day2," where popular VTuber Yusei Kitami left fans in a state of euphoria. Kitami was joined on stage by Sho Hoshirube, Shu Yamino, and Alban Knox. Ahead of the 3:30 PM start, official channels released personality-filled messages from the performers, sending excitement across social media into overdrive even before the curtains rose. A particular highlight that captured the audience's attention was Kitami's handwritten message. Penned in his unique "Kitami Font"—a style fans affectionately compare to the handwriting of a middle or high school boy—the message included an illustration of him offering a hamburger. This sparked a wave of joy online, with fans commenting, "Show us what you've got, Yusei Kitami!" and "I've been waiting for a message in the Kitami Font!" The supportive atmosphere reached a fever pitch at various...

On May 17, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) announced several roster moves for the Pacific League. For the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, star outfielder Kensuke Kondo was removed from the active roster under the "Bereavement and Congratulatory Leave Exception." In his place, the team has promoted rookie infielder Ryukei Takahashi, their fifth-round draft pick, marking his first call-up to the top team since turning professional. Kondo’s deactivation is a special administrative measure intended to accommodate family matters, allowing him to be re-registered before the standard 10-day waiting period expires. While losing a cornerstone of the lineup like Kondo is a significant blow, it provides a major opportunity for Takahashi, a promising young talent out of JR East. Takahashi has been impressing in the farm league with a high on-base percentage and is expected to contribute with his wide defensive range. On the same day, pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa was also removed from the active ro...

On May 17, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern." With the death toll in the eastern provinces already reaching 87, concerns over a global spread are intensifying. Wary and Disordered Reactions to a Recurring Tragedy On social media, the phrase "Emergency Declaration" trended instantly, sparking rapid reactions from users. While some initially mistook it for a domestic declaration within Japan, the realization that it was a WHO announcement regarding Ebola evoked painful memories of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many expressed fatigue and frustration, with comments like "Not again." Posts highlighted anxieties about the future, noting that the outbreak coincides with a period of increased global movement ahead of the World Cup. "Since COVID, it’s just been one disaster after another," one user remarked. Given E...

On May 16, 2026, the phrase "Shaka's Chaika" suddenly trended on X (formerly Twitter), sending shockwaves through the Japanese streamer community. The frenzy was sparked by a single comment from the popular streamer k4sen, who declared, "Next year, it will be Shaka-san's Chaika." This remark is believed to be connected to an event held on the same day. k4sen himself had just unveiled a shocking cosplay of the Nijisanji VTuber Makaino Ririmu. His transformation, dubbed "Ririmu The k4sen," became an instant viral sensation. Amidst the buzz, k4sen decided to nominate fellow top-tier streamer SHAKA as the next person to undergo a similar transformation. The character SHAKA was suggested to portray, Hanabatake Chaika, is a male VTuber from Nijisanji known for his distinct, exotic appearance. Given SHAKA's well-known tall stature, fans reacted with overwhelming excitement. Comments like "I want to see a super-lanky Chaichai," "I'm ...

On May 16, 2026, the comedy competition "THE SECOND ~Manzai Tournament~"—a high-stakes stage for veterans with over 16 years of experience—took place, and the performance of Kansai-based powerhouse duo Shampoo Hat has become a major talking point across Japan. Although they narrowly missed a spot in the semi-finals, social media has been flooded with praise for their unique brand of manzai and the emotional impact of seeing them perform during primetime national television. Shampoo Hat is renowned for a style that is truly one-of-a-kind. As Seiya from the popular duo Shimofuri Myojo put it, "Shampoo Hat’s manzai is the ultimate form that only those two can deliver." This long-cultivated, distinct worldview was broadcast to living rooms nationwide, prompting a wave of heartfelt comments from long-time fans such as, "Seeing them do manzai on a national scale brings tears to my eyes," and "It was so funny it actually made me cry." The duo’s loss to ...