Tokyo International News Agency

"Endless SHOCK," starring Koichi Domoto, has long been cherished as a monumental pillar of Japanese musical theater. It has now been announced that Disney+ will exclusively stream a complete behind-the-scenes documentary titled "Documentary of Endless SHOCK -Behind the Final Performances-" starting September 23, capturing the historic final year of the production and sparking massive excitement among fans. Koichi Domoto is famously known for rarely showing the inner workings of his stage productions. This documentary dives deep into his rare moments, alongside the passionate feelings and brave dedication of cast members who played his rivals—such as Tatsuya Ueda and Shori Sato—as well as the younger supporting cast. Upon the release of the trailer, social media was immediately flooded with voices of anticipation and emotion, with fans commenting, "I couldn't stop crying just watching the trailer" and "It's a dream come true to see behind the s...

On the afternoon of the 9th, a woman driving a passenger car who ignored police negotiations on the Keiyo Road in Chiba City, suddenly accelerated and fled by driving the wrong way on the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway and other routes, was finally apprehended in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and arrested on the spot for violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law. According to the police and other sources, around 9:30 a.m. on the 9th, a report was received stating that "there is a car obstructing traffic" near the Matsugaoka Interchange (IC) on the inbound Keiyo Road in Chuo Ward, Chiba City. Police officers spent about an hour trying to persuade the woman parked on the road shoulder to move her vehicle, but she refused and suddenly accelerated. She reportedly attempted to escape by crashing into multiple police cars that had surrounded her. The car then headed toward the Takaya Junction (JCT) and began driving the wrong way on the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway. Because it became a dangerous ru...

A pre-release campaign for an upcoming limited-time event titled Drop Dead! Pumpkin Farm Slaughter has been announced for the smash-hit mobile RPG Fate/Grand Order (FGO), setting social media abuzz. Ahead of the event's kickoff scheduled for mid-September 2026, players quickly zeroed in on the surprisingly intense event title. The particular catalyst for the online frenzy was the loanword “Slaughter.” As Japanese players looked up definitions in dictionaries and translation tools, findings such as “massacre,” “carnage,” and “butchery” spread rapidly across social media. Paired with the harsh Japanese phrase kutabare (“drop dead!”), the announcement triggered a wave of amused shock and bewilderment, with fans remarking, “The murderous intent is off the charts,” and wondering what could possibly be happening for a Halloween celebration. With the keyword “Slaughter” trending, fans have launched into wide...

A newly released commercial for Abeno Harukas, one of Osaka's most recognizable landmarks, has ignited widespread buzz across social media. Featuring the popular seven-member idol group WEST., the campaign has prompted an outpouring of joy and heartfelt gratitude from fans toward developer and operator Kintetsu Real Estate. Titled "A Special Time: Abeno Harukas," the commercial was filmed in June with all seven members of the group. In addition to 15-second and 30-second broadcast cuts, official behind-the-scenes making-of footage was released on YouTube. Viewers were captivated by the members' natural camaraderie and playful on-set interactions, posting enthusiastic remarks such as "They are way too adorable" and "Thank you so much for making this happen." Abeno Harukas and WEST. share an enduring relationship, making this reunion particularly meaningful to their devoted fanbase. Reacting to the new promotional campaign, fans shared remarks like ...

Vissel Kobe announced on the 9th that Brazilian forward Érik has joined the club on a permanent transfer from FC Machida Zelvia. The news sparked a warm wave of welcome across social media, with fans greeting him enthusiastically and quickly turning his arrival into a trending topic online. Through the club, Érik delivered a passionate message to his new supporters: "To all the fans and supporters: I want you to fight alongside us. Sing, fight, and push the team forward from the very first second to the last." He also penned a heartfelt farewell message spanning 1,500 characters to Machida, earning widespread admiration for his class, humility, and professionalism. Vissel Kobe already boasts a formidable attacking lineup, and supporters are eagerly debating tactical lineups and the prospect of Érik linking up with star forwards such as Yuya Osako, Yoshinori Muto, and Anderson Lopes. Érik will wear the number 94 shirt, and anticipation is running high among fans looking ahead ...

The hit drama series Sa-do is set to return with its latest installment, Sa-do 2026: Slacking Off Life While Tuning In , broadcasting on the TV Tokyo network across five consecutive nights during the Silver Week holiday period, from Saturday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Excitement has reached a fever pitch across social media following the announcement that Shoki Hashimoto, a member of the popular idol group timelesz, will join the cast as a new character named "Mushi-kun." In this installment, Hashimoto portrays Mushi-kun, a dedicated and disciplined young amateur soccer player who works hard at heavy warehouse labor by day and trains relentlessly on the pitch at night, all while aiming to become a professional J-League player. As Hashimoto is an outspoken sauna enthusiast in real life, fans immediately celebrated the casting news online with comments like, "I'm so thrilled that his genuine love for saunas led to this role!" and "His st...

Marii Morimoto, who has driven the group forward as a third-generation member of Hinatazaka46, has announced her graduation from the group. This sudden news has sent waves of shock and sorrow across social media among fans and fellow members alike. According to reports, Morimoto is scheduled to hold her graduation ceremony on December 11, which marks the final day of the group's tour in Tokyo. Following the sudden announcement, X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with expressions of surprise, with fans posting comments such as "It was so out of the blue that I stopped breathing for a second" and "I still can't process this." At the same time, warm words of encouragement have poured in for her decision, praising her for always entertaining fans with her bright and unique character as an idol. Comments included "I hope she runs through to the end just like herself" and "I respect Marii-chan's decision and will support her all the way." Fur...