Tokyo International News Agency

During the House of Representatives Budget Committee session on the 4th, opposition lawmakers fiercely grilled Prime Minister Takaichi over allegations that her campaign was involved in mass-posting smear videos. Shinichi Isa, a lawmaker from the centrist reformist group, pressed the Prime Minister to confirm whether a voice in an audio recording—allegedly showing an exchange between the video creator and Takaichi's local secretary—belonged to her secretary, having submitted the question in advance. However, Prime Minister Takaichi refused to verify the audio, claiming she "did not want to become a paid subscriber" to the media outlet. This response has triggered a torrent of criticism both within the Diet and on social media, with critics calling it "contempt of parliament" and an "unprecedented excuse." "Saw it at 3:30 AM," "Didn't want to pay for a subscription" The focus of the questioning was audio data released by the prom...

On June 4, 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and regional meteorological observatories announced that the northern Kyushu region (including Yamaguchi Prefecture), the Chugoku region, and the Kinki region have likely entered the rainy season (known as tsuyu in Japanese). Following previous announcements for Okinawa, Amami, and southern Kyushu, the entirety of Western Japan has now entered the annual wet season. While this year's rainy season arrived right around the average historical date, it represents a delay of over two weeks (18 to 19 days) compared to last year's record-early start. The seasonal shift quickly became a hot topic on social media, with many users commenting on the sudden onset of humid weather and expressing concern over wet daily commutes. The arrival comes immediately after the passage of Typhoon No. 6. A seasonal rain front is currently moving northward from the west, destabilizing atmospheric conditions across Western Japan. The JMA has warned ...

On June 4, Nintendo added the 1999 classic action game Donkey Kong 64 to its “Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack” library. This surprise announcement immediately sent waves of excitement across social media, with nostalgic fans and newcomers alike celebrating the game's return. Donkey Kong 64 is a massive 3D platformer where players control Donkey Kong and his colorful Kong family to explore vast, sprawling worlds. Immediately following its release on the service, players took to social media to praise the high quality of the emulation. Many noted with delight that even the frame-rate drops in the iconic opening rap sequence were faithfully preserved. Furthermore, technical fans pointed out that previous emulation issues from the Wii U Virtual Console version—such as finicky vine-grabbing mechanics—have been fixed, restoring the tight controls of the original Nintendo 64 hardware. The game is notorious for its overwhelming amount of collectibles. Beyond th...

On June 3, 2026, the Ryukyu Golden Kings of Japan's professional basketball league, the B.League, announced that center Alex Kirk's contract had expired and he would be leaving the team. Following the announcement, "Kirk" quickly trended on social media as shock and sadness spread among fans and the wider basketball community. Known for his dedicated play inside the paint and overwhelming presence on the court, Kirk was a pillar of the team. Despite his intimidating and reliable demeanor during games, he was also beloved for his playful, humorous personality off the court, earning affectionate nicknames like "Kirk-chan" and "Kirk-chin" from fans. "Thank you so much for these three years" — Fans express overwhelming gratitude Immediately after the announcement, social media was flooded with messages of appreciation from fans. Comments included, "Kirk's parting message brings tears to my eyes," "Thank you so much for the ...

Recently, the term "boring voice actor variety shows" (seiyuu no omonna baraeti) has sparked intense debate on Japanese social media. The discussion was triggered by an online analysis of the voice acting industry's business model, shedding light on why low-cost, easily produced events and streaming programs are being rushed to market, and the mixed feelings this trend causes among fans. Critics highlight the poor quality of these programs, which often fail to justify their high ticket prices. Complaints abound: "It costs a fortune just to watch popular voice actors play off-the-shelf board games," or "It is painful to attend an anime event only to watch cheap gesture games instead of hearing about the anime itself." Many dedicated fans are also frustrated by the lack of skill among organizers and scriptwriters, calling out what they see as an easy cash grab that exploits fan loyalty. On the other hand, many fans accept or even defend this state of aff...

On the morning of June 3, 2026, the large-scale Typhoon No. 6 (Changmi) traveled east-northeast near Omaezaki City, Shizuoka Prefecture, bringing torrential rain and fierce winds primarily to the Tokai and Kanto regions. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), as of 10:00 AM on June 3, the typhoon was situated near Omaezaki, moving east-northeast at approximately 40 km/h. It recorded a central atmospheric pressure of 980 hectopascals, maximum sustained winds of 25 meters per second, and maximum gusts of 35 meters per second. Evacuation Orders and High Alert for Landslides As the typhoon drew near, tense situations unfolded across Shizuoka Prefecture. On the morning of June 3, temporary Level 4 Evacuation Orders were issued for Omaezaki, Shimoda, Atami, Makinohara, and Ito. Additionally, Level 4 Landslide Disaster Warnings remained in place for a wide area, including Kikugawa and Numazu, with local municipalities and weather observatories urging residents to remain on high a...

Oriental Land Co., Ltd., the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR), is facing a rapid wave of criticism on social media. The controversy stems from how park staff handle rule violations and poor manners among foreign tourists. Multiple posts on social media have pointed to an alleged "double standard," claiming that while cast members turn a blind eye to foreign tourists bringing outside food and drinks into the parks, they strictly enforce the rules when it comes to domestic Japanese visitors. Online, frustrations are mounting, with users commenting, "Why are only Japanese visitors strictly regulated while foreign tourists get a free pass?" and "Rules must be applied fairly to everyone." Some extreme voices have characterized the situation as "discrimination against Japanese nationals," while others point out that treating guests differently based on their race or nationality damages the resort's highly valued brand. Meanwhile, some online a...