Tokyo International News Agency

An assault incident that occurred in Osaka City last July is now causing a significant stir on social media. The catalyst was a report that a man, walking near a Sanseito (Political Party for Japanese Kokoro) event venue wearing an 'orange hat,' was assaulted by a group calling themselves 'Shibakitai,' sustaining serious injuries including two broken ribs. The Osaka Prefectural Police are investigating the incident as a case of assault. According to reports, the victim was allegedly mistaken for a Sanseito supporter because he was wearing an orange hat, which is the party's corporate color. This alleged mistaken identity is said to have led the group to pick a fight with the man and assault him, including pushing him to the ground. In response to this incident, 'orange hat' became a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), with many users expressing anger and concern. Condemnations poured in, such as 'It's insane to assault someone just for having dif...

The popular virtual liver shopping program "Yashishii Shopping" suddenly announced its revival on Valentine's Day, February 14th, at 9 PM JST, causing a significant stir on social media. However, what truly captured the attention of many fans wasn't "Yashishii" as stated in the title, but rather "Yashifure," which trended as a related keyword. The program, announced via a post by Shiina Yuika, revealed that "Yashishii Shopping" would air on Valentine's night. Yet, words like "Yashifure" circulated from the waiting room URL and among some fans, quickly making it trend. "Yashifure" is an affectionate nickname referring to the pairing of Nijisanji livers Yashiro Kizuku and Furen E Lustario. In contrast, "Yashishii" refers to the combination of Yashiro Kizuku and Shiina Yuika. Fans reacted with a mix of anticipation and confusion, wondering which duo would be the main stars of this Valentine's special, or...

Pokemon Center has announced the release of a new merchandise series called “Tokkunchu,” focused on Fighting-type Pokemon, set to launch on Saturday, February 21st. This announcement has generated significant buzz among Pokemon fans nationwide. The series features dynamic illustrations by artist Kino Takahashi, with a lineup centered around poseable mascots and a 2-way pouch inspired by the popular Pokemon Lucario. Particularly drawing attention is the “Machamp Side Chest Bottle Opener,” affectionately dubbed “Impact Giga” for its sheer visual punch. Its overwhelming depiction of muscle has garnered widespread praise on social media. Beyond that, fans can't hide their excitement, exclaiming “The world-building is so rich!” at the detailed illustrations, which include small items that deepen the Fighting-type theme, such as Punching Gloves, Imitation Herbs, and Assault Vests. Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with an outpouring of joyful comments like “Tokkunchu is to...

Hololive's popular VTuber, Sakura Miko, has resumed her activities, and the highly anticipated collaboration stream "Mikkoro-ne" (Sakura Miko x Inugami Korone) has been announced for February 13th at 10 PM JST. Fans have expressed joy and relief at her return after overcoming a period of poor health. Sakura Miko reported on her X (formerly Twitter) account, "Sorry for making you worry! I went to work." In addition to the "Mikkoro-ne" stream that night, she also revealed a packed schedule of luxurious collaborations: "MikoMet" (Sakura Miko x Hoshimachi Suisei) on the 14th, and "SoraMiko" (Sakura Miko x Tokino Sora) on the 17th. This "jam-packed schedule" announcement was met with an outpouring of enthusiastic comments from fans like "Looking forward to two days in a row!" and "Can't wait for all of them!" While fans are ecstatic about Sakura Miko's return after a long hiatus and her busy schedule...

On the 13th, the Hyogo Prefectural Police Second Investigation Division referred Inomoto Tomoaki, the former Director-General of General Affairs for Hyogo Prefecture, to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Local Public Service Act (confidentiality obligation). This issue concerns the alleged leak of private information belonging to a former prefectural bureau chief who had accused Governor Motohiko Saito, causing a significant stir within the prefectural government. Inomoto is suspected of leaking the former prefectural bureau chief's private information and audio data to multiple prefectural assembly members. A report published by the prefecture's third-party committee last May concluded that Inomoto leaked information to three prefectural assembly members. Furthermore, the report pointed out that “it is highly probable that this was done for the purpose of 'nemawashi' (informal groundwork) toward the prefectural assembly, under the instructions of Governor Motoh...

In the popular game "Uma Musume Pretty Derby," the much-anticipated new Uma Musume "Royce and Royce" was announced to appear in the Pretty Derby Gacha on Saturday, February 14th, prompting widespread cheers from trainers on social media. According to the official account, Royce and Royce will be implemented as a 2 character, leading to an outpouring of praise for the "god-tier management" due to her accessibility. Simultaneously, the 5th Anniv. Select Pickup Support Card Gacha is also being held, offering a luxurious deal where a 10-pull with paid jewels guarantees an SSR support card. Fans have expressed numerous joyous reactions such as "Royce and Royce is finally here!" and "Now Canopus is complete!" Expectations are high for the full lineup of Canopus members, including characters who appeared in the third season of the anime. Some trainers also celebrated the formation of the "Nigo Team" and quoted jokes from "Umana...

Within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Nagasaki Prefecture, the Fisheries Agency apprehended a Chinese fishing boat that refused to obey a stop order and attempted to flee, arresting its 47-year-old captain on the spot. This incident, which occurred between February 12 and 13, 2026, has garnered significant attention, with "Captain Arrested" becoming a trending topic on the social media platform "X". According to the Fisheries Agency, the apprehended vessel was a Chinese fishing boat, and its captain is suspected of refusing a stop order and attempting to escape. Reports from sources indicate that this is the first time since 2022 that the Fisheries Agency has apprehended a Chinese fishing boat and arrested its captain for such an offense. In response to the situation, the Chief Cabinet Secretary stated at a press conference that Japan would "continue to crack down resolutely," emphasizing the nation's firm stance against illegal fishing ...