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Showing posts from July, 2025

Japanese Theatrical Release of 'M3GAN 2.0' Abruptly Canceled, Sparking Online Frenzy

The Japanese theatrical release of "M3GAN 2.0," the sequel to the American horror film "M3GAN," which was scheduled for Friday, October 10, has been abruptly canceled, causing a significant stir on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The announcement from the official account has drawn widespread disappointment and surprise from many movie fans. While no clear explanation has been provided for the cancellation, speculation among X users ranges from "poor box office performance in its home country" to it being a "big flop." The previous film, "M3GAN," was well-received even by those who typically dislike horror films, with comments like "not scary at all" and "it was fun," leading to high expectations for the sequel. However, some have pointed out that the sequel's direction is "completely different from the previous film," suggesting that a change in direction might be a contributing factor ...

Minami Hamabe and Ren Meguro to Co-Star in Film 'Hodonaku, Owakare desu,' Set for February 6, 2026 Release with Teaser Visual Unveiled

The release date for the film 'Hodonaku, Owakare desu,' co-starring Minami Hamabe and Ren Meguro (Snow Man), has been set for Friday, February 6, 2026. The highly anticipated teaser visual has also been unveiled. Teaser flyers began appearing sequentially in cinemas nationwide today, already drawing fervent anticipation from fans. The film explores the universal theme of 'farewell to loved ones,' depicting the story of two funeral planners striving to create the perfect 'milestone ceremony.' Minami Hamabe plays Misora Shimizu, a new funeral planner, while Ren Meguro takes on the role of her partner. The unveiled teaser visual features a fantastical design based on red and black, symbolizing the film's worldview, with the striking image of the two characters standing amidst dancing dandelion fluff. On social media, comments like "Red x Black, so cool!" and "Teaser visual is the best!" have emerged, drawing attention to its beauty. The dire...

Nijisanji's New Trending Term "Eriburi" Sparks Buzz, Set to Feature at AGF 2025

The new trending term "Eriburi" from the major VTuber group Nijisanji is generating significant buzz, primarily on social media. Fans are particularly thrilled by the announcement of their participation in "Animate Girls Festival 2025 (AGF_2025)," scheduled for November 2025. According to information released by Nijisanji's official channels, the Nijisanji booth at AGF_2025 will feature "Eriburi" merchandise sales and special exhibits alongside popular unit "VOLTACTION." It was also revealed that attendees at the main venue will receive an exclusive original shopper, leading to many fans expressing their desire to attend in person. "Eriburi" was previously a term used among a segment of fans, but its recognition as an official unit name in this announcement has surprised and delighted many. Comments such as "Is this the first time 'Eriburi' has appeared officially in text?" and "I thought it was just for the r...

Popular VTuber Lauren Iroas's 1/7 Scale Figure Now Available for Pre-order!

A 1/7 scale figure of popular Liver Lauren Iroas, who belongs to the VTuber group "Nijisanji," began accepting pre-orders on August 1, 2025, from FuRyu's high-quality hobby brand "F:NEX." The figure is priced at 24,750 yen (tax included), with pre-orders closing on September 12 (Friday) and shipping scheduled for June 2026. The prototype, crafted by Sato, boasts meticulous detailing that is already garnering significant attention among fans. It had previously attracted considerable interest when its prototype was exhibited at "Nijifes." "2-Ji Datoka" Featured Heavily in Quick Japan! Furthermore, the popular unit "2-Ji Datoka" (Watara Hibari, Fuwa Minato, Ibrahim, Lauren Iroas), to which Lauren Iroas belongs, will be extensively featured in "Quick Japan vol.179," set to be released on August 8. The issue will feature them on the cover and include a roundtable discussion with the four members, solo interviews, and a photo r...

Japan on Alert: Typhoon No. 9 Approaches as New Typhoon Looms

As of August 1, 2025, interest in weather information is rising across the Japanese archipelago due to the approach of Typhoon No. 9 and the forecast of a new typhoon forming south of the country. Currently, Typhoon No. 9 is moving north near the Izu Islands, accompanied by gale-force winds. It is expected to approach the Kanto region tonight, bringing stronger winds and rain. However, on social media, comments like "It's hot this morning with no wind, despite Typhoon No. 9 being so close!" and "Another typhoon that won't make landfall... not much rain." are being seen, with some areas expressing concerns about insufficient rainfall. Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced at 9 AM on the same day that a tropical depression developing southeast of Minamidaito Island is "expected to develop into a typhoon within 12 hours." As the next typhoon will be Typhoon No. 10, vigilance regarding its future path is necessary. In response to t...

Popular NIJISANJI VTubers Machita Chima & Nagao Kei Release Cover of Vocaloid Classic "Mistletoe ~Reincarnation Tree~", Garners Huge Social Media Response

Popular NIJISANJI VTubers Machita Chima and Nagao Kei have released a cover video of the renowned song "Mistletoe ~Reincarnation Tree~" by Vocaloid producers Hito Shizuku x Yama△ on YouTube, garnering significant attention on social media. Fans have showered the duo with praise for their exceptional vocal talent, expressive performances, and the stunning visuals of the video. On the 31st, when the video "Mistletoe ~Reincarnation Tree~ / Machita Chima × Nagao Kei (Cover)" was posted on Nagao Kei's X account, it was instantly viewed by a large number of fans. Expressions of surprise and joy poured in, such as "I never thought a 'Uta-mita' (cover song) of Mistletoe would come out in this day and age" and "I love Mistletoe so much..." Particularly noteworthy was the excellent compatibility of their voices. Viewers showered praise on the beauty of their harmonies, with comments like "The harmony is so amazing, I feel like I'm goin...

LDP Wakayama Expels Newly Elected Upper House Member Yoshio Mochizuki

The Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) Wakayama Prefectural Federation announced on July 31 that it had expelled House of Councillors member Yoshio Mochizuki (53), who was elected in the recent Upper House election. This decision is a fallout from the nomination dispute with Nobuyasu Nikai (Toshihiro Nikai's third son), who ran as the LDP-endorsed candidate in the same constituency and lost, further deepening the "conservative split" within the LDP in Wakayama Prefecture. Mr. Mochizuki ran as an independent in the Upper House election, defeating the LDP-endorsed Nobuyasu Nikai to win his first term. Although Mr. Mochizuki was originally an LDP member, his resignation letter submitted prior to his candidacy was not accepted by the prefectural federation, meaning he ran the election campaign while technically still an LDP member. The prefectural federation explained the reason for his expulsion as his "failure to exert efforts for the sure victory of the endorsed can...

Game Halted as On-Field Sprinkler Unexpectedly Activates During Baseball Match at Es Con Field Hokkaido

On July 31, 2025, an unusual incident occurred during a professional baseball Pacific League game between the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and the SoftBank Hawks at Es Con Field Hokkaido: an on-field sprinkler unexpectedly activated during play, causing the game to be temporarily suspended. This rare event unfolded just before the top of the 6th inning, as the SoftBank Hawks were about to bat. Suddenly, a sprinkler near left field began spraying water vigorously, leading to a momentary stir within the stadium. Players were surprised by the sudden downpour, especially left fielder Shunsuke Mizutani, who was drenched by the spray. Comments such as "Mizutani literally became a valley of water, poor guy" flooded social media. Players evacuated to dry areas, and the game was halted. When the stadium announcement stated, "The sprinkler is currently activated. Please wait for a moment," surprised murmurs arose from the stands. The disruption lasted only a few minutes, and ...

Amuse Announces 20th Anniversary 'ULTRA HANDSOME LIVE 2025 “ZERO”' with 'Closing the Curtain' Phrase Sparking Fan Reactions

Amuse Inc. has announced that its annual fan appreciation event featuring actors from the agency, 'HANDSOME LIVE,' will be held this year-end as 'Amuse Presents 20th Anniversary ULTRA HANDSOME LIVE 2025 “ZERO”.' While this marks a major milestone for its 20th anniversary, a shocking phrase – 'once closing the curtain on 20 years of history' – has sparked a huge reaction on social media. The live event is scheduled for two days, December 27th and 28th. Prior to this, an exhibition event, 'HANDSOME LIVE Museum,' has also been announced. Fans are visibly building anticipation for the year-end, with Shoma Kai expressing his enthusiasm on his social media, stating, 'This year-end is packed with HANDSOME LIVE and the Museum, so please look forward to it!' Among the announced performers, Yuta Koseki, who graces the center of the main visual, has received enthusiastic comments such as, 'I want to usher in the new year bathed in Koseki-kun's uniqu...

Japan Lifts All Tsunami Warnings and Advisories Following Kamchatka Earthquake

At 4:30 PM on the 31st, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) lifted all tsunami warnings and advisories that had been issued for the Japanese coast following a massive Magnitude 8.7 earthquake near the Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30. This earthquake caused tsunamis to reach the Japanese coast, with a maximum tsunami of 1.3 meters observed at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture. Approximately 32 hours after the issuance of the tsunami warnings and advisories, they were finally lifted for all regions, leading to widespread relief across various areas. Following the lifting of the alerts, operations at sand bath hot springs in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, resumed. However, some regional impacts remained, such as the continued closure of beaches on Tanegashima Island. This tsunami event was lauded for the relatively calm response observed, partly attributed to heightened disaster awareness since the Great East Japan Earthquake. However, some opinions were heard, such as 'the lifting ...

Aso's 'Take Responsibility' Remark to PM Ishiba Sparks Controversy and Public Outcry

On the afternoon of the 23rd, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a meeting with Taro Aso, former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the President's Office at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters. During this meeting, a comment by Mr. Aso to Prime Minister Ishiba has been reported, “There was someone who told me to take responsibility and resign, wasn't there? Doesn't this resemble that time?” This remark has sent ripples through Nagatacho, Japan's political center. The statement is widely interpreted as a scathing sarcasm aimed at the person believed to have previously called for Aso's resignation (with many on social media pointing to Ishiba himself), suggesting an implied question about Prime Minister Ishiba's own political future and accountability. Mr. Aso's remark swiftly went viral on social media, with the keyword “take responsibility” trending. Users have barraged Prime Minister Ishiba with direct ca...

Pro Gamer TENNN Permanently Transfers to MURASH GAMING from ZETA DIVISION, Igniting Social Media Buzz

Pro gamer TENNN, known for the popular tactical shooter 'VALORANT', has officially made a permanent transfer from ZETA DIVISION to MURASH GAMING, a move that has generated significant buzz on social media. This news puts an end to a long-running joke among fans, who often playfully described TENNN's situation as "karipaku" (a Japanese term meaning to borrow something and never return it, effectively making it one's own) because he had been active with MURASH GAMING while still officially registered with ZETA DIVISION. Following the announcement, comments flooded X (formerly Twitter) with phrases like "TENNN's karipaku succeeded!" and "LOL, MURASH GAMING successfully 'karipaku'd' him from ZETA," demonstrating the high level of public interest as related terms even temporarily trended on Yahoo! Japan. TENNN has been a pivotal player in ZETA DIVISION's VALORANT division, captivating a large fanbase. While some fans expresse...

Dole's 'Purukatsu' Pineapple Promotion Trends on Social Media, Featuring Global Boy Group INI

The hashtag "Purukatsu" has been trending on social media, attracting significant attention. "Purukatsu" is the affectionate term for a pineapple consumption promotion campaign launched by major fruit manufacturer Dole Inc., and it has just been announced that the global boy group INI has been appointed as "Dole Purukatsu Supporters." INI had previously released the song "Pineapple Juice," making this collaboration with Dole a long-awaited development for fans. According to Dole, "Dole Sweetio Pineapple" is "a popular product characterized by its meltingly sweet taste," and through this collaboration, they aim to convey the appeal of pineapple to even more people. On social media, many joyful comments have been posted by INI's fans (MINI), such as "I'm going to do Purukatsu!" and "Thank you, Dole-sama!" Attention is also being drawn to the health benefits of pineapple, with comments like "inges...

New SS Rare Swimsuit Cassius Joins Granblue Fantasy, Sparks Social Media Buzz

A new character, SS Rare "Cassius (Swimsuit Version)" (voiced by Masaya Matsukaze), was implemented in the popular social game "Granblue Fantasy (Granblue)" from noon on Thursday, July 31st, generating significant buzz on social media. This swimsuit version has garnered particular attention for its stunning visual design. On social media, numerous comments like "Too beautiful," "Gorgeous," "Enchanting mermaid," and "Was he a mermaid?" have surfaced, with many users captivated by his mysterious and elegant appearance. Some fans even expressed sentiments like "Cassius, are you *my* mermaid...?" Conversely, the unique setting of the character's weapon being "ramen" has also contributed to the immense buzz. Comments filled with surprise and laughter, such as "Ramen LOL" and "Did you just become a one-shot wonder?!" have been posted, the unexpectedness of which has also captured fans'...

Genshin Impact's Official Radio Program 'Teyvat Broadcasting Station' to Relaunch as a Podcast in August 2025, Thrilling Fans

The official radio program for the popular game Genshin Impact , "Teyvat Broadcasting Station," has announced its return as Genshin Impact Podcast: Teyvat Broadcasting Station - Nadokurai Tsushin , set to begin distribution around late August 2025. This news has been met with immense joy among fans. "Teyvat Broadcasting Station" has always been a beloved official program among many Genshin Impact players. With its decision to revive in a new podcast format, expectations are high for this new development in the series. The highly anticipated cast for the first episode includes the following prominent voice actors: Tomoaki Maeno (as Zhongli) Ayumu Murase (as Venti) Shohei Komatsu (as Gaming) In particular, Shohei Komatsu joining as an MC has drawn enthusiastic reactions on social media, with comments such as "I love how Shohei Komatsu just subtly slid into the MC role" and "Teyvat Broadcasting Station main personality!?!?!?!? I'm too happy!!!"...

Collaboration Between "The Idolmaster SideM" Unit S.E.M and "KING OF PRISM" Series Sparks Buzz on Social Media

A collaboration between S.E.M, a unit from the popular idol-training game "The Idolmaster SideM," and the theatrical anime series "KING OF PRISM," has been announced, generating significant buzz on social media. For this collaboration, a lavish collaborative visual was released, featuring "Over The Rainbow," a representative unit from "KING OF PRISM," and S.E.M, striking each other's signature poses. What has particularly captured attention is S.E.M's members (Michio Hazama, Rui Maita, and Jiro Yamashita) wearing "extra glittering, amplified sparkle ver." costumes, even more dazzling than their usual attire. Social media is filled with exclamations of surprise and delight, such as "S.E.M's outfits are even more dazzling than usual!" and "I'm so used to them, but seeing them again, those outfits are truly amazing." Furthermore, fans of both franchises have expressed joy regarding S.E.M holding "A ...

Tsunami Warning Downgraded to Advisory in Many Parts of Japan; Some Advisories Lifted

Today, tsunami warnings issued across wide areas of the Japanese archipelago have been downgraded to tsunami advisories in many regions, and some advisories have been lifted. However, vigilance is still urged in coastal areas. At 6:30 PM, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) downgraded tsunami warnings for areas stretching from Ibaraki Prefecture to Wakayama Prefecture to tsunami advisories. Furthermore, at 8:45 PM, tsunami warnings issued for Hokkaido and the Tohoku region were also lowered to tsunami advisories. In Okayama Prefecture, the tsunami advisory was lifted, and local residents expressed relief. Following the downgrade from warnings to advisories, many evacuees posted messages on social media, such as: "The warning changed to an advisory, and the evacuation order was lifted, so I've returned home," and "I'm back from my friend's house! There's no place like home." Transportation was also affected, with temporary road closures, including a...

Chiikawa's 2026 "Happy Bag" Announcement Sparks Online Excitement with Year of the Horse Theme

The 2026 edition of the popular character "Chiikawa"'s "Happy Bag" (lucky bag) has been announced, quickly generating a significant buzz on social media. The adorable design, particularly its theme centered around the Year of the Horse, next year's zodiac animal, has become a central topic among fans. The official "Chiikawa Market" account announced that pre-orders for the "Happy Bag 2026 (Year of the Horse)" will begin next week. Priced at 11,000 yen (tax included), it will be sold via a build-to-order system from August 8th at 6:00 PM until August 18th at noon JST. Shipments are expected to commence sequentially around mid-December. In response to this announcement, numerous fans have expressed enthusiastic praise, with comments such as "Chiikawa characters dressed as horses are so cute!" and "I buy it every year, but next year's is exceptionally adorable...!" Particularly noted are the cuteness of "Usagi...

M8.8 Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warning, Stranding 'Sunflower' Ferries Off Japan

Following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, a tsunami warning was issued for Japan's Pacific coast, stretching from Hokkaido to Wakayama Prefecture. This alert has prevented Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' "Sunflower" ferries from docking, forcing them to wait at sea. Currently, multiple "Sunflower" ferries bound for Oarai and Tomakomai ports are continuing to circle offshore to avoid the danger posed by the tsunami. Onboard, the captain announced to passengers, "This ship cannot dock at Oarai Port, so we will continue sailing until the warning is lifted. We have sufficient fuel and food." This announcement brought a wave of relief and gratitude from the passengers towards the crew. Reports also indicate that the arcade on board was made free of charge, possibly to help alleviate passenger anxiety. Waiting at sea is a safety measure, as port facilities and docked vessels are highly susceptible to significant damage from tsuna...

Japan's All-Time Hottest Temperature of 41.2°C Recorded in Kaibara, Hyogo Prefecture on July 30, 2025

On the afternoon of July 30, 2025, Kaibara in Tanba City, Hyogo Prefecture, recorded an unprecedented 41.2°C, setting a new all-time high temperature for Japan. This surpasses the previous record of 41.1°C, which was jointly held by Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture (recorded on July 23, 2018) and Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture (recorded on August 17, 2020). On the same day, the Japanese archipelago was hit by intense heat across various regions, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in multiple locations. These included 40.6°C in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, 40.3°C in Kuse, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, and 40.0°C in Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. For the Kinki region, this marked the first time in 31 years that temperatures topped 40°C, while for the Chugoku region, it was the first time ever in recorded history. This record-breaking heatwave led to incidents such as the emergency transport of three men in their 80s in Tanba City, suspected of suffering from heatstro...

Tsunami Reaches Japan's Pacific Coast Following Earthquake Off Russia

On the 30th, tsunamis reached various locations along Japan's Pacific coast, triggered by an earthquake off the coast of Russia. A tsunami of 80cm was observed at Yaene, Hachijojima in Tokyo, and Hanasaki, Nemuro City in Hokkaido, respectively. In addition, tsunamis ranging from 30cm to 40cm, with a maximum of 1.3m, were confirmed at multiple other locations. Even if no shaking is felt from an earthquake, tsunamis can still approach, and vigilance continues in various areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings and advisories, urging coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground immediately. On social media, numerous comments expressed gratitude, such as 'Please don't blame the JMA even if the tsunami isn't significant or doesn't come' and 'It's incredibly helpful to have warnings with ample time.' This reflects a renewed recognition of the importance of early information dissemination and evacuation, drawing lessons from th...

The X (formerly Twitter) campaign '#YourClassDiagnosis,' commemorating the 10th anniversary of the popular smartphone RPG 'Fate/Grand Order' (FGO), has become a major topic of discussion among users.

The X (formerly Twitter) campaign '#YourClassDiagnosis,' commemorating the 10th anniversary of the popular smartphone RPG 'Fate/Grand Order' (FGO), has become a major topic of discussion among users. This campaign allows users to determine their most suitable FGO class (Servant classification) by answering three questions posted by the official FGO account. Its ease of participation—simply following the official account and tapping the answers to the diagnosis questions—has led many Masters to post their results on X, generating enough buzz to become a trending topic. The posted diagnosis results have been diverse, with various classes reported, including "Pretender," "Assassin," "Alter Ego," "Berserker," "Avenger," "Beast," "Foreigner," "Archer," "Caster," "Ruler," and "Lancer." Users have shown a variety of reactions to their diagnosis results. For example, us...

Large Earthquake Strikes Off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, Tsunami Warnings Issued for Japan

A large earthquake occurred off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula at 8:24 AM on July 30, 2025. Initially reported as M8.0, the magnitude was subsequently upgraded to M8.7 and then to M8.8 by agencies including the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. This massive earthquake, comparable in scale to the Great East Japan Earthquake (M9.0), prompted the issuance of tsunami warnings and advisories across a wide area of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings and advisories for extensive areas along Japan's Pacific coast, anticipating tsunamis up to 3 meters high, and urged residents to evacuate immediately to higher ground. Warnings emphasized that “even a 30 cm tsunami can be enough to knock an adult off their feet,” advising calm and orderly evacuation. Reports indicate that tsunamis of 40-50 cm were observed along the coasts of Hokkaido and Tohoku. Sirens blared in some regions, and expressways like the Seisho Bypass in Kanagawa Prefecture wer...

Tsunami Warning for Japan After Quake Off Kamchatka; Urgent 'Evacuate' Calls Trend on Social Media X

Following an earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, a tsunami warning has been issued for Japan, leading to a surge of urgent calls to "Please evacuate" on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which have become a trending topic. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the tsunami warning covers the Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Wakayama Prefecture, with a maximum predicted tsunami height of 3 meters. NHK's 'Life and Disaster Prevention' account repeatedly urged, "A tsunami is coming. Please evacuate quickly. Please evacuate quickly to protect your life." Many users posted messages to their followers and the public, such as "Absolutely live," "Nothing is more important than your life," and "Don't be complacent; evacuate if you think it's dangerous." They encouraged specific actions like "Please evacuate to higher ground" and "Stay away from the sea and rivers." Some em...

First Tsunami Waves Reach Japan's Pacific Coast; Continued Vigilance Urged

Today, July 30, the first waves of a tsunami successively reached Japan's Pacific coast. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and various local governments are strongly urging continued strict vigilance and evacuation until tsunami warnings and advisories are lifted, as there is a possibility that the second and third waves could be higher than the first. Shortly after 12:00 PM, a 0.3-meter tsunami was observed in Hanasaki, Nemuro City, Hokkaido, while a 0.1-meter (10 cm) wave was reported in Yokohama, Kanagawa. The arrival of the first wave was also confirmed in Owase, Mie. Furthermore, the arrival of the first wave has been reported in wide areas, including the inner part of Tokyo Bay, Sagami Bay/Miura Peninsula, Miyagi Prefecture, and along the Okhotsk Sea coast. Experts and past examples indicate that tsunamis do not end with the first wave; they can continue for several hours to more than half a day, with subsequent waves carrying the risk of being higher. For instance, in th...

July 30, 2025: Widespread Tsunami Warning and Evacuation Orders Issued Along Coasts

On July 30, 2025, a tsunami warning was issued for a wide range of coastal areas, followed by a series of "evacuation orders" in various locations. Numerous reports of evacuation orders being issued in residential areas have been posted on social media, creating tension among residents. In Chiba Prefecture, Chiba Nippo provided information on open evacuation shelters on its website following the tsunami warning and evacuation orders. Evacuation orders have been confirmed across a very wide area, including the coastal areas of Tomioka Town, parts of Toyohashi City (such as the entire areas of Akemi-cho, Umenyabu Nishi-machi, and Oitsu-cho), Kamakura, Shonan area, Amagasaki, and the Seto Inland Sea coast. Some residents reported, "An evacuation order was issued for my home area," and "Work was interrupted due to an evacuation order from the company." On the other hand, there were also cases where residents remained at home or continued normal work without in...

Heated Debate Erupts Between Government and Public Over Funding as Abolition of Provisional Gasoline Tax Rate Becomes Realistic

As the abolition of the provisional gasoline tax rate, which would ease the burden of gasoline prices, becomes a realistic possibility, a heated debate is unfolding between the government and the public over securing financial resources. In response to Finance Minister Kato's call for measures to address an annual tax revenue reduction of 1.5 trillion yen, a variety of opinions have flooded social media, with widespread distrust of the government's fiscal management and numerous proposals for alternative funding sources. Finance Minister Kato emphasized the importance of addressing financial resource challenges if the provisional gasoline tax rate were to be abolished. He indicated an estimated annual tax revenue loss of 1.5 trillion yen, subtly conveying a cautious stance. This statement highlighted the government's financial challenges amidst rising public expectations. However, in response to the Finance Minister's remarks, numerous criticisms and concrete alternativ...

Monster Hunter Wilds: Early End-Game Content Expansion Announced for August Update

Capcom has announced that Ver.1.021 update for the popular action RPG Monster Hunter Wilds will be distributed in early August. The biggest highlight of this update is the acceleration of the "end-game content expansion," which was originally scheduled for late September. According to the official announcement, this accelerated implementation aims to provide players with new high-difficulty content sooner and deepen their gameplay experience. The Ver.1.021 update also includes a fix for the "water gun" bug, which had been reported in some instances. Furthermore, a "Talisman Gacha Update" and significant "weapon balance adjustments" are expected on August 13th, suggesting a substantial shift in the game environment. In response to this good news, numerous joyful comments like "Good news!" and "The festival is truly beginning!" have flooded social media (X). Many streamers and players are already actively conducting "par...

New Trend on X: Users Ask AI to Profile 'Real Personas' from Their Posts

In recent years, the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has been remarkable, with its capabilities spanning a wide range of fields. Particularly on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), a new trend is rapidly spreading where users are having AI profile 'real person personas' based on their own posts. Many users are calling on X's AI feature, 'Grok,' to 'imagine and tell me the real persona from this account's posts,' seeking detailed information extraction. The range of questions is diverse, from basic personal information such as age, gender, occupation, annual income, place of residence, and family structure, to extremely personal information like hobbies, thoughts, personality, and even 'favorite idols/characters' (oshi), 'sexual preferences' (seiheki), real name, favorite food, height, weight, and suitable colors. As an example of a profile generated by Grok, responses included: 'Gender: Female (from cute phrasi...

TV Anime 'Yano-kun no Futsū no Hibi' Reveals Main Cast, Theme Song, and Broadcast Details for October 2025 Premiere

Latest information regarding the TV anime "Yano-kun no Futsū no Hibi" (The Ordinary Days of Yano-kun), scheduled to air from October 2025, including its main cast, opening theme song, and broadcast stations, has been continuously revealed, generating significant buzz among fans. The series is set to begin airing in October 2025 on NTV, BS11, and AT-X. Kohei Amasaki will voice the protagonist, Tsuyoshi Yano, and Yuka Nukui will play Kiyoko Yoshida. Newly announced cast members for the classmates include popular voice actors Atsumi Tanezaki as Mei, Taito Ban as Hashiba, Rie Takahashi as Izumi, and Ryota Iwasaki as Tanaka, further raising anticipation for the series. Furthermore, it has been decided that the dance and vocal group FANTASTICS will perform the anime's opening theme song. Their new song "POP LIFE" will add color to the series. FANTASTICS previously provided the theme song "YellowYellow" for the live-action film adaptation of "Yano-kun ...

New Trend on X: Users Leverage AI to Profile "Realistic Personalities" from Their Posts

On the SNS platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), a new trend is gaining attention where users are attempting to have AI profile 'realistic human images' based on their own posts. This trend involves many users prompting the AI chatbot 'Grok' with requests like, 'Please imagine a realistic human profile from this account's posts,' seeking detailed answers across various categories such as gender, age, occupation, annual income, place of residence, family structure, hobbies, beliefs, and personality. Users' requests are highly specific, with some even including private aspects like 'height and weight,' 'suitable colors,' 'favorite foods,' 'favorite idol/character (oshi),' and even 'sexual preferences,' indicating an intent to explore how much an AI can deduce from their digital footprint and the accuracy and potential of such deductions. Grok has indeed analyzed user posts and presented profiling results that dedu...

New 'Hyakki Yakō Counter-Training Program' Event Begins in Popular Touken Ranbu ONLINE, Co-Developed by DMM GAMES and Nitroplus

A new event, the "Hyakki Yakō Counter-Training Program," began on Tuesday, July 29th, in "Touken Ranbu ONLINE," the popular sword-raising simulation game co-developed by DMM GAMES and Nitroplus. This event serves as combat training to prepare for the upcoming main "Hyakki Yakō" (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) event. Soon after its launch, related terms quickly climbed to the top of X (formerly Twitter) trends, generating significant buzz among Saniwa (the game's players, also known as masters). The "Hyakki Yakō Counter-Training Program" will run until 9:59 AM on Tuesday, August 12th. Its purpose is to raise the proficiency of Touken Danshi (sword boys) through battles against encroaching enemies. By completing this training, players can obtain new Touken Danshi like "Kuki Masamune," as well as popular existing ones such as "Shizukagata Naginata" and "Hakusan Yoshimitsu" as rewards, motivating many Saniwa to ...