Tokyo International News Agency

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks announced on the 9th that player Naoki Sato will transfer to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles via the 2025 Active Player Draft. This announcement has become a major topic of discussion among many professional baseball fans on X (formerly Twitter). In response to Sato's transfer, many Hawks fans expressed surprise and sadness. Comments such as "It's unexpected that Naoki Sato was released in the active player draft" and "It's a shame, but he's a good player, so he'll definitely succeed!" were seen. Many fans seem to have mixed feelings about the release of Sato, who played in 104 games this season and contributed with defensive substitutions, pinch-running, and timely hitting. Some comments also highlighted the intensity of competition within the team, with remarks like "To release him with those stats is practically insulting Naoki Sato" and "The depth of the Hawks' roster is immense." On the other h...

A new development has occurred in Japanese professional baseball. The active player draft, held on December 9th, announced that Hanshin Tigers player Koda Inoue would be transferring to the Chiba Lotte Marines. This transfer has stirred various emotions among fans of both clubs. Hanshin Tigers fans have expressed regret over the departure of Inoue, who was expected to become a future slugging ace. Many complex feelings were shared on social media, with comments such as, "I thought it would be Koda Inoue... and then 'Yep, it's Koda Inoue' came," and "Honestly, I don't think Inoue would have developed much even if he stayed with Hanshin, so it's not a bad decision." Inoue, a powerful right-handed hitter from Riseisha High School, was highly regarded for his potential, having won a batting title in the minor league (farm team) and hitting a home run at Koshien. However, he failed to secure a regular spot in the top league (first team), and a breakth...

The 2025 NPB Active Player Draft was held, with many players moving to new teams in pursuit of fresh opportunities. According to the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB), a total of 12 players were selected, demonstrating active movement towards achieving the draft's objectives: strengthening each team's roster and creating playing opportunities for players. Particularly noteworthy in this year's draft was the de facto “major trade” between the Yomiuri Giants and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. The Giants acquired left-handed pitcher Keito Matsuura from the Nippon-Ham Fighters. Expectations are high for Matsuura, an alumnus of Osaka Toin High School, to form a powerful left-handed pitching duo with fellow Osaka Toin alum Kaoru Yokogawa. Conversely, the Giants sent pitcher Daiki Kikuchi to the Nippon-Ham Fighters, a move that drew expressions of regret from some fans. It appears there were complex dealings between these two clubs, involving FA transfers and coac...

Shimizu S-Pulse of the J1 League officially announced on the 8th that Takayuki Yoshida (48), former manager of Vissel Kobe, will take over as their new manager starting next season. Through the club, new manager Yoshida commented powerfully, "Shimizu is a club with a special history and culture, known as the 'Football Kingdom.' I am deeply honored to be able to lead this wonderful club. Together with the S-Pulse family, I want to bring back our strong era once again." The team is scheduled to begin its new system on January 5th next year. Yoshida led Vissel Kobe to an impressive record, achieving two consecutive J1 League titles from 2023, and a domestic double in 2024 by winning both the J1 League and the Emperor's Cup. His managerial skills are highly regarded, and great expectations are placed on his success in this new chapter. Following this announcement, many fans and supporters reacted on social media (X). When Shimizu S-Pulse's official account announc...

Ezaki Glico announced on the 8th that it would voluntarily recall a total of 20 chocolate confectionery items, amounting to approximately 6 million units. This includes flagship products such as "Pocky Chocolate" and "Mental Balance Chocolate GABA." The decision was made after consumer feedback revealed that these products had an "unnatural flavor." According to the company, the change in flavor is believed to have been caused by cacao beans being stored for about eight months in an external logistics warehouse, in the same space as spices, which should have been stored separately. It is thought that the aroma of the spices transferred to the cacao beans, affecting the chocolate products. The voluntary recall applies to some products with an expiration date of May 2026 or later. No health issues have been reported so far, and the company states there are no safety concerns. Following this announcement, many consumers expressed surprise on social media. Som...

In the G1 horse race 'Champions Cup,' held on December 7th, the second-favorite Double Heart Bond (4-year-old mare, by sire Kizuna) achieved a spectacular victory, solidifying her reputation as the new queen of the dirt racing world. Partnered with jockey Ryusei Sakai, Double Heart Bond prevailed in a fiery and fierce battle, overcoming strong contenders such as Wilson Tesoro (2nd place) and Ramjet (3rd place) to claim the championship. According to a Net Keiba breaking news report, it was stated: 'A fiery, fierce battle won — 4-year-old mare Double Heart Bond, by sire Kizuna, claims victory!' This victory marked Double Heart Bond's first G1 title and a historic achievement as the first mare in 10 years to win the Champions Cup. Furthermore, jockey Ryusei Sakai, in the saddle, accomplished an astounding three consecutive wins in this race. The 'man-and-horse-as-one' performance was hailed by many racing fans as 'the birth of a new-era partnership with th...

On December 7th, at Fukuda Denshi Arena (Fukuali), a dramatic "Miracle of Fukuali" that will likely be etched into football history unfolded once again during the Meiji Yasuda J1 Promotion Playoff semi-final between JEF United Chiba and Omiya Ardija. From a seemingly hopeless situation, trailing 0-3, JEF Chiba achieved a stunning 4-3 comeback victory, securing their place in the J1 Promotion Playoff final. Omiya dominated the match from the start, taking a three-goal lead in the first half. Just as everyone was starting to believe Omiya had sealed their victory, the atmosphere at Fukuali began to shift. JEF Chiba launched a relentless offensive in the second half, scoring goal after goal. The highlight of the day was the equalizer scored by 17-year-old Makoto Himeno, a second-year high school student making his team debut. His artistic lob shot found the back of the net, engulfing the stadium in a frenzy of excitement. A Drama 17 Years in the Making, and the Coach's Maste...

The keyword "3 years in a row" has trended on social media, drawing attention to a wide range of topics, from historic records in horse racing and fan service from popular idols to pressing social issues. Champions Cup: Wilson Tesoro's "3rd Consecutive Second Place" Drama In the horse racing world, the results of the recent G1 Champions Cup, a Japan Racing Association event, have generated significant buzz. In particular, Wilson Tesoro achieved the astonishing feat of finishing second in the same race for three consecutive years. Fans commented, "It's frustrating but an incredible record," and "Luck, skill, and drama—it has it all." Furthermore, the winning jockey, Ryusei Sakai, also secured his third consecutive Champions Cup victory, leading many racing fans to exclaim about the unique drama woven by this horse and jockey combination, noting that "losing to the same jockey for three consecutive years and finishing second is proba...

Popular idol group Snow Man has announced that they will hold a live stream again on New Year's Eve this year, and social media is overflowing with messages of joy and gratitude from fans. This announcement will undoubtedly be a major source of excitement for many fans during the year-end and New Year holidays. 'New Year's Eve Live Stream' has become an annual event for Snow Man in recent years, drawing numerous comments such as 'Thank you again this year' and 'It's nothing but love.' Fans have expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to interact with them despite their busy schedule, which includes an ongoing dome tour and year-end countdown concerts, and warm wishes for the members' health. For fans who cannot watch in real-time due to work or other commitments, the availability of archive streaming appears to be a major source of relief. Posts like 'I was about to cry because I couldn't watch due to work, but there's an archive...

Team divisions for "Nijisanji Splat Festival 2025," a popular gaming event hosted by the VTuber group "Nijisanji," were announced on December 6th, generating significant buzz, especially on social media. Following the tournament explanation and lottery stream by Nagao Kei, anticipation for the main competition has rapidly escalated. This tournament features Nijisanji livers engaging in fierce battles within the popular shooting game "Splatoon 3." It will be livestreamed on the official Nijisanji YouTube channel over two days: Saturday, December 13th, and Sunday, December 14th. The tournament is comprised of three divisions: "Beginner/Intermediate," "Advanced," and the "DREAM MATCH," which features a star-studded lineup of members. The "DREAM MATCH" is drawing particular attention, with popular and skilled livers such as Kuzuha, Fuwa Minato, Sasaking, Ex Albio, Hoshirube Sho, Lauren Iroas, and Hanabatake Chaika partic...

It has recently been announced that the celebrated racehorse Danon Beluga, winner of the 2022 Kyodo News Hai and a prominent contender in classic races, will be retiring from racing. He will begin his second career as a riding horse at Tokyo Racecourse, the hallowed ground of Japan's central horse racing. Danon Beluga's talent was recognized early on; at three years old, he won the Kyodo News Hai undefeated in his second start, and was subsequently made the top favorite in both the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). In particular, he garnered significant attention in the Derby as one of the leading horses of his generation, fiercely competing against rivals like Equinox and Do Deuce, often dubbed the 'strongest generation.' He also demonstrated his capabilities on the international stage, securing second and third-place finishes in the Dubai Turf. However, many fans have expressed regret and a sense of 'what if,' lamenting...

On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the keyword "Atsuko Tanaka" trended, leading many users to re-evaluate her overwhelming presence. The discussion began with the argument that "there are few Japanese female voice actors capable of playing strong female characters." When counterarguments arose, asking for "specific factual evidence," the conversation ultimately converged around the now-famous phrase, "Not enough Atsuko Tanaka." Users posted comments such as, "Atsuko Tanaka...tough night," "Indeed, Atsuko Tanaka is so unique that there's no comparison. Others are doing their best, but that dignity + allure is in a class of its own," and "I feel like a Major Kusanagi-level performance from Atsuko Tanaka will never come again... an eternal void." These remarks highlight how deeply Atsuko Tanaka's voice and acting have resonated with many people. Her role as Motoko Kusanagi in the *Ghost in the S...

STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny & Associates) has announced the return of its annual New Year's Eve countdown concert (commonly known as "Caucon") after a three-year hiatus, much to the delight of fans. This eagerly anticipated revival, the first since the end of 2022, led to an outpouring of joy on social media, with comments like "Caucon is back!" and "So happy!" flooding feeds and related keywords quickly trending. Scheduled to take place at the Tokyo Dome on New Year's Eve, the event will feature 12 artist groups, including timelesz, Snow Man, and SixTONES. Significant attention is focused on the content of the concert, especially as it marks the first one under the newly rebranded STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. Many fans heartily welcomed the return of this long-standing tradition, with some remarking, "It didn't feel like the New Year had truly arrived without Caucon." Enthusiasm for securing tickets and watching the broadcast ...

The iconic Japanese anime series, "Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi" (Folktales from Japan), has finally launched an official YouTube channel, generating significant buzz on social media. For long-time fans, the arrival of an official channel is long-awaited news, especially given the prevalence of pirated videos on YouTube. Although the channel initially had only 132 subscribers upon its launch, the number rapidly soared as the news spread, quickly surpassing 10,000 subscribers. Fans have expressed their delight with comments like, "So glad it's official!" and "We've been waiting for this!" The videos currently available feature the familiar high-definition opening theme, "Nippon Mukashibanashi," and ending theme, "Ningen tte Ii na." Many viewers have posted emotional responses, saying, "The picture quality is amazing!" and "It brings back so many memories, I could cry." Humorous posts from the show's offic...

Popular smartphone game *SD Gundam G Generation Eternal* (G Gen Eternal), developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, has announced the implementation of new units, UR 'Kämpfer (EX)' and UR pilot 'Mikhail Kaminsky', effective December 8th. This announcement has generated a significant buzz on social media. The unit introduction PV released by the official account also teased the simultaneous appearance of UR 'Providence Gundam (EX)' and UR pilot 'Rau Le Creuset,' further fueling anticipation for both mobile suits. In particular, the 'Kämpfer' mobile suit, which appeared in *Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket* (War in the Pocket), boasts high popularity due to its distinctive design and pivotal role in the series. The announcement of its UR implementation has been met with numerous enthusiastic comments such as 'I've been waiting for you, Kämpfer!' and 'UR Kämpfer makes me really want it.' Many users have expressed their s...

In recent years, the announcement of match "starting lineups" has become a vibrant activity across various sports, both professional and amateur, particularly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This has become a customary pre-match event, serving as a crucial platform for disseminating information and heightening fan anticipation. In the J.League, Japan's professional soccer league, many clubs such as Urawa Reds, Kawasaki Frontale, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Shonan Bellmare, FC Machida Zelvia, and FC Tokyo share their starting lineups via official accounts with images and text before each match kickoff. Especially during crucial matches like the final game of the season, passionate fan comments pour in, such as, "A match against Urawa Reds, the best opponent – with this lineup, we're sure to win!" These announcements transcend mere information dissemination; they also play a vital role in boosting supporter morale. This trend is equally pronounced in...

Ahead of the highly anticipated J.League final day clash between Kashima Antlers and Yokohama F. Marinos, a match that will decide the league champions, Kashima's starting lineup has been announced, drawing significant attention with midfielders Ryotaro Araki and Yuta Matsumura confirmed as starters. Kashima Antlers will clinch their first league title in nine seasons if they win this game. Multiple media outlets, including Sports Hochi, reported the news, and Kashima Antlers' official X account also unveiled the starting eleven. The lineup features goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa, defenders Kimihiro Nono, Naomichi Ueda, Kim Tae-hyeon, and Ryoya Ogawa, midfielders Kei Chinen and Kento Misao, along with the highly anticipated Yuta Matsumura and Ryotaro Araki, and forwards Leo Ceara and Yuma Suzuki. Ryota Koike also makes his return to the bench, raising expectations for his potential introduction at a crucial moment. The simultaneous start of Ryotaro Araki and Yuta Matsumura is seen ...

The popular VTuber group Nijisanji has announced its annual large-scale winter event, "Twinkle Gifts ~Winter Date 2025~." Starting December 12th (Friday) at 6:00 PM (JST), original merchandise perfect for winter and voice stories featuring the "Livers'" winter tales will be available for purchase at the official store "Nijistore." This announcement generated a significant buzz on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with fans already expressing immense excitement. "Winter Date 2025" will feature voice stories depicting the Livers giving gifts, with a portion of these stories released as a promotional video. Fans have been continuously posting enthusiastic comments such as "Winter Date is super hot!", "The glasses are charming!", and "I want to go on a winter date with Runcho-chan..." Significant attention has been drawn to the Livers' attractive outfits and visuals, with comments like "I was j...

The popular quiz show "Niji-Qui" from the VTuber group Nijisanji has announced its return this winter as "Niji-Qui Winter Battle," set for a 2D live stream on December 10th (Wednesday) at 8 PM JST. This news has created a significant buzz across social media. The announcement post from Nijisanji's official account was flooded with joyful exclamations such as "Niji-Qui, really!?!?!?" and "Can't wait for Niji-Qui!!!!" For this "Winter Battle," 15 Livers will reportedly split into three teams to tackle various quizzes. Fans are already expressing hopes for future seasonal installments, with comments like, "It feels like a big special with so many people. If it's the Winter Battle, does that mean there will be one for each season from now on?" Particularly drawing attention is the lineup of Livers participating this time. Many fans are excited about the appearance of QuizKnock's Shunki Sugai (also known as "...

Popular VTuber group Nijisanji has announced the release of a new seasonal voice series called "Amae-nbo Voice," which is generating significant buzz, especially on the social media platform X. This new series is set to go on sale starting December 12th (Friday) at 18:00 JST on "Nijistore" and "NIJISANJI EN Official Store." Fans have responded with enthusiastic comments such as "It's the best ever," "So healing," and "Definitely buying it." Immediately after the announcement, the phrase "Amae-nbo Voice" began trending. Many fans are eagerly imagining their favorite streamers (called "oshi") portraying the "amae-nbo" persona, and reactions are diverse. Notably, for specific streamers, expressions of surprise and excitement like "Lore's Amae-nbo Voice?!" have appeared. Unique predictions based on character personalities are also circulating, such as, "I bet Ghost Knife-san...

On the morning of December 5th, a 58-year-old female employee was fatally stabbed by a Chinese male colleague at a company in Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture. According to the police, shortly after 9:30 AM on the same day, a 58-year-old woman at a company in Isumi City was stabbed multiple times in the face and neck with a bladed weapon. She was transported to a hospital but was later confirmed dead. Following the incident, police apprehended Liu Ke (39), a Chinese national and colleague believed to have stabbed the woman, on suspicion of attempted murder. At the time of the arrest, it was reported that the woman and Liu were in a meeting. The incident has caused a significant stir on social media, with numerous posts expressing sentiments like 'Chinese crime again?' and 'Foreigner crime is increasing.' Many opinions have also been shared, questioning Japan's system for accepting foreign workers and its immigration control policies. Alongside expressions of condolence ...

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté has launched "To My Dear You," a special campaign featuring brand ambassador Sho Hirano, for the upcoming holiday season. As part of this campaign, a special movie has been released where Hirano, inspired by the theme of "a special holiday season spent reflecting on the recipient, a truly irreplaceable time," suggests special YSL gifts. The movie has generated significant buzz on social media. The news has been widely disseminated by YSL Beauty Japan's official X (formerly Twitter) account, numerous media outlets, and fans. A special campaign page showcasing the items selected by Sho Hirano features a message from him, "Though it's often difficult to express," attracting many likes and comments from fans. The number of likes on the article reached several thousands shortly after its release, demonstrating the high level of public attention. Fans have flooded social media with comments such as "So cool...🤭❤️," ...

Nitto Kocha has announced new collaboration products with the popular game "Touken Ranbu-ONLINE-", creating a significant buzz on social media. This latest collaboration features three Touken Danshi (sword warriors): Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, Ookurikara, and Kashagari, each offered as a set including tea bags and an original tumbler. Fans have flooded social media with excited comments such as, "Is it that time of year again for TouRabu and Nitto Kocha collaboration?", "I have no choice but to buy them all!", and "Thank you, Nitto Kocha, for the pre-orders!". Sales will begin early on December 9th (Tuesday) at Aeon stores in the Honshu and Shikoku regions, with online purchases becoming available from December 10th (Wednesday). In the past, various collaboration items featuring other Touken Danshi have been released, including a clear bottle for Nikkou Ichimonji, a canister can for Fukuchan (Taiko Sasamune), and a double-wall glass for Tsurumaru Ku...

The highly anticipated stage play "AmberS" has announced the renewal of its official website and unveiled its main visual and cast visuals. Detailed performance information has also been released on the official X account, immediately generating a significant response from fans. Regarding the newly released main visual and teaser video, social media has been flooded with praise, including comments like "The main visual is absolutely stunning" and "The teaser video is incredibly cool 😭💚✨." The amber-themed design, in particular, has received widespread acclaim. It has been revealed that Kazuya Ohashi of Naniwa Danshi will play Yvle, a young man who manages a bar for his family, a role that has sparked considerable anticipation. Additionally, the stage visual for Soya Igari of HiHi Jets has captivated fans, with many declaring it "absolutely perfect." However, an intense ticket scramble is widely expected, creating a mix of anxiety and exciteme...

JR East's E721 series commuter and suburban train has been announced for N-gauge model release by railway model manufacturer KATO, sparking significant discussion on social media X (formerly Twitter). Many model train enthusiasts expressed joy at the long-awaited productization, with numerous comments like "Seriously, thank you KATO" and "I've been waiting for this!!" Of particular note is the anticipation for recreating Tohoku region scenes by combining the E721 series – a key train in the region – with existing KATO 701 series models and Tomytec Railway Collection 719 series models. One user posted, "Might be able to line them up or run them with the 701 series and Tetsukore 719 series 👍," while another expressed delight, saying, "This will make recreating Tohoku much easier." Furthermore, comments like "So you're saying we should do that mixed-formation operation with the 701 series, right?" show enthusiasm for replicati...

The confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Spain's Catalonia region has sent significant ripples through Japan's domestic pork market. In response, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has temporarily suspended imports of pork and pork products from Spain, raising concerns among consumers about price hikes and supply shortages. An urgent warning from a meat industry insider, widely circulated on social media, stated, "Due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever in Spain, imports of Spanish pork and products using it will cease for quarantine reasons. A considerable volume of Spanish pork, especially pork belly, is distributed domestically, and finding substitutes is difficult. This is expected to trigger a chain reaction, causing pork prices to soar, regardless of whether it's domestic or imported." This forecast predicts an impact on a wide range of products, from everyday ingredients supporting dishes like ramen and hamburg ste...

Lilia Katsuragi, an idol from 'Gakuen Idolmaster' (Gakumasu), has released her new song 'Atmosphere,' generating significant buzz on X (formerly Twitter). Following the announcement of the song's producers, numerous fans expressed their excitement and anticipation, causing the song to become a trending topic. Members of Heart's Cry were involved in the song's production. Ao Wi-Fi also expressed their delight, stating, 'It's an honor to be involved in such a significant milestone song! I believe it turned out to be a really great track, so please look forward to its release.' Fans have already flooded social media with praise for the newly released song, with comments like 'Atmosphere is a divine song, I want to memorize all the lyrics and sing it!!', 'Atmosphere hit me directly, it's too good,' 'Atmosphere is insane,' and 'Thank you for Lilia's new song... I'm really looking forward to hearing the full vers...

The radio program "Fujiya Presents Snow Man no Sonomamma," broadcast every Wednesday at 9 PM on Bunka Hoso, featured Ryota Miyadate and Ryohei Abe on its December 4th episode. The duo shared behind-the-scenes stories from their recent "TOUR ON" Sapporo concert, sparking significant buzz among fans. One of the discussion topics was the "dressing room situation" at the Sapporo concert. Abe-san shared a positive impression, exclaiming, "The dressing room was huge!" However, this came with an amusing anecdote involving fellow member Koji Mukai. "Koji-kun had luggage on the table, on the hanger rack's table, and even claimed the sofa area as his territory with his bags..." Abe revealed the sheer volume of Mukai's belongings. Miyadate-san described it as "multi-base, not settling in one spot," and Abe-san added, "It was spacious enough to allow for that." Many listeners chuckled at Mukai-san's "multi-base...

On December 4, 2025, a highly anticipated special program titled "Haromegu Channel! Long Time No See Special!" aired on the popular YouTube channel "Link! Like! Love Live!", sending fans into a frenzy. Fujishima Megumi (Megu) made an appearance, captivating viewers with her adorable presence and unchanging charm. The excitement was so intense that the related hashtag "#Haromegu" temporarily reached the number one spot on X (formerly Twitter) trends in Japan. On this day, many fans expressed their joy on social media, posting comments such as "I cried seeing Megu-chan after so long 😭" and "Still an angel!!" Anticipation mounted even before the program began, and during the broadcast, comments like "Everything brought back memories" and "Overwhelming euphoria" flooded in. In particular, Megu-chan's excellent communication skills were still apparent, leading to a flurry of praise such as "Megu-chan's talk ...