Tokyo International News Agency

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has publicly disclosed that she was injured when her hand was strongly pulled during a campaign speech, aggravating her long-standing chronic condition, rheumatoid arthritis. This revelation has ignited a lively debate on social media, intertwining concerns about the Prime Minister's health with demands for accountability in national politics. On February 1, the Prime Minister revealed her history of rheumatoid arthritis, explaining that her hand was injured and swollen during handshakes at an election rally, necessitating treatment from a medical officer. This announcement followed the last-minute cancellation of her scheduled appearance on NHK's "Sunday Debate" program on the same day. However, criticism arose from some social media users when it was reported that while the Prime Minister withdrew from "Sunday Debate," she subsequently participated in another campaign speech. Questions were raised, such as: "It's medi...

V-Cinext "Number One Sentai Gojūger VS Boonboomger" has announced a lavish collaboration of legendary heroes from across the Super Sentai series, generating significant buzz among tokusatsu fans. The appearance of "Gokai Red," Captain Marvelous, in particular, has sparked a wave of joyful reactions on social media, with fans exclaiming "We get to see him again!" and "This is too exciting!" According to the newly released information, the film will feature Ryota Ozawa reprising his role as Gokai Red / Captain Marvelous from "Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger," Mitsuomi Takahashi as Bouken Red / Satoru Akashi from "GoGo Sentai Boukenger," and Masaki Nakao as Zyuoh Eagle / Yamato Kazakiri from "Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger," all appearing as themselves. The announcement of Tetsu Inada and Tomokazu Seki's participation further heightens expectations for this star-studded cast. Of particular note is the return of Satoru Akashi, ...

On the 1st, Ms. Takaichi suddenly cancelled her scheduled appearance on "Sunday Debate" at the last minute. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) explained the reason as "severe arm pain requiring treatment." However, as she proceeded with her planned campaign speeches in Gifu and Aichi prefectures later that same day, an outpouring of criticism on social media, accusing the explanation of being "contradictory," has caused a significant stir. Ms. Tomoko Tamura of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) also commented on her X (formerly Twitter) account, wishing Ms. Takaichi a speedy recovery while stating, "There are many things we need to discuss in the one and only party leader debate during an election campaign." This questioned Ms. Takaichi's absence from such an important discussion. Other users echoed this sentiment, with comments like, "If it's just arm pain, there wouldn't be a last-minute cancellation 30 minutes before" and...

Prime Minister Takaichi's last-minute cancellation of her appearance on NHK's 'Sunday Debate,' just 30 minutes before the program was set to begin, has sent shockwaves through the political world and social media. While the Prime Minister's office cited a wrist injury sustained during campaign handshakes and a worsening of her chronic rheumatoid arthritis as reasons, opposition parties and some voters have strongly criticized it as 'fleeing from the enemy' and 'evading accountability.' The cancellation is particularly significant as 'Sunday Debate' was scheduled to be the first and only opportunity for party leaders to appear together since the dissolution of the House of Representatives. In response to this unusual last-minute pullout, critics have raised numerous suspicions about political motives, suggesting it was an 'excuse to avoid questions about her currency fluctuation remarks' or 'to evade scrutiny regarding the Unificat...

The two titans of the anime world, "Detective Conan" and "My Hero Academia," have come together for a dream special collaboration, celebrating their respective momentous anniversaries. This highly anticipated project has generated significant buzz across social media. This collaboration, announced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the "Detective Conan" anime and the 10th anniversary of the "My Hero Academia" anime, features a spectacular initiative where the original creators of both series drew each other's characters. Gosho Aoyama, the creator of "Detective Conan," illustrated Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist of "My Hero Academia," while Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of "My Hero Academia," drew Edogawa Conan, the protagonist of "Detective Conan." These illustrations have now been unveiled. This surprise announcement has been met with numerous ecstatic reactions from fans, with comments such as ...

Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist of the immensely popular anime My Hero Academia (MHA), is currently at the center of significant buzz across social media. This surge in attention is largely fueled by the unveiling of a special collaboration between My Hero Academia , celebrating its 10th anime anniversary, and the nationally beloved anime Detective Conan , which marks its 30th anime anniversary. This unprecedented team-up has sparked tremendous excitement among fans. To commemorate this landmark event, a special promotional video has been released, featuring dual narration by the iconic protagonists themselves: Conan Edogawa (voiced by Minami Takayama) and Izuku Midoriya (voiced by Daiki Yamashita). Adding to the dream-like collaboration, original crossover illustrations have been revealed – Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama has drawn Izuku Midoriya, while My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi has illustrated Conan Edogawa. On X (formerly Twitter), the fandom's reaction ha...

On January 31st, a statement made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a House of Representatives election stump speech in Kawasaki sparked considerable debate on social media. Regarding the current depreciation of the yen, she commented, "This is a great opportunity for export industries. The Foreign Exchange Fund Special Account (FEFSA) is currently in a flourishing state." The Foreign Exchange Fund Special Account is a special account established by the government to stabilize exchange rates and facilitate foreign exchange transactions, primarily managed with foreign currency-denominated assets such as dollars. When the yen depreciates, the valuation of these foreign currency assets increases when converted to yen, resulting in accounting profits. The Prime Minister emphasized that the weak yen benefits export industries and leads to increased operational profits for the FEFSA, promoting the advantages of the exchange rate. However, her use of the term "flourishing...

On social media, dental implants are a lively topic of discussion. A wide range of voices are being heard, from information exchange on current implant treatments to anticipation for groundbreaking research that could significantly change the future of dental care. Firstly, individuals who have undergone implant treatment are re-emphasizing the importance of subsequent care. Information such as “how to brush for long-lasting implants” is being shared, highlighting that post-treatment maintenance dictates an implant's lifespan. While dentists offer opinions like, “implants don't go bad that easily,” issues with crowns and the importance of proper occlusion are also pointed out, underscoring the need for meticulous care and appropriate treatment. However, news regarding “tooth regeneration” technology, which has the potential to shake up the current implant industry, is garnering significant attention. Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a tiny microneedle pat...

The trending SNS keyword “Washitsu no Gakuya” (Japanese-style dressing room) has rapidly risen, evoking deep emotion and resonance among many fans. This keyword is linked to a live-streamed event titled “Honma Ooki ni Osaka Shochikuza ~WE are Shochikuza Boys. Thank you for your long-standing support. The days we faced each other in the Japanese-style dressing room during our Kanjuni days. A SUPER Aぇ! Graduation Ceremony at that very place of our youth.~” which is being held at the Osaka Shochikuza. For the popular group Aぇ! group, this event is a special occasion marking their “graduation” from the Osaka Shochikuza, a venue that has served as their base of activities for many years. Particular attention is being drawn to the “Washitsu no Gakuya,” the Japanese-style dressing room where the members spent their time during their Kansai Johnny's Jr. era. Fans are expressing sentiments such as, “It feels like just yesterday when they were all crammed into that Japanese-style dressing ro...

On January 31, 2026, the horse racing world was stunned by an astounding Sanrentan (3-pick exacta) payout of 58,367,060 yen – the highest in JRA history – in the 6th race at the Kokura Racecourse, part of the Central Horse Racing circuit. A mere 100-yen ticket transformed instantly into over 58 million yen, truly embodying the dream of a 'dream ticket'. This historic upset occurred in an 18-horse race, with the 18th favorite, Kashino Liana, finishing first, followed by the 17th favorite, Sussan Air, in second, and the 10th favorite, Confianza, in third – a combination no one could have predicted. The consecutive victories of longshots resulted in a Sanrentan payout that significantly surpassed all previous JRA records. Only one ticket nationwide managed to hit this ultra-high payout. For the lucky winner, it must have been a life-changing day. On social media, expressions of astonishment poured in, such as '100 yen became 50 million!', 'Impossible to bet on!', a...

Hanshin Tigers infielder Teruaki Sato (26) announced on January 30th that he had agreed to a single-year contract totaling 500 million yen (including incentives) in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture. This unusually large single-year deal was concluded after prolonged negotiations, allowing him to avoid a "self-funded camp" just before spring training began. The new contract includes a base salary of 450 million yen with up to 50 million yen in incentives, representing a substantial 300 million yen raise for Sato, and the largest salary increase in team history. However, this single-year contract format is widely believed to be strongly influenced by his long-rumored aspirations to play in Major League Baseball. Many fans and media outlets analyze that this single-year contract was chosen as a temporary compromise following negotiations with the team regarding a potential MLB challenge via the posting system. On social media, comments like "Is the single-year contract a ne...

The phrase "No more immigrants needed." has surged as a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), igniting a fervent debate. This expression conveys strong opposition to Japan's immigration policies and is being enthusiastically shared, particularly by supporters of the Japan Conservative Party. Numerous posts highlight perceived changes in daily life. For instance, a user residing in Tokyo lamented that Shibuya, a place they once deeply cherished, now feels like "70% foreigners. It has changed," and wholeheartedly expressed, "No more immigrants needed." This sentiment is intertwined with concerns about the transformation of Japanese culture and society, encapsulated in statements like, "We cannot tolerate those who defile our 'beautiful Japan'!" This trending phrase has become a cornerstone of the Japan Conservative Party's messaging for the upcoming election. Many posts explicitly declare, "That's why I support the Japan ...

Stately Rose, the celebrated mare who triumphed in the 2022 Shuka Sho and the 2024 Queen Elizabeth II Cup, has given birth to her eagerly anticipated first foal, sending waves of joy through the horse racing community. The sire is Equinox, the unparalleled champion horse who dominated the world during his racing career. The newborn is a charming filly, and her appearance has already garnered enthusiastic praise, with comments like "Her blaze is adorable!" and "Can't wait to see her future!" A particular point of interest is her distinctive blaze, a hallmark of her father Equinox, affectionately known as "Eclair" among fans, which is drawing significant attention. Photos and videos of Stately Rose and her adorable foal have spread rapidly across social media, leading to a cascade of delighted reactions: "Stately Rose is as cute as ever, but her baby is incredibly cute too!", "Stately Rose's foal is so cute and beautiful!", and ...

The announcement of Ren Nagase's solo fan club launch has become a major topic of discussion on social media. Particularly drawing attention is the "mini bouquet" birthday privilege included in the 15,000 yen annual course, which also comes with merchandise. This privilege entails members receiving a mini bouquet of fresh flowers, personally selected by Nagase-san according to the season, on their birthday. Many fans have expressed their joy with comments like "It's too luxurious," "The annual fee feels practically free," and "A bouquet from my idol will be a family heirloom." They are ecstatic about the surprise, describing it as "like a prince" and "a thoughtful gesture from a boyfriend." Given that they are fresh flowers, there's also lively discussion on social media about how to preserve the "mini bouquet" after receiving it. Some voices suggest "I want to make them into dried flowers because it...

Actress Catherine O'Hara, beloved by audiences worldwide for her role as protagonist Kevin's mother in the film series 'Home Alone', passed away at her home in Los Angeles, USA, on January 30th. She was 71. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but it has been reported that she died after a short illness. Born in Toronto, Canada, Catherine O'Hara appeared in numerous works over many years, showcasing her versatile acting skills. She was particularly acclaimed for her passionate portrayal of Kate, the mother desperately searching for her son Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) after he was accidentally left behind by his family during their Christmas vacation in the 1991 film 'Home Alone' (released in Japan in 1991). Her frantic efforts deeply resonated with many viewers, and comments such as "A mother's actions for her child truly tugged at the heartstrings" were widely shared on social media. Upon hearing the news of her passing, Macaulay Culkin, who...

A groundbreaking theory offering a new perspective on the long-held “cosmic expansion theory” has been announced, sending ripples through the scientific community. The U.S.-based Quest Science Center (QSC) proposes a new theory: “The universe is not expanding; rather, the ‘matter world itself’ around us is shrinking.” Astonishingly, research results show that this theory is consistent with existing observational data. According to QSC's research, there is a possibility that the matter world has shrunk by 30-40% compared to the early universe. This “matter world contraction theory” reinterprets phenomena such as “redshift,” where distant galaxies appear to be moving away from Earth – phenomena previously explained by cosmic expansion – as an apparent effect caused by the scale of matter itself diminishing over time. On social media, this new theory has garnered numerous expressions of surprise and interest, with comments like “A Copernican revolution!”, “Mind-blowing!”, and “Such an...

The TV Asahi music program "Music Station" (M-Station), broadcast on January 30th, garnered immense reactions on social media and dominated trending topics thanks to its star-studded artist lineup. Popular groups and bands such as SixTONES, Mr.Children, Saucy Dog, and Mrs. GREEN APPLE made appearances, leading to a flood of praise deeming it a "divine episode." On this day's M-Station, the popular idol group SixTONES, celebrating their 6th anniversary, appeared. They brilliantly kicked off the show by performing their signature songs "Kokkara" and "Barrier." Enthusiastic comments poured in from fans, including "SixTONES on M-Station after so long, simply the best!", "Their suits are too cool!", and "Thank you for two songs!", with numerous mentions of members Jesse, Hokuto, and Juri. Even more attention was drawn to Mr.Children's return to M-Station after a four-year hiatus. Long-time fans expressed overwhelm...

On January 20th, a significant stir was caused after it was revealed that a man who attended a performance at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater was infected with measles. The Takarazuka Revue Company has since issued an official statement, urging audience members of the specific performance to monitor their health closely. The confirmed case is a man in his 30s who attended the 1:30 PM performance at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater on January 20th. Reports indicate that the man had been feeling unwell for several days prior to attending the show. Furthermore, it has been pointed out that he used the JR Keiyo Line between Shin-Narashino Station and Tokyo Station to travel to the theater, suggesting potential contact with a large number of unidentified individuals during his commute. Following this news, numerous users on social media have voiced concerns and criticism. Strong opinions such as "It's irresponsible to attend a show while feeling unwell" and even "This is bioterr...

TV Asahi's popular music program, Music Station (M-Sta), has been generating significant buzz on social media. The latest installment of "M-Sta Camera" featured the theme "Moments of Simple Happiness." Videos were released showcasing popular groups SixTONES and Mrs. GREEN APPLE responding to this theme, eliciting much empathy and laughter from fans. Particular attention was drawn to the members of SixTONES. In their comment video, the group's characteristic "wacky" atmosphere was in full swing from the very beginning, with Kyomoto Taiga even seen playfully flipping over Kochi Yugo. Fans thoroughly enjoyed their unique interactions, with comments like "They were too goofy" and "What a bunch of weirdos (lol)" flooding social media. Regarding specific "simple happiness" episodes, Tanaka Juri's revelation about "the moment my feet are sandwiched between the warm floor heating and a cushion in winter" was met ...

The popular unit "Baito-gumi" from the VTuber group "Nijisanji" has covered the trending song "Nikkori^^Chousatai no Theme" (The Smiling^^Investigation Team's Theme), igniting a fervor within the fan community. The "Utaite" (cover song) video, released on YouTube at 8:45 PM on January 30th, dominated social media trends immediately after its publication. Praises such as "God-tier," "The absolute best," and "I thought it was a dream" poured in. The "Baito-gumi" unit comprises four members: Murakumo Kagetsu, Usami Rito, Akagi Wen, and Hoshirube Shou. Their rendition of "Nikkori^^Chousatai no Theme" has been highly acclaimed for its exquisite tempo, comfortable groove, and above all, the excellent harmony of each member's voice. In particular, Akagi Wen's spoken dialogue part in the video left fans in raptures, with comments like "too insane, I'm flying." Attention was also ...

The "Shoulder Tap Event" (Kata Tonton-kai), a fan event known for the idol group M!LK, is once again generating significant buzz on social media. While many long-time fans are rejoicing at the event's revival, expressing sentiments like "So nostalgic!", "Unbelievable!", and "This is lit!", some newer fans are understandably puzzled by its unique premise. The "Shoulder Tap Event" involves fans gently tapping an idol's shoulder, initiating a brief interaction with the idol as they turn around. Initially, many users misunderstood, thinking they would be the ones having their shoulders tapped by the idol, or even receiving a shoulder massage to relieve stiffness. However, once it became clear that fans were meant to give the idol a "tonton" (tap-tap) signal, excitement surged with comments like, "I get to tap an idol's shoulder...!" Adding to the anticipation, some fans recall a "legendary Shoulder Tap E...

On January 30, the JRA announced that Green Channel, a specialty horse racing channel, will begin offering free online live streaming of its "All JRA Race Broadcasts" starting March 14. This decision has been met with surprise and delight by many horse racing fans. While the announcement has generated considerable excitement on social media, with comments like "This is amazing!" and "It's going to be hard to quit horse racing now," there's also a degree of confusion among existing paid subscribers. A key point of interest is whether the paddock footage, previously only available through paid subscriptions, will also be included in the free service. Many express anticipation, saying things like, "We can watch the paddock too now!" However, some also raise questions, wondering if "paddock broadcasts might not be included in the free scope," indicating that detailed explanations of the service content are eagerly awaited. Meanwhile...

It has been revealed that a man in his 30s who attended a performance at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater was infected with measles. As he also used the JR Keiyo Line for travel between Shin-Narashino and Tokyo, strong concerns and criticisms are mounting on social media regarding the potential for widespread infection among the general public. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun and other sources, the infected man attended a performance at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater on the 20th of this month, potentially coming into contact with many audience members. It is reported that the man went out despite experiencing symptoms like fever, leading to harsh comments on social media such as "What he did is no different from terrorism" and "A new form of bioterrorism." Furthermore, as some Takarazuka Revue performances include scenes where performers descend into the audience ("kyakuseki-ori"), concerns were also raised for the performers, with comments like "What if h...

On January 30, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office announced its decision not to prosecute actress Ryoko Yonekura, who had been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, among other charges. This breaking news quickly spread through news websites, with many users on social media expressing relief and surprise. Numerous comments such as "That's a real relief" and "I'm so glad" were posted, reflecting widespread joy at Yonekura's exoneration. Meanwhile, regarding the decision not to prosecute, some users requested details, asking "What was the reason for non-prosecution (lack of suspicion, insufficient evidence, or suspension of prosecution)?" Various opinions were also expressed concerning the process from referral to prosecutors to non-prosecution. Yonekura is well-known for her famous line "I never fail" from her starring drama. Following the non-prosecution decision, post...

On January 30, 2026, the announcement of all 32 schools participating in the Spring High School Baseball Senbatsu Tournament garnered significant attention from high school baseball fans across the nation. Particularly noteworthy were the schools selected under the 21st Century Frame. Nagasaki Nishi (Nagasaki) is set to make its second Koshien appearance in 75 years, while Kochi Nogyo (Kochi) will play on the sacred grounds for the very first time in either a spring or summer tournament. On social media, warm messages of anticipation like “I hope everyone thinks high school baseball is great! ☆” were expressed regarding these selections. The selected schools from each region were also revealed. From the Tohoku region, Hanamaki Higashi, Kosei, and Tohoku High School secured the final spot, leading to cheers from local fans. Unfortunately, Natori Kita remained on the waiting list and did not secure a spot. From the Kanto region, Yamanashi Gakuin, Hanasaki Tokuharu, Senshu University Mats...

The 32 participating schools for the 98th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament were decided on January 30th, raising expectations among high school baseball fans nationwide as the arrival of "ball spring" in March approaches. From the highly anticipated "21st Century Pick" category, Nagasaki Nishi High School and Kochi Nogyo High School were selected. Kochi Nogyo High School, in particular, conveyed its joy with photographs, and both schools are expected to perform well at Koshien as formidable contenders. Additionally, Teikyo High School will make its first appearance in 16 years, and Sano Nichidai High School will return for its fifth time in 12 years, drawing attention to the revival of these traditional powerhouses. Oogaki Nichidai High School will participate for the seventh time in two consecutive years, demonstrating consistent strength. Regionally, two schools from Niigata Prefecture in the Hokushinetsu region, Teikyo Nagaoka High School and...

A new merchandise rollout for the film "Shin Kamen Rider" is generating significant buzz on social media. In particular, Bandai Spirits' Collectors Division has announced the commercialization of the popular kaijin (monster) "Kumo Aug" from the movie as part of their "S.H.Figuarts" action figure series. The figure is now on display, starting today, at the "GRAND HEROES CROSSOVER FES." This announcement has been met with numerous enthusiastic reactions on X (formerly Twitter), including comments like "I've been waiting for this! 🕷️," "So happy, finally," and "Thrilled about Kumo Aug! I'm buying it!" Many fans highly praise Kumo Aug's distinctive design, with remarks such as "I love the enemy designs in Shin Kamen Rider," "Kumo Aug's design is truly excellent," and "It's incredibly cool!" Some even expressed their long-held anticipation, stating, "This is the ...