Tokyo International News Agency

Amidst the frenzy surrounding the Japan national baseball team, "Samurai Japan," at the World Baseball Classic (WBC), a single hit by Shohei Ohtani has captivated social media. In a game played on March 7th, the words "Hai, doten!" (Okay, it's a tie!) allegedly uttered by Ohtani after hitting a game-tying solo home run, instantly became a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), exhilarating countless fans. During the game, Ohtani launched a magnificent game-tying home run, marking his second consecutive game with one. His confident swing and the phrase "Hai, doten~!"> he uttered while heading back to the dugout quickly spread across social media. This self-assured, yet somewhat playful, remark garnered an influx of praise and astonishment on X, with comments like "He's too beastly lol," "As expected of Ohtani-san," and "His composure is insane www." While the excitement from Ohtani's tying shot was still high, S...

The name 'Seiya' has recently been a major trending topic on social media, driven by the intersecting buzz around two prominent figures: a superstar in the baseball world and a member of a popular idol group. Samurai Japan's Slugger Seiya Suzuki Shines in the Spotlight Anticipation is high for Seiya Suzuki, who is expected to play a crucial role as a member of Samurai Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). In a particularly notable game on March 7th, after the opposing team took an early lead, Suzuki blasted a two-run homer to the opposite field, delivering an immediate counter-attack for his team. Fans showered him with praise, exclaiming, "Seiya is incredible... Samurai Japan is too strong🔥" and "A reliable blow from Seiya." Alongside Shohei Ohtani and Masataka Yoshida, he has established himself as a core hitter in the lineup. Lively discussions are ongoing regarding his batting order and deployment, with comments like, "The lineup ...

The official special program "Twistch Abema" for the popular smartphone game "Disney: Twisted-Wonderland" (Twisted-Wonderland) aired on March 7th. During the broadcast, a wealth of new information about the game, which is approaching its 6th anniversary, was announced. This included the highly anticipated first reveal of silhouettes for students from Royal Sword Academy (RSA), igniting immense excitement among fans. During the program, the silhouettes of the RSA students, previously shrouded in mystery, were finally unveiled. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag "#ツイチャンアベマ" (#TwistchAbema) quickly became a trending topic. Fans immediately began speculating on the motifs behind the revealed silhouettes, suggesting specifics like "Alice," "sexy tall cat," "Ariel," "Jasmine," "Prince?", "Meg (or Hercules)," and "wizard (floating)." Early praise poured in for Yana Toboso, who handles the cha...

The electrifying performance of the 'Major League Contingent' continues to captivate baseball fans. On social media, comments like 'The Major Leaguers are monsters!' and 'An overwhelming home run show!' are flooding in, with Shohei Ohtani, Seiya Suzuki, and Masataka Yoshida particularly leading the team's offense. Notably, Ohtani has hit home runs in two consecutive games, and Suzuki blasted back-to-back homers, their destructive power truly 'insane.' Yoshida also hammered a solo shot, fueling fan excitement with cries of 'The Major League home run show is incredible!' and 'You can feel the passion in every single swing!' Their stellar play is undeniably bringing a winning momentum to the team, earning them accolades like 'reliable' and 'overwhelming presence.' However, voices on social media also suggest 'too much reliance on the Major Leaguers' and that 'the lineup is piggybacking on them,' urging for...

The announcement of the new "SSR Grim [Relaxing My Room]" card for the popular smartphone game "Disney Twisted-Wonderland" (Twisted) at its 6th-anniversary event has caused a massive sensation on social media. Grim's appearance, set to debut in the "6th Anniversary Limited-Time Summon" starting March 9th at 6 PM JST, captivated fans immediately upon its reveal. Comments poured in, such as "All I understood is that the relaxing Grim is cute," and "Too much information, but Grim is just too adorable," with many users gushing over his charm. Particular attention has been drawn to Grim's outfit. Users have likened it to "Gelato Pique," "Is it baby clothes or something?", and "He's completely a baby in that romper, too cute!" His relaxed loungewear has been praised as "too much like a cat" and "the cutest pajamas." Furthermore, fans found it endearing that Grim, who has no hair to...

March 8th marked the 5th anniversary of the release of the anime film "Shin Evangelion Theatrical Version," and to celebrate, a short animation previously screened at the 30th-anniversary festival "EVANGELION:30+;" was made available for free on Khara's official YouTube channel. This surprise announcement has become a major topic of discussion among countless fans. The newly released short animation was produced as part of the "Evangelion Broadcast 30th Anniversary Special Screening" and garnered significant attention for featuring Asuka as its protagonist. For fans who were unable to attend the festival, this free release on YouTube is being widely praised as "divine treatment." On social media, numerous posts expressed surprise and a sense of time passing, with comments like "Is it really 5 years since Shin Eva?" and "I can't believe it's already 5 years since that impact!" There are also renewed discussions abou...

Hanshin Tigers' new foreign pitcher, Dauri Moretta, made an impressive debut in an open game at Koshien Stadium on the 7th, pitching a scoreless inning. However, a "rare incident" that occurred afterward has become a hot topic among fans, instantly making him a popular figure. On that day, Moretta dominated batters with his spirited pitching, perfectly shutting down the inning. On social media, fans showered him with praise like "Great pitches!" and "As expected!", many expressing high hopes for his future performance. His walk-up song, "Blue Bird" by Ikimonogakari, also excited the crowd. The amusing incident occurred after he left the mound. Moretta, with an elated expression, began walking in the opposite direction from his team's dugout, heading towards the SoftBank Hawks' third base dugout. This unexpected move prompted Hanshin manager Fujikawa to gently wave him back, saying, "Over here!" The stadium erupted in warm la...

On March 7, at Hanshin Racecourse, the 60th Hochi Hai Fillies' Revue (GII, 1400m turf) saw a stunning come-from-behind victory by 10th-favorite Gillies Ball, marking her first graded stakes win. Partnered with jockey Koji Nishizuka, the Epiphaneia filly showcased her full potential, signaling the emergence of a new contender in the blooming Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) championship race. The race began with an intense pace. Gillies Ball, recovering from a slightly slow start, conserved her energy with a perfectly executed ride, staying on the innermost rail without losing ground. As they entered the final straight, she burst from the pack, unleashing a powerful late surge to leave her rivals behind. She crossed the finish line in a time of 1 minute, 20.6 seconds. Second place went to second-favorite Saint Antoine, followed by fourth-favorite I Need You in third, with all three securing priority entry to the Oka Sho. This unexpected victory by the 10th-favorite horse surprised ho...

The Nakayama Himba Stakes, held at Nakayama Racecourse, saw Ethelfleda, a progeny of Kitasan Black, achieve a splendid victory, defying her 6th-favorite ranking. This triumph marked a significant milestone for jockey Masashi Muto, earning his first JRA graded race win in his 10th year since debut. It was also the first central graded race victory for Muto Stable and owner Fumio Takahashi since Moriana's win in the 2023 Shion Stakes. Due to rain in the early hours of the day, the track was rated

As the professional baseball open season heats up, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars secured a decisive 9-2 victory over the Rakuten Eagles. The standout performance of the game came from Dayan Viciedo. The match began challenging for the BayStars, as they conceded two runs in the second inning. However, the BayStars' lineup quickly counterattacked. In the third inning, timely hits from Keita Sano and Yoshitomo Tsutsugo tied the game. Tsutsugo then delivered back-to-back timely hits in the fifth inning, giving the BayStars the lead. The pivotal moment arrived in the eighth inning when Viciedo blasted his first open season home run, a three-run shot that effectively sealed the team's victory. This impressive blast marked his third hit of the day, a standout performance that significantly contributed to the team's win. On social media, fans expressed their excitement and surprise with comments like, "Viciedo's home run, it makes me so happy!" "Viciedo's still ...

A long-standing mystery embedded in anime song lyrics has once again become a hot topic on social media. Specifically, the phrase "Chamba mo Hashiru" (Even Chamba runs) from "Moete Hero," the first opening theme song of the monumental soccer anime "Captain Tsubasa," has continued to baffle many as "meaningless" for nearly 40 years since its broadcast. However, recent lively discussions on X (formerly Twitter) have brought a compelling interpretation of this enigmatic lyric back into the spotlight. Alongside lyrics like "Hoshikuzu Loneliness" from "Touch" and the widely misheard "Shakariki Columbus," "Chamba mo Hashiru" has long been cherished as part of the "Lyrics That Seem Understandable But Aren't" series. Posts garnered numerous sympathetic comments such as "I haven't understood these lyrics for about 40 years" and "No one understands 'Chamba mo Hashiru,' do they...

Gaming industry giant Nintendo has reportedly sued the U.S. government, demanding the return of tariffs imposed during the former Donald Trump administration. This news has created a significant buzz on social media, with the phrase "Nintendo Legal Department" trending. Worldwide attention is now focused on how this legal division, often dubbed the "strongest," will challenge a nation. According to reports, Nintendo is seeking "prompt repayment with interest." This move is believed to be a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that tariffs levied under the Trump administration were illegal. The lawsuit is being lauded as a "first-penguin" action, with Nintendo taking the lead among other companies. It is widely interpreted as a decision made by Nintendo's legal department, renowned in Japan for its formidable strength, after assessing strong chances of success. On X (formerly Twitter), posts related to "Nintendo Legal Departme...

The anime School Days , all 12 episodes, has been announced for a one-month limited free streaming on YouTube, generating significant buzz on social media platform "X." Famitsu.com, a game and entertainment information website, introduced it as "the ultimate love story" and "perfect companion for a new life," a description that has elicited confusion and witty retorts from many users. Regarding the official tagline "the ultimate love story," users have commented, "Is it really okay to stream this for free...?" and "Ultimate, or perhaps, gruesome... lol," referencing the anime's shocking plot twists and conclusion. Posts featuring extreme comments like "Makoto shī ne" (Makoto, die) symbolically encapsulate the actions of the protagonist, Makoto Ito, with the series often described as unmissable until its "very end." Particularly notable are the sarcastic reactions to the catchphrase "perfect compani...

A video posted by the official White House X (formerly Twitter) account has caused a significant stir both domestically and internationally. In addition to accusations of unauthorized use of popular Japanese anime and game intellectual property (IP), it has also drawn a flood of criticism for being “war propaganda” that trivializes military action. Content of the Controversial Post The video in question, approximately 42 seconds long, was posted by the official White House account. It is a montage that splices together footage of military operations and explosions with clips from Hollywood films such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Deadpool,” and “Superman,” as well as characters and logo-style fonts from popular Japanese content like “Pokémon,” “Dragon Ball,” and “Yu-Gi-Oh!.” Notably, an image featuring the phrase “Make America Great...” rendered in a logo-style font reminiscent of Nintendo’s new game “Pokémon Picopia” was also confirmed to have been posted, with some pointing out similar in...

In the World Baseball Classic (WBC) match between the USA and Brazil, former Yomiuri Giants fireballer Thiago Vieira took the mound for the Brazilian national team, drawing significant attention on social media. While the USA defeated Brazil 7-1, Japanese fans flooded social media with comments like “Vieira being Vieira” and “You haven't changed a bit” as they watched him pitch, with many posts expressing nostalgia for his old pitching style. Vieira entered the game as Brazil's fourth pitcher but unfortunately couldn't display his signature strengths. Online, harsh criticisms such as “Bad Vieira showed up” and “Reliably two walks” were seen, specifically pointing to control issues reminiscent of his early days in Japan. Furthermore, his once blazing fastball, which famously clocked 166 km/h, only reached a maximum of 151 km/h this day. This led to concerns about his recovery from Tommy John surgery, with comments like “Sad his fastball is slower” and “Is his rehab not compl...

Baseball Japan National Team "Samurai Japan" kicked off its World Baseball Classic (WBC) campaign, with Shohei Ohtani, who excelled both as a pitcher and hitter, quickly asserting his dominance and igniting fan excitement. In this game, Ohtani delivered a sensational performance as a batter, coming tantalizingly close to achieving a cycle, needing only a triple. From the early innings, Ohtani exploded with powerful hitting. He hit a double in his first at-bat, followed by a grand slam in his second, and a timely hit in his third. In just two innings, he had recorded a double, a home run, and a single. Only the most challenging triple remained, and many fans eagerly anticipated witnessing a historic moment. Social media buzzed with excited comments such as, "Being on the verge of a cycle after just two innings is too much like a video game!", "A historic moment, hitting a grand slam and then nearing a cycle!", and "I want to see a cycle in the WBC!...

As the thrilling World Baseball Classic (WBC), the pinnacle of international baseball, heats up, a unique phrase has gone viral on social media, becoming a major talking point. That phrase is "Yabai wa yo!" In the game between Japan and Chinese Taipei on March 6th, Japan's "Samurai Japan" team launched a fierce offensive from the early innings. Particularly in the top of the second inning, the batting lineup exploded, with even Kensuke Wakatani delivering an RBI hit, leading to an astonishing 9-0 massive lead. Faced with this overwhelming display of strength, many fans couldn't hide their excitement, exclaiming, "Samurai Japan is too strong, yabai wa yo! 🔥" This phrase, "Yabai wa yo!", gained particular traction when the official Pacific League account, "Pacific League.com / PERSOL Pacific League TV [Official]," used it in their live game updates. The official account's post of "Yabai wa yo!" instantly sparked a f...

Popular rock band Mrs. GREEN APPLE's flagship program, "TV x Mrs.," hosted by the band members, has been confirmed for regular broadcast on TBS-affiliated channels starting this April. On social media platform "X" (formerly Twitter), a flood of joyful and expectant messages has poured in from fans. "TV x Mrs." was previously aired as special programs in June and November of last year, garnering high praise for its unique planning and the charm of its three members. The show's official account announced, "Following numerous positive reviews, it's becoming a regular series! ✨ As the title suggests, 'TV and Mrs. will genuinely collaborate'," sending fans into a frenzy of excitement for the long-awaited regular slot. The broadcast will be every Monday at 9 PM, leading to comments that Monday nights will become even more fulfilling, especially when paired with "CDTV Live! Live!" and "Professional Ranking," a sho...

The cover art for Takahisa Masuda of NEWS's new album (or solo work) has been unveiled, generating significant buzz among fans. A particular highlight drawing attention is the appearance of "Nekomasu," a popular character often called Masuda's alter ego, on the jacket photos. Multiple types of jacket photos have been released this time. It has been revealed that the First Press Limited Edition A, First Press Limited Edition B, and the Famichara Store Online Exclusive Edition will come in a special box with a transparent cover. The official account announced, "It's not just the music that's 'covered.' Be sure to check out the playful 'covers' of the packaging and Nekomasu!" This suggests that the theme of "cover" is expressed throughout the entire package. What has particularly heightened fan excitement is not only Masuda's own cool and captivating expressions and poses, but also "Nekomasu" faithfully imitating ...

With the new fiscal year approaching, the term "new employee training" has become a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), with many users posting about their experiences and sentiments. Alongside the anticipation of welcoming new colleagues, glimpses into the struggles and true feelings of the "trainers" responsible for guidance reveal the diverse realities of this process. Posts suggest that new employee training is a significant burden for instructors. Many expressed fatigue from intensive, short-term training, such as "The week of new employee training is over😭😭😭 This time, I had no time to spare, so I made them learn three months' worth of work in five days, and I truly feel sorry😇." Others voiced the difficulty of balancing their own duties with training, asking, "How can I possibly do my regular work while being constantly attached to a new hire??" It also seems that many instructors struggle with a lack of teaching skills or prep...

A public outcry has erupted on social media, with many declaring 'Japanese justice is too lenient,' after prosecutors at the Osaka District Court sought a 12-year prison sentence for an uncle accused in the case of a 6-year-old girl whose body was found encased in concrete. This trial involves a 42-year-old uncle charged with assault resulting in death and abandonment of a body. He is accused of repeatedly assaulting his then 6-year-old niece, including punching her in the face, causing her death from traumatic shock, and subsequently encasing her body in concrete and abandoning it in a residence. In their closing arguments, prosecutors stated that the defendant became enraged when the victim, Rena, ate offerings from the family altar and then failed to obey him, leading to her death during a pattern of daily abuse. They condemned the defendant for 'violating her dignity even after death' and requested a 12-year prison sentence. The defendant admitted to the charges at ...

The popular anime series "Third Grade Ashibe QQ Goma-chan" is set to begin broadcasting on TV Tokyo's six-station network from Sunday, April 12, 2026. It has also been revealed that the popular idol group Hey! Say! JUMP will be performing the theme song, titled "CUE CUE CUTE," and its charming sound is already garnering significant attention. The "Ashibe" and "Goma-chan" duo holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many fans. The re-animation of "Third Grade Ashibe" has sparked a wave of comments on social media, such as "So nostalgic!" "I definitely watched this!" and "I can't believe it's becoming an anime again!" Joyful reactions are also coming from generations who grew up with the series and are now sharing it with their children. Even Kei Inoo of Hey! Say! JUMP mentioned watching past reruns, underscoring the series' widespread recognition among fans since the early Heisei era. The the...

The new game "Echoes of Aincrad Sword Art Online," based on the popular anime, is currently dominating social media with its groundbreaking game mode. The announcement of "Death Game Mode," an unforgiving system where "Game Over equals immediate save data deletion," has sent shockwaves of excitement through the player community. Slated for release on PS5, Xbox Series, and Steam on July 9, 2026 (Steam version on July 10), "Echoes of Aincrad" introduces this "Death Game Mode" as an unlockable feature after completing the main story. True to its name, this mode is utterly uncompromising: a single character death results in the complete and permanent deletion of all accumulated save data. Certain product editions will even offer early access to this mode as a special bonus, intensifying fan anticipation. Following the announcement, X (formerly Twitter) has been flooded with enthusiastic comments like "Seriously hyped," "I can...

From Starbucks Coffee, the highly anticipated new beverages, "Choux Cream Frappuccino®" and "Choux Cream Latte," heralding the arrival of spring, will be available nationwide starting Friday, March 13th. These new products feature a luxurious taste, as if you are drinking an actual choux cream, and have already become a major topic on social media. The "Choux Cream Frappuccino®," which is garnering particular attention, is an exquisite combination of custard-flavored whipped cream and choux pastry-style crunch. The official Starbucks X (formerly Twitter) account promoted its appeal with a post saying, "Imagine that 'ah, so happy' feeling the moment you take a sip, leaving a light and spring-like aftertaste 🌷💭." In response to this post, a continuous stream of eager comments such as "S-sh-choux cream Frappuccino..." "Looks delicious," and "This is definitely going to be good," have been pouring in. These new...

Kensuke Nakamoto, 50, a chief director at NHK, Japan's national public broadcaster, has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s whom he did not know. According to reports, in January of this year, Nakamoto allegedly approached a woman in her 20s on a street in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. He reportedly threatened her by saying, "I have something dangerous," then coerced her into a nearby building and sexually assaulted her. During police questioning, Nakamoto is reportedly denying some of the allegations. The Metropolitan Police Department is cautiously proceeding with the investigation, as multiple reports of similar incidents have been received, leading them to consider the possibility that Nakamoto may have committed additional crimes. Following this arrest, strong criticism has erupted online regarding the misconduct by an employee of NHK. Public outrage includes questions like, "Were the TV license fees ...

A major collaboration between the popular anime franchise "Gundam" and the VTuber group "Hololive" has been announced. As the first phase of this exciting partnership, original color Mobile Suits (MS) inspired by Hololive members have been unveiled. Among them, Hoshou Marine's "Crossbone Gundam X1," dyed in her signature colors, has generated significant buzz among fans. The "Marine Captain color" Crossbone Gundam X1, featuring a striking red and black color scheme, has garnered widespread praise on social media, with comments like "huge impact," "too cute," and "perfect fit." The strong affinity between Hoshou Marine's pirate motif and the Crossbone Gundam, which is nicknamed "The Pirate Gundam," has also been highly lauded, with many noting the "amazing pirate synergy." In this first phase, a total of six original color Mobile Suits were introduced, including Shirakami Fubuki's ...

Hyakunosuke Ogata, a prominent character from the popular manga series Golden Kamuy , is currently generating significant buzz, primarily on the social media platform X. Of particular note is the release of a special interview, aptly dubbed the "W Ogata Talk," featuring Kenjiro Tsuda, who lends his voice to Hyakunosuke Ogata in the anime, and Gordon Maeda, who portrays the character in the live-action film adaptation. In this valuable discussion, the two, meeting for the first time, thoroughly explored the character of Hyakunosuke Ogata and the broader appeal of the entire Golden Kamuy series. Fans have expressed immense joy, with numerous comments such as "It's truly wonderful that the two actors who portrayed my beloved Hyakunosuke Ogata in anime and live-action shared their insights" and "Unexpected W Hyakunosuke Ogata, I definitely have to watch it!" The interview, released on platforms like YouTube, clearly demonstrates its widespread impact. Wit...

In the highly anticipated third and final cour of the popular anime series "Dr. STONE"'s final season, it has been officially announced that voice actor Seiichiro Yamashita will portray the crucial key character "SAI." This announcement has ignited a massive buzz across social media platforms. Furthermore, the beloved rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION has been confirmed to perform the opening theme, sending fan excitement soaring to new heights. According to reports from outlets such as Livedoor News, this new information, unveiled alongside the main visual for the final chapter, quickly dominated the trends on X (formerly Twitter). Seiichiro Yamashita's name trended, drawing numerous expressions of joy and surprise from fans. SAI is lauded as "humanity's strongest mathematician" and is an indispensable figure for Senku and his allies' ambitious moon landing project. Regarding Yamashita's casting in this pivotal role, fans expressed th...

Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage (hereafter Pokka Sapporo) announced on the 5th that it will withdraw from the vending machine business. The company has decided to sell its vending machine operations, including approximately 40,000 machines, to Life Drink Company. Key factors driving this decision are the escalating costs of equipment maintenance, electricity, transportation fuel, and labor. This move follows a similar decision by Dydo to remove unprofitable vending machines, underscoring the growing difficulties faced by the vending machine sector across the entire Japanese beverage industry. A subsidiary of Sapporo Holdings, Pokka Sapporo plans to redirect its management resources towards its alcoholic beverage business, beverage development, and particularly its highly profitable lemon-related product lines. By categorizing the vending machine business, which had been experiencing market contraction and declining profitability, as non-core, the company's divestment is viewed as...