Tokyo International News Agency

A recent broadcast of NHK's popular live cooking special, Remi Hirano's Quick & Easy Recipes! , ignited social media when beloved culinary personality Remi Hirano made an unexpected appearance with a fractured right arm. Bursting with her trademark high energy from the very start of the morning, Remi casually announced right out of the gate that her right arm had snapped, prompting a wave of shock and concern from viewers across the country. Yet, an injury was not enough to tame the signature "Remi style." True to form, her free-spirited antics set off a cascade of chaotic studio moments. Stepping up to offer crucial support was popular actor Minami Hamabe, who served as her assistant for the program. Taking on the bulk of the actual cooking while fielding and harmonizing Remi's wild banter with impeccable timing, Hamabe earned widespread praise online, with viewers gushing: “Isn't she way too competent as an assistant?!” and “My respect and love for her j...

The highly anticipated film "Saying Goodbye Soon" (ほどなく、お別れです), co-starring Minami Hamabe and Ren Meguro (Snow Man), is slated for release on Friday, February 6, 2026. Special interview footage featuring the two lead actors has recently been released, drawing significant buzz on social media. In the interview, Hamabe and Meguro, who portray funeral planners in the film, shared their profound feelings about the project, further amplifying excitement for its premiere. During the interview, Hamabe and Meguro engaged in a discussion about the film, at times serious and at times lighthearted. A notable moment that charmed many fans was when Meguro playfully imitated Hamabe's perfectly upright kneeling posture, eliciting "adorable" reactions. Viewers praised their calm demeanor and natural chemistry, remarking that it instilled a "peaceful and warm feeling." Movie Natalie also reported a scene where Hamabe affectionately described Meguro as "a quiet and...

Actress Mirai Shida has been announced as a new cast member for the film Hodoku, Owakare desu (lit. “Soon, It’s Goodbye”), set to be released on February 6, 2026, generating significant buzz on social media. The movie is already drawing attention for its double lead roles played by Minami Hamabe and Ren Meguro of Snow Man. Shida will co-star with Keisuke Watanabe, playing a married couple who tragically lost their beloved daughter prematurely and are holding her funeral. Mirai Shida will portray Rie Kubota, while Keisuke Watanabe will play her husband, Hiroyuki Kubota. This marks their first time working together. The film's official account announced, “Mirai Shida will play Rie Kubota, and Keisuke Watanabe will play Hiroyuki Kubota, a couple who tragically lost their beloved daughter prematurely and are holding her funeral ✨,” to which many fans reacted. Following this announcement, social media was flooded with comments expressing both joy and concern over the heavy role. Messag...

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...