Tokyo International News Agency

On January 2, 2026, the New Year's Public Greeting at the Imperial Palace saw the Imperial Family, including Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita, and the Akishino family—with Prince Hisahito attending for the first time—address the public with New Year's wishes. Over 60,000 well-wishers gathered, and Their Majesties offered words hoping for a peaceful and tranquil year. As the Imperial Family waved from the palace balcony, many felt the dawn of a new year, and cheers resonated through the crowd. However, this solemn atmosphere was marred by an unprecedented incident. Around 2:30 PM, shortly after Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and the Akishino family appeared on the balcony and the Emperor delivered his greeting, a man in his 20s, believed to be in the front row, suddenly began shouting bizarrely and stripping off his clothes. He was arrested on the spot on suspicion of public indecency after becoming fully ...

Richard Keita Kusama (29), a member of the popular idol group "Aぇ! group," was released today, the 6th, by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, following his arrest by the Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of public indecency. After his release, Kusama deeply bowed to reporters and, with tears in his eyes, apologized, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing such a disturbance." Kusama had been arrested on the 4th on public indecency charges but was released after a short period. Following this news, "Richard Keita Kusama" trended on SNS platform X (formerly Twitter), where various opinions are being exchanged. Many users expressed sympathy and concern for Kusama's appearance upon his release. Comments included, "Did he drink too much? Somehow, I feel sorry for him…😢" and "Seeing his apology, I feel a bit sorry for him😢." Some even defended him by sharing their own experiences, such as, "I feel sorry for ...