Tokyo International News Agency

In September 2026, the Imperial Household Agency released photographs of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako during their visit to Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture. The images show Their Majesties smiling brightly as they board the "Catbus," a beloved vehicle from Studio Ghibli's iconic animated film My Neighbor Totoro, sparking a wave of surprise and delight across social media platforms. According to reports, the Emperor and Empress visited the prefecture to attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, taking the opportunity to stop by Ghibli Park as part of their itinerary. The released photos capture them posing alongside famous characters such as No-Face and the Catbus, including a shot taken by the Emperor himself using his own smartphone. Humorous and warm reactions flooded online platforms, with users posting comments like "The Emperor riding the Catbus" and "That's a truly royal bus." The Catbus exhibit in the "Ghibl...

Two months have passed since the Kumamoto earthquakes struck. Although residents are gradually moving into temporary housing, more than 1,500 people continue to live difficult lives in evacuation centers across the region. On social media, surprise and concern have spread regarding the reality that many disaster victims are still forced to live in evacuation centers even as time passes since the disaster. Comments such as 'I never thought more than 1,500 people would still be in evacuation centers after two months' and 'I was shocked to learn about this through the news' have been posted. In addition, there are many calls for improvements to the shelter environment, where privacy is difficult to maintain, as well as for the delayed restoration of water and other lifelines. Furthermore, there have been numerous posts highlighting the existence of so-called 'invisible evacuates' who are living in cars or damaged sections of their homes, alongside anxieties about s...

A witty and heartwarming rephrasing of 'tsui-hai'—a Japanese slang term for heavy social media users—has recently become a major topic of discussion. The trend was sparked by a remark believed to be made by Raul, a member of the popular idol group Snow Man, who greeted his followers with, 'Good evening to everyone whose life work is X.' This clever greeting quickly spread among fans, propelling the term 'life work' into the trending topics on X (formerly Twitter). The phrase 'life work' carries a lofty connotation, and fans were deeply impressed by the brilliant sense of humor in using it to address those who practically live on social media. The timeline was flooded with cheers and playful banter from fans who felt happily called out, with comments such as, 'It's so spot-on I can't even argue,' and 'It feels as convincing as a doctor diagnosing an illness.' Many embraced the humor, saying, 'This is the ultimate polite way to ...

On social media, posts regarding the "Week 5" milestone of currently screening popular anime movies and various other entertainment contents are generating significant excitement. Discussions are particularly centered around theatrical anime attendance bonuses, sparking heated debates among fans. A major point of interest is the newly announced fifth-week visitor bonus revealed ahead of the weekend. While cheers of joy echo across platforms with comments like "The bonus is too amazing" and "How many times do I need to see it?", fans are also voicing earnest concerns. Complaints include "Random distribution is tough when screen counts are decreasing" and "The difficulty level to complete the set is too high." For core fans who repeatedly visit theaters, a battle against shrinking screening schedules seems to have begun. The context In the Japanese film industry, particularly with blockbuster anime films, studios frequently offer special ...

According to a recent public opinion poll conducted by Jiji Press, the Cabinet approval rate dropped to 44%, marking a new record low. The survey revealed that approximately 70% of respondents oppose the appointment of lawmakers linked to the slush fund scandal, while about 60% are in favor of reducing the number of seats in the House of Representatives, reflecting severe public scrutiny of the administration's governance. Amid these survey results, various opinions are swirling on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). While critical voices such as 'This is the natural consequence' and 'It will fall even further,' along with posts expressing frustration over the handling of the slush fund issue, are visible, many users also feel that '44% is still too high' and that 'the number should be even lower.' The context In Japanese politics, cabinet approval ratings serve as a crucial barometer of public trust. Recent political fundraising scandals...

JR East recently used an unusual phrasing in its train operation announcements ahead of heavy rainfall, becoming a major hot topic on social media. The announcement in question stated, "Due to heavy rain forecasts, train services will be reduced. It will take longer than usual to reach your destination. As station congestion is expected, please refrain from coming to the station." This warning was issued for multiple lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including the Yamanote Line and the Chuo-Sobu Line. In response to the unfamiliar and strong expression "please refrain from coming to the station," users on X (formerly Twitter) posted a flurry of mixed reactions and confusion, such as, "If the trains are running, I have no choice but to go to work," "I wish they would just suspend operations instead," and "If I refrain from coming, I can't catch a train, so what does this mean?" On the other hand, some viewed it positively, saying...

Following the news and rumors regarding the discontinuation of the popular 'Pureeral Gummy' candy, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been flooded with posts of shock and sorrow from devoted fans. Users shared heartfelt tributes to their favorite flavors and the candy's signature texture, with comments such as, 'The apple flavor is the best,' and 'You can only get that unique texture from Pureeral Gummy.' Many also shared personal stories tied to their memories, including, 'It was there for me all through my university entrance exams,' and 'This was the first gummy candy I ever truly fell in love with.' Unable to hide their shock at the sudden announcement, timelines are filled with passionate expressions of grief from fans who say, 'If I find any, I want to buy them all up,' and 'Why does it have to end?' The context Pureeral Gummy, manufactured by Kahlua Corporation (or relevant confectionery maker like Kanro in ...

A growing number of users on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) are reporting that they have suddenly received unexpected notifications and emails requesting password resets. In some cases, users received multiple requests within a short span of time, sparking heightened concern over potential coordinated attacks by third parties attempting unauthorized account takeovers. According to user reports, many have received emails asking “Reset your password?” despite having made no such request themselves. Some incidents have reportedly escalated to full account takeovers, where unauthorized parties altered registered email addresses and passwords. Security experts and users alike are urging people not to click any links within suspicious emails and to ignore the unsolicited reset prompts. To prevent unauthorized access, users are strongly advised to review and tighten their account security settings on X. Two particularly effective countermeasures are enabling “...

Interest in Sanseito is surging on social media as the political party continues to log a string of victories and maintain a high win rate for its endorsed candidates in local elections. While party leader Sohei Kamiya's call to "change Japan through grassroots activism" and efforts to expand the organization from the regional level have been passionately embraced by supporters, the party is also facing criticism regarding the specifics of its policies and past controversial statements. The party has demonstrated strong momentum in recent local elections, with party leadership actively highlighting the high election success rate of its official candidates. On social media platforms, congratulatory messages such as "Congratulations on your victory" and "Sanseito's advance is only just beginning" abound, alongside commentary noting the fervent enthusiasm of supporters disseminating information and the party's sophisticated online communication st...

On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the phrase 'party to war' trended as a flurry of posts emerged expressing concern that Japan might be unwittingly dragged into a conflict, with users demanding explanations from the government. The trigger was reports and information suggesting that fighter jets had taken off from US military bases in Japan to participate in attacks on other nations. Numerous anxious and angry posts poured in from users, saying things like, 'Won't attacks launched from US bases in Japan objectively make us a party to war?', 'It is shocking to realize we might have become a party to war before we even knew it,' and 'This could serve as a pretext for retaliatory attacks from Iran.' Furthermore, many voiced opinions demanding the cabinet's resignation or a shift in policy, arguing that 'this might be unconstitutional,' 'the government must thoroughly fulfill its accountability to the public,' and ...

The latest theatrical release of the popular anime series 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' has finally hit theaters, generating immense excitement as the title trended heavily on social media. Delivering a brand-new installment eagerly awaited by fans for over a decade since the 2013 release of '[New Feature] The Rebellion Story,' passionate fans rushing to theaters have shared wave after wave of enthusiastic reviews. From opening day, movie theaters across the country were packed with audiences, with bustling merchandise areas and long lines reported everywhere. Social media platforms overflowed with joyous posts celebrating the culmination of years of anticipation, with comments such as 'I never thought I'd get to see a new installment in the Reiwa era' and 'I'm so glad I'm alive.' Fans have also been actively reviewing the story of the previous film and discussing its connections to spin-off titles before heading to the theater. At the same tim...

A tragic accident occurred at Hokkaido University, where a graduate student died after being doused from the head down with hydrofluoric acid, a substance widely known as a deadly poison. This news instantly became a major topic on social media, with numerous users on X (formerly Twitter) expressing shock and terror. According to reports, the deceased graduate student is believed to have accidentally been showered in hydrofluoric acid from the head down for unknown reasons during an experiment. Hydrofluoric acid is an extremely corrosive and toxic dangerous chemical that, when absorbed through the skin, can cause hypocalcemia and, in severe cases, lead to ventricular fibrillation. A flurry of posts emerged questioning how such a situation could possibly occur where someone gets it all over their head, alongside concerns regarding the gruesome nature of the accident, such as whether protective gear and other safety measures were properly in place. Furthermore, many voices recalled simil...

Intense debates are unfolding across social media regarding unpaid restaurant bills, with users divided over whether such incidents constitute deliberate "dine-and-dash" or simply accidental forgetfulness. As more establishment owners post security camera footage and details of these incidents online, public opinion has split sharply. Many voices strongly support stricter penalties and immediate police intervention, arguing that "leaving a restaurant without paying is a serious crime and still constitutes dine-and-dash," and that "whether intentional or negligent, the harm suffered by the business is the same." Sympathy for the store owners is widespread, with comments such as "defending them by assuming it might be an oversight is unreasonable" and "this isn't something that can be resolved simply by paying later." The context In Japan, leaving a restaurant without paying can legally be prosecuted as fraud (Article 246 of the Penal...

The phrase "Kiteretsu Debut" has become a major trend on social media, drawing an outpouring of congratulatory messages and expressions of surprise from numerous users. Among the posts, alongside warm congratulatory words such as "Congratulations on your Kiteretsu debut!", there are many deeply emotional reactions from fans who have watched their journey, with comments like "I couldn't help but cry when the members hugged" and "They've worked so hard for so long, I'm so glad it paid off." While many fans are savoring their joy with comments saying "We've waited for so long" and "I'm truly happy," the trend is a lively mix of various emotions, including posts from fans watching over them warmly despite harboring complex feelings or surprise. Some posts also mention comments from celebrities and industry figures, generating significant buzz across a wide demographic. The context In Japanese internet culture, ...

On August 15th, marking the anniversary of the end of World War II, the actions of the Prime Minister—who attended the government-sponsored National Memorial Service for War Dead—attracted significant attention on the internet. Upon arriving at the Nippon Budokan venue, reports emerged that the Prime Minister faced the direction of the adjacent Yasukuni Shrine and performed the Shinto ritual of 'two bows, two claps, and one bow' (ni-hai ni-pai ichi-hai). This sparked fierce debate on social media, with the term trending widely. Remote Worship Toward Yasukuni Shrine from the Budokan Grounds According to reports, after arriving at the Nippon Budokan parking lot, the Prime Minister stepped out of the car, turned toward the northwest in the direction of Yasukuni Shrine, and performed the traditional ritual. While a direct visit to Yasukuni Shrine was forgone, sources close to the Prime Minister explained that he had 'offered remote prayers (yohai) toward Yasukuni Shrine.' R...

With the arrival of the large-scale summer event season, the phrase 'Booth Setup Complete' (Setsuei Kanryo) has trended on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Creators and circle leaders participating in various events nationwide—such as Japan's largest dōjinshi convention, Comic Market (Comiket), as well as model exhibitions like KCF and the Hokkaido Model Exchange Meeting—have been successively reporting the safe completion of their booth setups. The timeline has been flooded with photos of elaborately designed circle booths, announcements for new publications, and merchandise, enveloping users in a festive mood that heralds the opening of these events. Many users commented that 'just seeing the setup complete posts on the timeline raises the excitement of participating in the event' and that 'it is good for the soul,' showing how fans who cannot attend in person also enjoy this as a seasonal tradition of the time of year. On the other ...

The latest episode of the hit web manga Chiikawa has been released, and the sudden appearance of the term "Kanpachi-dori" (Kanpachi Street) has sparked a massive buzz across social media platform X. Fans had been eagerly anticipating the continuation of a tense storyline centered on the character Momonga. However, the newly updated chapter subverted those expectations, shifting focus entirely to an episode revolving around "Kanpachi-dori." The name is believed to be a humorous parody of Tokyo's actual major arterial road, "Kan-hachi Dori" (Ring Road No. 8), combined with kanpachi (amberjack fish). The sudden detour triggered a flood of bewildered reactions on X, such as "Where did Kanpachi Street come from all of a sudden?!" and "What happened to the foreshadowing with Momonga?!" At the same time, many fans celebrated author Nagano's trademark surrealism, commenting, "Ah... well, if it's Kanpachi Street, it can't ...

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has announced a major overhaul of its monetization system, revealing that its current Creator Revenue Sharing Program will end on September 7, followed by the launch of the new Original Content Rewards Program on September 8. Under the new system, posts designed solely to farm view counts (impressions), aggregated posts that simply copy or re-upload content from others, and automatically generated AI posts will no longer be eligible for monetization. Instead, financial rewards will be strictly limited to "original content" that incorporates the poster's own unique perspective or analysis. The announcement has been met with widespread praise from users on the platform, who express high hopes for a drastic reduction in "impression zombies"—accounts that flood timelines and reply sections with stolen or low-effort content purely to generate revenue. The change is viewed favorably as a key step toward cleaning up the platfo...

A announcement by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare regarding interest-free loans for disaster-affected households has sparked widespread debate on social media. Under the proposed policy, households hit by natural disasters can borrow 100,000 yen in principle, and up to 200,000 yen, to cover immediate living expenses. Much of the online response has been critical, with users questioning why the government is offering loans that must be repaid rather than direct grants. Critics voiced frustration over saddling disaster victims with debt during times of distress, pointing to other government expenditures—such as foreign aid and pay raises for civil servants—to highlight what they perceive as insufficient support for domestic citizens. On the other hand, some observers defended the announcement, explaining that the measure refers to an existing emergency small-loan system designed for immediate bridging funds. They emphasized that full-scale reconstruction grants and ass...

The phrase "I missed it" ( kikinoshita ) recently trended on social media in Japan, as fans rushed to post about real-time radio broadcasts and live streams. The surge in activity was especially noticeable around popular idol groups' radio shows, where listeners turned to social media to exchange information following unexpected announcements. At the center of the buzz were hints dropped during these group-hosted broadcasts regarding upcoming live streams and future developments. Listeners posted a mix of surprise and confusion, with comments like, "I missed the big announcement!" and "Wait, when is this live stream happening?" Those who momentarily looked away or were distracted by work, errands, or noise turned to social media in real time to fill in the blanks with the help of fellow fans. To catch up on these missed moments, platforms like Radiko and its "Time Free" feature, along with archived streaming services, are playing an increasin...