Tokyo International News Agency

A short video posted on the official social media accounts of the hot rising boy group "KO1KEYZ" has gone viral among fans. The video features the four youngest members of the group, affectionately known as the "maknae line." Their sheer cuteness and perfect chemistry have sparked a wave of excitement across social media. Official Account Finally Drops Long-Awaited "Maknae Line" Video On July 12, KO1KEYZ’s official social media accounts (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels) uploaded a video of Towa Hamada, Kosuke Terui, Ryuji Sugiyama, and Yui Goto with the caption, "Is the maknae line okay? Right..!" The "maknae line" consists of Sugiyama (born in 2006) and Terui, Hamada, and Goto (all born in 2007). Although fans have long adored this combination, seeing the official accounts shine a spotlight on them as the group's "maknae line" sent fans into a frenzy. Comments poured in, such as, "They are officially the ...

The phrase "driving school" recently trended on X (formerly Twitter) in Japan, sparking a heated debate over memories of obtaining a learner's permit and the controversial attitudes of instructors. The catalyst was a viral anecdote about an instructor who sarcastically told a student, "With driving like this, you're going to run someone over someday." Without missing a beat, the student shot back, "How many people are in your family?" This darkly humorous exchange, where a simple question was unintentionally perceived as a chilling threat, resonated deeply with many users and opened the floodgates for shared experiences. Opinions on instructor behavior are sharply divided between those who see it as "unreasonable" and those who view it as "essential safety education." Many posts criticized the "authoritarian attitude" and perceived "poor personality" of certain instructors. Common grievances included stories ...

The trending social media phrase "Japan is strong" is gaining attention in various contexts. In particular, remarks made by Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the Japan Conservative Party, at the "Takeshima Day" commemorative ceremony, where he urged the "Takaichi administration" to "demonstrate Japan's strong will," have caused a significant stir, drawing both praise and criticism. In response to Hyakuta's speech, numerous supporters expressed praise, with comments such as "He clearly states what needs to be said," "Truly proud," and "A brilliant speech." They lauded Hyakuta's "paperless speech" and, while criticizing the current administration as "prone to inaction" and "pseudo-conservative," declared their support for the Japan Conservative Party as the "fighting conservatives." The full publication of his speech as an article was particularly welcomed, as it was seen to c...