Tokyo International News Agency

On December 28, 2025, a wolf escaped from its enclosure at Tama Zoological Park in Hino City, Tokyo. In response to this emergency, Tama Zoological Park immediately suspended new admissions and issued safety instructions to visitors already inside the park. According to the zoo's official announcement, visitors were asked to move to the main gate or wait in indoor facilities such as the Savanna Kitchen or Koala Shop. Repeated warnings were broadcast via in-park announcements and social media, urging visitors to "please follow staff instructions and act calmly." Upon hearing the news, information spread rapidly on social media. While some expressed surprise with comments like "I thought it was from Kyoko Shimbun (a satirical news site) but it's real!", many others posted comments wishing for the safety of both visitors and the escaped wolf, such as "May no one be injured and the wolf be safely tranquilized with a dart," and "May the situation b...

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested on suspicion of theft after allegedly stealing a wallet from a woman on a Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line train, an incident that has garnered significant attention on social media. The arrested individuals are Yang Xiaokun (39) and Liu Dezong (40), whose addresses and occupations are unknown. According to reports, the two suspects are believed to have stolen a wallet containing approximately 16,000 yen in cash from a woman's handbag inside a Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line train. Yang is suspected of being the perpetrator, while Liu allegedly acted as a lookout. What has drawn particular concern is the fact that both suspects entered Japan on short-term stay visas and had repeatedly visited the country a remarkable 16 times since 2023. On social media, severe opinions have poured in, such as “They should be permanently banned from entering Japan,” “Are they repeatedly traveling to Japan to commit crimes?”, and “It's strange that criminals can travel ...

The closure of "Satsugeki," a cinema in Sapporo, has caused a significant stir on social media X. Many users expressed surprise with comments like "Closed!?!?" and revealed their sadness and confusion with remarks such as "You've got to be kidding me 😭" and "Too shocking 😭." For many movie fans, "Satsugeki" was more than just a cinema. Comments poured in, such as "It was my favorite cinema and the one I frequented the most," "My sanctuary is gone...," and "I loved the atmosphere, it's a shame," with many lamenting its loss. Posts indicated its high quality, describing it as "clean with excellent service," "curating films with great taste," and having "the perfect size and comfort." It was particularly cherished as a valuable venue where a diverse range of films could be seen, including independent and art-house films, and Hong Kong/Taiwanese cinema, which are often di...

On November 4, game creator Masahiro Sakurai announced on his social media that his beloved cat, Fukurashi, had been in a severe health condition last month, to the extent that a veterinarian told him "she could pass away at any moment." According to Sakurai, he had held back on reporting this sooner out of consideration for his work, such as the "Air Rider Direct 2" broadcast. Although Fukurashi is now on the road to recovery, she continues to have difficulty eating much and requires constant nursing care. Following this report, a flood of messages expressing concern for Fukurashi's health poured onto social media from many fans. Heartfelt messages such as "Fukurashi, please stay strong..." and "May Mr. Sakurai and Fukurashi be able to spend a little more time together" were widely shared. Additionally, some users expressed concern for Sakurai's own well-being, noting "We're worried about Mr. Sakurai's caregiver fatigue,...

Audio of a reporter allegedly stating, "I'll lower the approval ratings" and "I'll only write things that lower the approval ratings" during (or immediately before/after) a press conference held by Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi, was picked up by an NTV live broadcast and has caused a significant stir on social media. In response to these remarks, X (formerly Twitter) has seen a barrage of comments such as "I thought it was fake, but it was real" and "I can't hide my surprise." Severe criticisms are pouring in, including "This is proof of media bias," "They're trying to manipulate public opinion," and "There's a lack of journalistic ethics." Many users perceive this statement as "the truth about old media," and opinions questioning the media's neutrality and objectivity towards politics are erupting. Comments like "It's not acceptable even as a joke" ...

News has emerged of an Ethiopian woman who disappeared during an exchange program at the 2025 World Expo confessing, "I came to Japan to apply for refugee status." This revelation has ignited significant reaction on social media. The woman went missing after entering Japan, and her purpose for doing so was subsequently revealed to be a refugee application. According to reports, in response to the Ethiopian woman's confession, a refugee support organization explained that "when one wants to apply for refugee status, they must first leave their country for another purpose." This statement, implying a roundabout route of using tourism or exchange programs to first enter Japan due to the current difficulty of direct entry for refugee applications, drew a torrent of criticism from many users. Concerns over System Abuse and Criticism of Refugee Support Organizations On social media, harsh criticisms such as "Don't use the Expo for such purposes," ...

As the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election heats up, Yomiuri Shimbun's special editorial writer, Goro Hashimoto, distinguished himself in a debate with his questions, generating a significant buzz on social media. His incisive questions, which cut to the core of the candidates' platforms, were praised as “MVP-worthy” and “piercing,” captivating many viewers. Particular attention was drawn to his criticism of Shinjiro Koizumi for “excessive use of teleprompters.” Hashimoto pressed Koizumi, asking, “You’re only 44. What’s with all this excessive caution?” Koizumi retorted, “I’ve personally put in effort and refined it many times.” However, sharp comments quickly followed on social media, such as “He can’t speak without a teleprompter” and “It’s a speech written by someone else,” with some sarcastically remarking, “He’s just a figurehead.” Some posts even noted that the TV cut to a commercial during Hashimoto’s question. Furthermore, regarding an anecdote shared b...

Shinjiro Koizumi, a member of the House of Representatives who announced his candidacy for the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election, made his first post on the video-sharing platform TikTok with the aim of appealing to younger generations. However, the comment section quickly became "wildly chaotic." On social media, a barrage of scathing opinions such as "Please retire from politics for the sake of Japan" have emerged, highlighting severe evaluations of his popularity and political acumen. Koizumi held a press conference on September 20, stating his "determination to stand at the forefront and challenge the presidential election to rebuild the LDP." His subsequent debut on TikTok was seen as part of a strategy to penetrate the younger demographic, but the timing and choice of platform itself became targets of criticism. Comments such as "TikTok of all things at this timing?" and "It's laughable that a politician who sta...

Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai announced in the prefectural assembly that he is completely withdrawing the plan to establish burial cemeteries, which had been under consideration in the prefecture. This decision, announced just ahead of the Miyagi gubernatorial election scheduled for voting and counting on October 26, has sparked various reactions and controversy on social media. According to Governor Murai, while he had been considering the establishment of burial cemeteries in the prefecture since 2024, all 35 municipal mayors in the prefecture expressed reservations about the plan. Therefore, he decided to "withdraw the consideration itself after careful deliberation." Regarding this sudden complete withdrawal, on social media (X), while there were welcoming voices such as "It's only natural to withdraw it" and "We made them withdraw it! Long live SNS!", many users simultaneously questioned the timing. Comments like "A big change right before ...

It has recently been announced that former House of Representatives member Mayuko Toyota has been appointed as the Policy Research Council Assistant Chair of Sanseitō (The Political Party for the People), generating significant buzz, particularly on social media. Toyota, who temporarily left the political world following reports of verbal abuse and assault against her secretary in 2017, is now set to resume her political activities on a new stage, drawing a mix of anticipation and concern. Sanseitō leader Kuniaki Kamiya explained Toyota's appointment by stating, "We were looking for someone with experience as a former Diet member and a bureaucrat." While acknowledging her past troubles, he emphasized his high evaluation of her abilities, saying, "Just because someone had one failure..." He also added that her appointment was "not as a candidate, but as a staff member." Toyota boasts an impressive academic background, including Oin Junior & Senior H...

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed his intention to resign on the 7th and held a press conference that evening to explain his decision. This sudden announcement quickly spread across social media, with “Ishiba Resignation” becoming a trending topic and generating significant public reaction. On social media, various reactions to Prime Minister Ishiba's resignation emerged. While many posts welcomed the news, such as “Yes!” and “Finally, Ishiba resigned. Good news for a change,” severe criticisms were also prominent, including “He was the worst Prime Minister ever” and “The worst Prime Minister in constitutional history has resigned.” Some opinions questioned his demeanor, stating, “He's announcing unremarkable achievements, which isn't necessary. He should just leave quietly; he looks uncool right to the very end.” Furthermore, some users expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current administration, saying, “Since they've damaged Japan this much, I want Kishida...

Actress Yuki Amami and Arashi members Sho Sakurai and Masaki Aiba are set to appear in Seven-Eleven's new commercial series, "What's There, Seven-Eleven?", an announcement that has generated significant buzz on social media. The new commercials, which will begin airing nationwide on September 3rd, are already creating a stir for the unique world crafted by their star-studded cast. The story for the new Seven-Eleven Japan commercial series begins with the premise: "Two aliens arrive in a certain town." Sho Sakurai and Masaki Aiba portray alien part-timers disguised as humans, who are then approached by the Seven-Eleven owner, played by Yuki Amami, leading to a comical unfolding of events. Comments on social media, such as "The premise is wild!" and "I wish they'd make a mini-drama!" show the high anticipation for the distinctive storyline. During the CM presentation, Sakurai shared a funny anecdote about his alien role, saying, "I...

Popular YouTuber Hajime社長 announced his marriage on August 30 via his official X account, eliciting a massive reaction, particularly from his fans. This sudden announcement has been met with a flurry of surprise and congratulatory messages on social media. Hajime社長 posted a concise message, “Hajime社長 got married,” along with a link to his announcement video on his YouTube channel. This announcement quickly spread, generating numerous surprised comments such as “Hajime社長 really got married?” and “OMG~~~ Hajime社長 got married💦💦💦.” Some fans expressed surprise at the perceived gap with his previous image, saying things like, “I felt like I just saw a video of three single YouTubers talking recently, and I thought he wouldn’t get married yet, but finally!?” On the other hand, a flood of warm congratulatory messages also poured in, including “Congratulations on your marriage 🎉,” “Wishing you happiness ~💕,” “How wonderful...!” and “Wishing you eternal happiness!!” Many long-time fans exp...

The announcement of the next major event, 'Big Run,' for the popular game 'Splatoon 3' has been met with significant excitement on social media. According to an announcement from Grizzco Industries posted on Nintendo Co., Ltd.'s official X (formerly Twitter) account 'Splatoon,' the next Big Run will take place from 9:00 AM on Saturday, September 20th, until 9:00 AM on Monday, September 22nd, at Namplar Ruins. Players are called upon to cooperate in defending the city from the Salmonids, with particular vigilance urged due to the potential landing of Boss Salmonids. Following this announcement, numerous enthusiastic posts like 'Big Run is here!!' and 'It's Big Run time!!!!' have flooded X (formerly Twitter). Many players fondly recalled past Big Run events at Namplar Ruins, with comments such as 'I remember the Big Run at Namplar being amazing' and 'Namplar!! So happy because the last big Big Run there was so much fun!!'. C...

Information regarding the death of popular utaite Luz has spread across social media, causing immense shock and sadness among his many fans. On X (formerly Twitter), a flurry of posts express disbelief and grief, with comments such as "Luz is dead...?!", "No... it's a lie, right, Luz...? I can't hear that singing voice anymore...?", and "He was still so young... This is so sad..." mourning his untimely passing. Luz captivated countless people with his enchanting singing voice. Many messages praise his vocals and express gratitude, often mentioning specific songs: "I love Luz's 'Royce & Scarlet' the most," "I often listen to his 'Vampire (LIVE ver.)' and his cover of 'QUEEN' in collaboration with Sho-kun," and "Above all, 'Taisetsu na Hitotachi e' (To My Loved Ones) is truly, truly my favorite." Many fans also reminisce about his past activities, sharing memories like: "I l...

Actress Fumi Nikaido and Kazulaser, a member of the popular comedy duo Maple Chogokin, announced their marriage on the 10th. This sudden big news quickly spread across social media, drawing a tremendous response filled with both surprise and congratulations. In a joint statement, the couple commented, “We will continue our activities as before,” adding, “We wish to build a relaxed and cheerful family where we can ultimately laugh and look forward.” It was previously known that Nikaido had publicly expressed her affection for Kazulaser on television programs. Following this marriage announcement, numerous comments of surprise and congratulations have flooded social media, such as “I can't believe they actually got together,” “Fumi Nikaido marrying her crush is amazing,” and “Isn't this the biggest reward in life?” Furthermore, given Kazulaser's reputation as an intellectual and Nikaido's as a distinctive actress, comments like “They're too perfect for each other” ...

On the 23rd, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in response to the agreement reached in US-Japan tariff negotiations, stated regarding his future that he would "make a decision based on the outcome [of the agreement]," adding that he "must scrutinize the content." This remark caused a significant stir on social media, with a barrage of questions and criticisms such as, "What does it mean to scrutinize the content *after* an agreement has been reached?" The Prime Minister had previously indicated his resignation by the end of August, following the poor results in the recent House of Councillors election. While he had cited progress in the US-Japan tariff negotiations as one factor in determining his resignation timeline, his comment about "scrutinizing the content" *after* the agreement was reached drew widespread confusion and anger from social media users, who asked, "Isn't it normal to agree *after* scrutiny?" and "Does the Prime...

Music from the popular action-adventure game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D has been added to "Nintendo Music," a smartphone app exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers provided by Nintendo, garnering a significant response on social media. On July 8th, a total of 51 tracks from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D , including "Hyrule Field Main Theme," "Lost Woods," and "Fire Temple," became available on the app. This announcement was met with enthusiastic reception from fans, with numerous joyful comments such as "So emotional," "About to cry," and "Awesome" posted on X (formerly Twitter). Users expressed deep affection for the game and praised the music, with comments like, "I hated the Lost Woods, but I loved its music – a cherished memory," and "Everyone needs to listen to Staff Roll 2." Furthermore, some users are enjoying comparing the newly added music with tracks f...

A report by the weekly magazine 'FRIDAY' alleging that Yoshihiro Urahira (53), a candidate for the House of Councillors election from the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai), had previously committed an assault against a student and received a guilty verdict, has become a major topic on social media. According to the report, Mr. Urahira had previously assaulted a student with a bamboo sword (shinai) and a bat, and was found guilty of assault, receiving a sentence of 1 year and 6 months in prison, suspended for 3 years. Regarding this incident, the Wakayama Prefectural Board of Education at the time reportedly suspended Mr. Urahira for four months. Mr. Urahira continued his political career even after this incident, serving as a Wakayama City Council member and a Wakayama Prefectural Assembly member. This time, he is running for the House of Councillors election from the Japan Innovation Party. Following this report, harsh criticisms against the Japan Innovation Party a...

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's remark, referring to the "troublesome Japanese language and Japanese customs" in a statement concerning the acceptance of foreign talent, has caused a significant stir on the social media platform "X" (formerly Twitter). This comment rapidly spread, drawing a flood of severe criticism from the public, with comments such as "He's disrespecting Japanese culture" and "Unacceptable for a Prime Minister." Many users pointed out that the Prime Minister's statement was inappropriate regarding his own country's language and culture. A chorus of angry voices followed, saying things like, "I don't understand the mindset of calling one's own language 'troublesome'," "Is he not Japanese?", and "This is an insult to the people." Numerous opinions also severely questioned the Prime Minister's qualifications, with calls for his "immediate dismissal" and ...