Tokyo International News Agency

A new development has emerged in the "Sanae Token" controversy following a report by *Weekly Bunshun*. The individual identified as responsible for the token made an "exclusive confession," claiming that all relevant information had been relayed to Ms. Takaichi's office. This confession directly contradicts Prime Minister Takaichi's previous statements, in which she insisted she "had no knowledge whatsoever" of the matter. *Weekly Bunshun* further reported the existence of "audio evidence" supporting this claim, intensifying the suspicions surrounding the issue. On social media, various reactions to the report have been observed. Many users are demanding a direct explanation from Prime Minister Takaichi, with comments such as, "At this point, Prime Minister Takaichi has a responsibility to hold a press conference and explain clearly in her own voice." Other opinions expressed include, "If this is true, it's a serious pr...

Weekly Bunshun has reported, citing a "source close to the Prime Minister's Office," that the last-minute cancellation of Ms. Sanae Takaichi's appearance on NHK's "Sunday Debate" had been planned two days prior to the broadcast, causing a significant stir on social media. According to Weekly Bunshun's report, Ms. Takaichi's camp had, as early as Friday, January 30th, two days before the broadcast, approached Takayuki Kobayashi, the Policy Research Council Chairman, to fill in for her. However, Mr. Kobayashi reportedly had a campaign schedule in Kyoto starting at 10:30 AM on that Sunday, making it impossible to adjust. Subsequently, Norihisa Tamura, the Acting Policy Research Council Chairman, was reportedly chosen as the replacement. In response to this testimony from a "source close to the Prime Minister's Office," users on X (formerly Twitter) voiced a barrage of criticisms, including remarks like "mocking the public," ...

On the 28th, Weekly Bunshun and Bunshun Online published an exclusive scoop alleging that Sanae Takaichi's office had concealed political fundraising party ticket purchases, revealing details from a "secret ledger" reportedly obtained from involved parties. This report contains information that contradicts Ms. Takaichi's past statements denying financial dealings with the Unification Church (Family Federation for World Peace and Unification), sending ripples through the political world. According to the report, Ms. Takaichi's office allegedly purchased tickets for a party held in March 2019 by the "World Peace Federation Nara Prefectural Alliance," an affiliate organization of the Unification Church, but failed to publicly declare the financial transaction. In August 2022, Ms. Takaichi had categorically stated on her X (formerly Twitter) account regarding her relationship with the Unification Church, "No election support. No attendance at events. No...

Former member of popular girl group ME:I (Me-eye), Kokoro Kato, has reportedly broken her silence for the first time in an exclusive interview with "Weekly Bunshun," revealing the shocking truth behind her departure from the group. This confession has sent significant ripples not only among fans but throughout the entire entertainment industry. According to "Weekly Bunshun"'s report, Kato-san opened up in a 140-minute exclusive confession, expressing her heartache at not even being allowed to say goodbye directly to her fans and fellow members. Her words have caused deep sadness and raised many questions among her numerous supporters. Further drawing attention is the alleged existence of a secret document detailing a "fabricated illness diagnosis" that a manager supposedly handed to a doctor. The article reports that this document suggests opaque circumstances surrounding Kato-san's withdrawal, casting a suspicious light on the management agency...

Popular actress Ryoko Yonekura (50) is reportedly the target of a full-scale investigation by the Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare Narcotics Control Department (commonly known as "Matori") on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act. This news, reported as an exclusive scoop by Weekly Bunshun, has sent significant ripples throughout the industry. According to the report, Matori has already raided Yonekura's home, and illegal drugs were reportedly seized during the search. This development has sent shockwaves both within and outside the entertainment industry, with whispers of "Is the empress falling?" Matori's involvement suggests that this is no mere gossip, but an incident highly likely to be treated seriously as a "case" to be adjudicated in a court of law. Yonekura has been a top actress known for her iconic line, "I never fail," from the drama "Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon." Concerns are risi...