Tokyo International News Agency

Amid recent revisions to the Imperial House Law, concerns and diverse opinions have emerged from various quarters, suggesting that "public understanding"—the foundation of the symbolic Emperor system—is being shaken. The true meaning of the words "public understanding," which His Majesty the Emperor has long sought, and the political movements surrounding it have sparked major discussions on social media. According to reports, regarding the government and ruling party's amendment procedures and legislative advancement, aides have leaked criticisms such as "it was pushed through too hastily" and voiced doubts about whether sufficient debate and national consensus-building are lacking. While opinion polls show high support for accepting a reigning empress, the swift passage of an amendment prioritizing the preservation of the imperial lineage through the traditional male-only line has drawn successive critical comments on social media. Public perception ...

It has been revealed that U.S. Army Secretary Driscoll has submitted his resignation to President Trump, sending shockwaves both domestically and internationally. Major media outlets, led by The Wall Street Journal, reported the news simultaneously. According to reports, the resignation was driven by a severe rift with Defense Secretary Hegseth. Under the Trump administration, top military and civilian departures have been mounting, including the resignation of Army Chief of Staff General George in April of this year, as well as the departure of Navy Secretary Phelan. Amid this unprecedented situation where top civilian leadership and key military officials are leaving one after another, social media platforms are flooded with voices expressing anxiety over the future trajectory of the administration, as well as concerns regarding potential conflicts over military strategy, such as a clash with Iran. This sudden resignation amidst an international climate fraught with concerns of worse...

In the entertainment world, a "first solo starring role" represents a monumental milestone for actors and artists alike. Across social media platforms, fans are generating massive daily excitement by posting congratulatory messages and expressing high expectations for their favorite stars—affectionately known as "oshi"—who have secured these coveted lead roles across various genres, including film, television, and theater. In the realm of international cinema, it was announced that "Behemoth! The Suite of Life," announced as Pedro Pascal's first solo starring film, is slated for a theatrical release in Japan in 2027. Fans erupted with joy, leaving enthusiastic comments such as "I am so, so happy!" and "He's definitely coming to Japan!" Furthermore, across television, movies, and stage productions, heartfelt expressions of admiration continue to pour in for these momentous challenges undertaken by their favorite performers. In pa...

Kirin Beverage has released a new TV commercial titled "Gogo no Fruits Tea" ahead of the renewed launch of "Kirin Gogo no Kocha FRUITS & ICE TEA" on September 15. The commercial stars Ren Meguro, a member of the popular idol group Snow Man. Immediately following the announcement, related keywords such as "Gogo no Fruits Tea" began trending across social media platforms, sparking significant excitement. Set against the backdrop of Canada's crisp air and the gentle sunlight of late summer, the new commercial captures the refreshing essence of the fruit tea, which is crafted with a clean finish and 7% real fruit juice. Accompanied by music from the legendary rock band Spitz, the commercial features a nostalgic, visually stunning aesthetic paired with Meguro's serene and radiant screen presence. Alongside the standard version, Kirin also released a vertical short video designed for mobile devices on its official YouTube channel. Fans quickly floode...

Amid growing nationwide concern over metal theft in Japan, reports that public prosecutors have decided not to indict three Vietnamese nationals previously arrested on suspicion of stealing copper cables and other metal items have drawn significant public attention. According to news reports, the Otsu District Public Prosecutors Office dropped the charges against the three men, including a 31-year-old unemployed individual of no fixed address. The prosecutors' office did not disclose the specific reasons for the non-prosecution decision. Following the report of the decision, numerous voices emerged on social media questioning the transparency of judicial proceedings and the lack of information disclosure. Comments included remarks such as, “Anxiety grows when charges are repeatedly dropped without explanation,” and “Shouldn't there be accountability regarding the reasons for non-indictment?” The case has also stimulated diverse discussions from multiple perspecti...

A television anime adaptation of the hit spin-off manga Baki Gaiden: Retsu Kaiou wa Isekai Tensei Shitemo Ikkou ni Kamawan! (Baki Gaiden: Retsu Kaiou Doesn't Mind Even in Another World), starring fan-favorite martial artist Retsu Kaiou from the legendary Baki franchise, has been officially greenlit. Alongside the announcement, a special teaser trailer was unveiled. TMS Entertainment, the studio behind the mainline Baki anime adaptations and Baki-Dou , will handle the animation production. This unique martial arts fantasy follows Retsu Kaiou after his demise in the main series, as he is reincarnated into a sword-and-sorcery fantasy world. Determined to prove the supremacy of Chinese Kenpo, Retsu fearlessly challenges monstrous beasts and formidable warriors from another dimension. Since its serialization began, the series has drawn immense attention for its wild premise fused with hard-hitting, authentic martial arts action. The announcement aligned with the broadcast of Retsu Ka...

A former tropical storm that had weakened into a tropical depression has regained strength over open waters and is expected to revert into a full-fledged typhoon, drawing widespread attention across Japanese social media. The phrase "becoming a typhoon" began trending on X (formerly Twitter) as users shared their astonishment and curiosity over this rare meteorological phenomenon. According to announcements by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and other weather bureaus, former Typhoon No. 18, which had degraded into a tropical depression after moving toward mainland China, drifted into the South China Sea and began gathering strength again. Meteorologists forecast that the system will intensify back to typhoon status within 24 hours. The revival of a system that previously dissipated into a tropical depression is colloquially known as a "resurrection typhoon" or "zombie storm," occurring only once every few years. Under meteorological conventions, when...