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Takaichi does not rule out expanding ruling bloc for ‘political stability’

Takaichi Leaves Door Open to Expanding Japan’s Ruling Coalition Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has indicated that she is not ruling out expanding the country’s ruling political bloc, saying that maintaining political stability will be an important consideration for her government. The comments come as Japan’s government considers its political position following changes to the balance of power in the country’s parliament. Takaichi’s remarks suggest that her administration is prepared to consider cooperation with additional political parties if doing so could provide greater stability for the government. The issue of coalition-building is particularly significant in Japan because the government must maintain sufficient parliamentary support to pass legislation and advance its policy programme. Any expansion of the ruling bloc would therefore have implications for how the administration approaches legislation and negotiations with other parties. Political Stability a Key Consideration Takaichi said political stability would be an important factor when considering the government’s future parliamentary arrangements. Rather than ruling out cooperation with other parties, she left open the possibility of expanding the existing framework. The prime minister’s position does not necessarily mean that a new coalition agreement has been reached. Discussions between political parties can involve a range of arrangements, including formal coalition agreements, parliamentary cooperation and agreements relating to individual pieces of legislation. For the government, securing reliable parliamentary support can make it easier to pass budgets, legislation and other measures. Without sufficient support, administrations can face prolonged negotiations and increased difficulty in advancing their legislative programmes. The political situation also means that the positions of smaller parties could become more important. Depending on the distribution of parliamentary seats, smaller political groups can sometimes play a significant role when larger parties need additional votes to secure majorities. Potential for Wider Cooperation Any decision to expand the ruling bloc would require negotiations over policy priorities and the terms of cooperation. Different political parties can have overlapping positions on some issues while disagreeing substantially on others. A broader political arrangement could therefore involve discussions about economic policy, social programmes, national security, constitutional questions and other areas of government policy. The precise form of any future cooperation would depend on negotiations between the parties involved. Takaichi’s comments leave open the possibility of discussions without establishing that a particular party will join the government. Political cooperation can also change over time as parties respond to parliamentary developments and individual policy proposals. The prime minister’s emphasis on stability indicates that the government’s parliamentary position is an important part of its calculations as it prepares to pursue its policy agenda. Why Parliamentary Numbers Matter Japan operates under a parliamentary system in which the government needs sufficient support in the National Diet to pass legislation and approve important government measures. The House of Representatives and House of Councillors both have important roles in the legislative process. Maintaining support across the two chambers can therefore be a significant consideration for any administration. Where the balance between parties is close, negotiations with opposition or smaller parties can become particularly important. Coalition governments are not unusual in Japanese politics, and political parties have previously worked together through formal coalitions and other parliamentary arrangements. Such agreements can provide governments with additional votes while also requiring compromises between coalition partners. For Takaichi’s administration, any expansion of the ruling bloc would consequently involve both political and policy considerations. Additional parliamentary support could affect the government’s ability to advance legislation, while prospective coalition partners would also have their own priorities and demands. Takaichi’s Government Faces Negotiations The prime minister’s comments indicate that negotiations over Japan’s political alignment remain an open issue. Her decision not to exclude a broader ruling bloc provides room for discussions with other political groups without committing the government to a particular arrangement. Such negotiations can take time because political parties must consider not only parliamentary arithmetic but also the policy consequences of working together. Parties may seek assurances over specific legislation or policy areas before agreeing to support a government. The government will also need to consider how any new arrangement would be viewed by its existing coalition partners and supporters. Expanding a political bloc can change the balance of influence between participating parties and potentially lead to disagreements over priorities. What Happens Next For the moment, Takaichi has left the question of a wider ruling bloc open rather than announcing a specific new coalition. The next stage is likely to involve continued discussions about parliamentary cooperation and the government’s ability to secure support for its legislative programme. The outcome will depend on the positions taken by the various political parties and on whether they can reach agreements on policy and parliamentary cooperation. Any formal coalition or other arrangement would need to be assessed separately from the prime minister’s current comments. The issue is therefore less about an immediate change to Japan’s government and more about how the administration can maintain parliamentary support and political stability while pursuing its programme. Takaichi’s willingness to consider an expanded ruling bloc keeps several possible political arrangements open. As discussions continue, the composition of the government’s parliamentary support could become an important factor in determining how easily it can advance legislation during the current parliamentary term. Source: Japan Today

September 24, 2026 No Comments

Japan to study use of AI-equipped humanoid robots in defense

Japan Examines AI-Powered Humanoid Robots for Defense Japan is preparing to examine whether humanoid robots equipped with physical artificial intelligence could eventually be used to support the country’s defense operations, as the Self-Defense Forces face continuing difficulties in securing enough personnel. Government and ruling party sources said the Japanese government plans to study the potential use of humanoid robots capable of operating in the physical world. The initial focus is expected to be on tasks that do not involve direct combat, with the technology potentially helping to reduce the workload placed on personnel and compensate for shortages within the Self-Defense Forces. How Humanoid Robots Could Support Japan’s Defense Forces One of the principal areas being considered is the use of humanoid robots for routine duties that currently require human personnel. Possible applications could include patrolling military facilities, transporting supplies and providing logistical assistance. Robots could potentially operate in environments where sending personnel would be difficult, dangerous or inefficient. They could also eventually have applications in reconnaissance and rescue operations, depending on how the technology develops. A humanoid design could provide particular advantages in environments built for people. Robots with arms, legs and a human-like body could potentially use existing stairs, doors, vehicles and equipment without requiring completely redesigned infrastructure. For Japan, the technology is also relevant because of continuing difficulties surrounding recruitment and staffing within the Self-Defense Forces. Using autonomous or semi-autonomous machines for selected duties could allow human personnel to concentrate on responsibilities requiring specialist skills and decision-making. What Physical AI Means Physical AI differs from conventional software-based artificial intelligence because it combines AI systems with sensors, cameras and a physical machine capable of interacting with its surroundings. A humanoid robot could use information gathered through cameras and other sensors to identify objects, understand its environment and perform assigned tasks. Advances in artificial intelligence are making it increasingly possible for machines to interpret changing surroundings rather than simply follow a fixed sequence of programmed movements. Japan’s defense authorities have already identified AI and unmanned equipment as important areas for future development. Unmanned systems can potentially operate for extended periods in difficult environments without exposing personnel to the same risks. The country is therefore examining unmanned technology across land, sea, underwater and air operations. Humanoid robots would represent a different category because they could potentially perform physical tasks normally associated with personnel rather than simply operating as remotely controlled vehicles or aircraft. Testing Humanoid Robot Technology As part of the planned study, Japanese authorities are expected to consider demonstrations or competitions involving humanoid robots developed by private companies and universities. Such trials would allow developers to demonstrate what their machines are capable of doing in realistic environments. The emphasis would be on practical capabilities rather than simply producing a robot that resembles a human. A useful defense-support robot would need to navigate independently, recognise objects and obstacles, manipulate equipment and operate reliably for extended periods. It would also need to function in environments where communications could be disrupted and where conditions may differ considerably from those used during laboratory testing. These factors could make real-world demonstrations particularly important before the technology could be considered for operational use. Testing could give the government a clearer picture of how quickly humanoid technology is developing and which tasks might realistically be suitable for robotic assistance. It could also highlight technical limitations that are less obvious during controlled demonstrations. Combat Applications Raise Different Questions Despite the potential military applications, the immediate focus of the proposed study is not expected to be armed humanoid robots. There are significant concerns about allowing artificial intelligence to make decisions in situations involving the potential use of force. An AI system could potentially misidentify people or objects, misunderstand changing circumstances or make an incorrect assessment based on incomplete information. These concerns become particularly important in environments where civilians and military personnel may be present at the same time. Japan’s defense authorities have recognised that the development and use of AI creates technical, legal and operational issues. Reliability, cybersecurity, training data, accountability and the appropriate level of human involvement are among the questions that would have to be considered. The distinction between support and combat is therefore significant. The immediate concept is focused on using machines to undertake selected supporting activities and reduce risks and workloads for personnel rather than replacing soldiers in combat. Part of Japan’s Wider Defense Technology Strategy The consideration of humanoid robots comes as Japan examines a much broader role for artificial intelligence in national defense. The government is also looking at the incorporation of domestically developed AI into Self-Defense Forces command and control systems. The aim is to improve the speed and accuracy of information processing and decision-making while maintaining an appropriate level of human involvement. Japan is consequently examining AI across several different areas, ranging from command systems and intelligence analysis to unmanned vehicles and physical machines. Humanoid robots remain an experimental area, however, and there is a substantial difference between demonstrating that a machine can complete a task and deploying it reliably within an operational defense environment. Cost, maintenance, cybersecurity, communications, battery life and autonomous operation would all need to be considered. For now, Japan’s plan represents an investigation into what humanoid robots might eventually contribute to the Self-Defense Forces rather than a decision to deploy autonomous machines in combat. If the technology continues to advance, robots could potentially take on selected tasks involving logistics, facility patrols, reconnaissance or emergency assistance. The planned research and demonstrations could provide an early indication of how Japan intends to balance the opportunities offered by physical AI with the technical, legal and operational challenges associated with increasingly autonomous machines. The immediate focus remains on developing technology that can support human personnel rather than replacing them. Source: DePRESSeD Media Ltd

September 24, 2026 No Comments

Childs body found on island off Yamagata possibly missing boy

Child’s Body Found on Island Off Northeastern Japan, Possibly Missing Boy Police in Yamagata Prefecture are investigating whether a body found on a remote island off northeastern Japan is that of a six-year-old boy who disappeared earlier this month. The discovery came after an extensive search involving more than 1,100 police personnel. The body was found on Wednesday, September 23, on Tobishima, an island belonging to Sakata in Yamagata Prefecture. Police have not yet formally identified the body, and as of Thursday evening neither the identity nor the cause of death had been established. Investigators are examining the possibility that the body is that of Yuto Takahashi, a six-year-old first-grade student at a special needs school who has been missing since September 5. Body Found on Tobishima A man in his 70s discovered the body at around 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday while carrying out volunteer cleaning activities on Tobishima. He contacted police after finding what appeared to be a child’s body on the coast. The body was found at Arasaki Beach on the western side of the island. It was lying face down on rocks approximately five metres inland from the water’s edge. The location is around 40 kilometres northwest across the sea from the park near Takahashi’s home where he was last seen. Tobishima itself is located about 40 kilometres from Sakata Port. Police said the body appeared to be that of a child based on its physical characteristics. However, the sex of the deceased had not initially been determined, and investigators could not confirm the person’s identity from the initial examination. Clothing Resembled What Missing Boy Was Wearing One of the main reasons police believe the body could be that of Takahashi is the clothing it was wearing. The body was dressed in what was described as a navy blue and red Spider-Man-patterned jumpsuit. Police said the clothing was similar to what Takahashi was wearing when he disappeared on September 5. The similarity prompted investigators to examine the possibility that the body could be connected to the missing-child case. The clothing alone, however, has not been sufficient to establish the identity of the deceased. Police began a formal process to identify the body and determine the cause of death. A forensic autopsy was carried out on Thursday, September 24. Police were examining the body as part of efforts to establish both the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death. Six-Year-Old Disappeared on September 5 Takahashi disappeared from Sakata on September 5. Police said he was last seen at about 9 a.m. that day at a park in Higashiizumicho, approximately 700 metres from his home. Security camera footage also showed a child believed to be Takahashi running towards the park at around 8:55 a.m., about five minutes before he was seen there. Police released footage in an effort to establish his movements and find additional information about what happened after he reached the area. The child had apparently left his home earlier that morning. Reports said he had been in the living room at around 8 a.m. and is believed to have opened the front door himself and gone outside. After his disappearance, police launched a large-scale search operation. Officers examined areas around the park, nearby roads, rivers and coastal areas while also checking information from security cameras and members of the public. More Than 1,100 Police Personnel Involved in Search The search continued for more than two weeks before the discovery on Tobishima. According to police, a cumulative total of approximately 1,100 police personnel had been involved in the operation. Investigators paid particular attention to rivers in the area surrounding the park where Takahashi was last seen. The park is located close to waterways, and police considered the possibility that he could have entered or fallen into a river and subsequently been carried downstream. Search teams also examined coastal waters and other locations around Sakata as the investigation continued. Despite the scale of the operation, police had not found a significant clue indicating where the boy had gone. The discovery of the body on Tobishima therefore provided investigators with a new location to examine, although it did not immediately answer how the body came to be on the island or whether it was Takahashi. How Could the Body Have Reached the Island? The distance between the area where Takahashi was last seen and Tobishima has raised questions about how the body could have reached the island if the deceased is confirmed to be the missing boy. Tobishima lies approximately 40 kilometres northwest of the coastal area around Sakata. Local reports said the western side of the island, where the body was discovered, is an area where debris and other objects can wash ashore. A specialist in water safety interviewed by local media said that a distance of about 40 kilometres would not necessarily be impossible for an object to travel over the period involved. Floating material can be affected by both ocean currents and wind, meaning its eventual location does not necessarily correspond directly to the direction of a current. The specialist also noted that conditions associated with a typhoon could potentially have influenced wind and water movement during the period. However, determining the actual route taken would require detailed examination of historical wind, wave and current conditions. Police have not publicly established that the body travelled from the area around Sakata to Tobishima by sea. That remains one possibility being considered as the investigation continues. Discovery Made During Volunteer Cleanup The body was found by a local man who had gone to the area to take part in a cleanup activity. He told local television reporters that he had been aware of the continuing search for the missing boy. He said he initially noticed what appeared to be something that had washed ashore and went closer to investigate. After seeing the clothing, he became concerned that it might be connected to the missing-child case and contacted police. The discovery was particularly distressing for

September 24, 2026 No Comments

Tokyo’s Square Burger claims it’s a viral hit with foreign tourists who’ve given it near-perfect Google reviews

Tokyo’s Square Burger Draws Foreign Tourists With Wagyu, Local Bread and Near-Perfect Reviews A burger restaurant in Tokyo’s Asakusa district is attracting large numbers of international visitors with a menu item that looks quite different from the burgers most people are familiar with. Kadomasu-The Square Burger has built its reputation around a square-shaped burger made with A5-grade wagyu beef, specially prepared bread and ingredients sourced from long-established businesses in the neighborhood. The restaurant says the unusual burger has generated significant attention among foreign tourists visiting Tokyo, with overseas visitors accounting for more than 80 percent of its customers. Its location also puts it in a particularly busy part of the capital, close to Sensoji Temple, one of Asakusa’s best-known tourist attractions. The restaurant’s popularity can also be seen in its online reviews. As of September 2026, Kadomasu-The Square Burger had an average Google rating of 4.9 out of five stars based on more than 2,000 reviews. The rating has helped give the restaurant an impressive online reputation among visitors searching for places to eat in Asakusa. From Kadomasu to The Square Burger The restaurant was not originally focused exclusively on its square burger. It previously operated simply under the name Kadomasu and offered a broader selection of food and drinks, including steak skewers, desserts and beverages. The situation changed after the Square Burger was introduced in the spring of the previous year. According to the restaurant, the new item began attracting considerable attention on social media, particularly among international tourists travelling around Tokyo. The response was strong enough that the restaurant incorporated the name of its signature burger into its own name, becoming Kadomasu-The Square Burger. The change reflects the importance of the burger to the restaurant’s identity and its growing reputation among visitors from outside Japan. The location is particularly well suited to attracting tourists. Asakusa receives large numbers of visitors who come to see Sensoji Temple and explore the surrounding streets, shops and restaurants. Kadomasu is located at 2-7-13 Asakusa in Taito Ward, putting the restaurant within this heavily visited part of Tokyo. Why Is the Burger Square? The shape of the burger is not simply a gimmick. The restaurant’s name provides part of the explanation. In Japanese, “kado” refers to a corner, making the square shape a natural connection to the name Kadomasu. There is also a practical reason for making the burger square. Instead of using a conventional round bun and round patty, the restaurant uses square pieces of specially prepared bread with a matching square patty. The result is immediately recognizable. Customers are not simply being served another standard hamburger with a different topping. The shape, bread and presentation are all intended to make the burger distinct from more familiar fast-food versions. The Square Burger is also cut into four square pieces before it is served. That makes it easier to eat and gives the sandwich a presentation that fits its name. A5 Wagyu Is at the Center The most important ingredient in the Square Burger is the beef. Kadomasu uses A5-grade wagyu for its patties, placing a premium Japanese ingredient at the heart of what is otherwise a familiar international food. Wagyu has become increasingly popular with visitors to Japan, and using it in a burger provides tourists with another way of trying Japanese beef without ordering a traditional steak. The burger also offers customers the option of adding cheddar cheese. A serving of wasabi is provided separately, giving diners the opportunity to add a distinctly Japanese flavor to the rich beef. The combination of wagyu, butter-toasted bread, sauce and optional wasabi creates a burger that is deliberately different from the inexpensive fast-food sandwiches that most tourists might associate with the word burger. It Uses Bread Rather Than a Conventional Bun One of the most unusual aspects of the Square Burger is that the restaurant does not use a conventional hamburger bun. Instead, the sandwich is made using specially produced bread supplied by a local Asakusa bakery. The bakery is Terasawa, which was established in the neighborhood in 1950. The relationship gives the burger another connection with the local community rather than relying entirely on ingredients and products from outside the area. The bread used for the Square Burger is made specifically for the restaurant. Golden sesame seeds are incorporated into the bread, providing a nutty flavor that complements the beef. The bread is then toasted on a flat grill with butter. The cooking process is intended to create a crisp exterior while leaving the inside soft and fluffy. According to the restaurant’s management, the bread is delivered fresh to Kadomasu every morning by Masahiko Terasawa, the bakery’s third-generation owner. That arrangement means the restaurant is not simply buying a standard commercial loaf and cutting it into pieces for its burgers. A Burger Built Around Asakusa The use of Terasawa bread is part of a wider attempt to make the Square Burger specifically connected to Asakusa. Rather than presenting it as another generic gourmet burger in Tokyo, Kadomasu has used businesses from the neighborhood to give the product a local identity. That approach is particularly interesting in a district where tourists can find food from almost every part of Japan and many different countries. By using local suppliers with long histories, the restaurant is attempting to give an international-style food a distinctly Asakusa character. The bread itself is therefore part of the story. Customers are not just buying a burger containing Japanese beef; they are also eating bread made by a bakery that has been part of the neighborhood since the middle of the 20th century. The Sauce Has Its Own Long History The restaurant has also chosen a local partner for its burger sauce. Tokiha Sauce has been part of Asakusa since 1923, making its history even longer than that of the bakery supplying the burger bread. Kadomasu uses Tokiha’s vegetable-based Nama Sauce as the starting point for the sauce used on the Square Burger. Additional ingredients are added before the sauce

September 23, 2026 No Comments

Hayden Panettiere died from accidental overdose involving fentanyl coroner says

Hayden Panettiere’s Death Ruled Accidental After Coroner Reveals Fentanyl Involvement The death of actress Hayden Panettiere has been officially ruled accidental, with a South Carolina coroner determining that the 36-year-old died from the toxic effects of several drugs, including fentanyl. The findings were released more than a month after Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office said the cause of death was the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine. The manner of death was classified as an accident. An autopsy also found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death. Coroner Details the Drugs Found in Her System Fentanyl was identified alongside four other substances. 4-ANPP is a chemical byproduct associated with fentanyl production, while alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax, a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety. Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant, and quetiapine is a prescription drug used for several medical conditions, including certain mental health disorders. The combination was identified through toxicology testing conducted as part of the post-mortem examination. The coroner’s determination means authorities classified the death as an accidental drug overdose rather than a suicide or homicide. Panettiere Was Found Unresponsive in Greenville Panettiere was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville on August 16, 2026. Emergency responders were called after a report of cardiac arrest and attempted to revive her using CPR and other advanced resuscitation measures. Despite those efforts, Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene. According to authorities, the response continued for more than 40 minutes before her death was confirmed. The coroner subsequently reported that the autopsy showed no trauma that could have contributed to the fatal outcome. Police Investigation Remains Active Although the coroner has classified the death as accidental, the police investigation has not been closed. Greenville Police said detectives were continuing to follow leads and gather information concerning the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death. Authorities had previously said that their preliminary investigation had not identified signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The ongoing investigation is separate from the coroner’s determination of the medical cause and manner of death. The circumstances surrounding how Panettiere came into contact with the drugs have therefore remained an area of investigation. The actress’s family representative described the case as complex and said the investigation was still continuing after the coroner’s findings were released. A Career That Began in Childhood Panettiere began working as an actress while she was still a child, appearing in commercials and television productions before becoming widely recognised. Her major breakthrough came with the NBC drama Heroes, where she played cheerleader Claire Bennet, a character with the ability to heal from injuries. The series became an international television success and established Panettiere as one of the most recognisable young performers of the mid-2000s. She later moved into another major television role as country singer Juliette Barnes in Nashville. Her work on Nashville also allowed her to showcase her singing. The series produced commercially successful music and earned Panettiere two Golden Globe nominations for her performance as Juliette. Panettiere Also Appeared in the Scream Franchise Away from television, Panettiere appeared in several films, including the horror franchise Scream. She played Kirby Reed in Scream 4 and later returned to the character for Scream VI, released in 2023. Her return to the role marked one of her most prominent film appearances in the later part of her career. By that stage, she had also spoken increasingly openly about the personal difficulties she had experienced throughout her life. She Had Spoken Publicly About Addiction and Recovery Panettiere had previously discussed her struggles with alcohol and opioid addiction, as well as postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Kaya, in 2014. She also entered rehabilitation during her time working on Nashville. In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, Panettiere described aspects of her personal life and the difficulties associated with growing up in the entertainment industry. She also discussed addiction, recovery and other painful experiences that had affected her life. In a CBS News interview earlier in 2026, Panettiere spoke about her decision to discuss those experiences publicly. She said she wanted other people to feel less afraid of sharing their own struggles and to understand that recovery could be an ongoing process. Family Responds to the Coroner’s Findings Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, described her daughter as a fighter and referred to the efforts she had made to overcome addiction. The family has continued to grieve her death while the wider investigation remains active. The actress’s death came after years in which she had spoken publicly about recovery and attempts to maintain her health. According to reporting surrounding the coroner’s findings, she had recently spent time in a rehabilitation facility before her death. A Tragic End to a High-Profile Career Panettiere’s death brings an end to a career that began when she was a child and continued across television, film and music. Her performances in Heroes, Nashville and the Scream franchise made her familiar to audiences around the world. The coroner’s findings now provide an official determination of the medical cause and manner of her death. However, Greenville Police have confirmed that their investigation remains active, meaning questions surrounding the circumstances of the incident have not necessarily been concluded. Panettiere was 36 when she died on August 16, 2026. Her career and her public discussions about addiction and recovery have ensured that news of her death has prompted renewed attention to both her work and the personal struggles she had previously chosen to discuss openly. Source: Japan Today

September 23, 2026 No Comments

Mystery man Uketsu reflects on Dagger shortlist, early life in Britain

Mystery Writer Uketsu Reflects on Dagger Shortlist and Early Life in Britain Japanese mystery and horror writer Uketsu has attracted international attention while maintaining one of the most unusual identities in contemporary literature. Known for appearing in a black hood and a distinctive white mask, the writer has become a major name in Japan while continuing to keep his real identity private. His growing international profile reached another milestone when his novel Strange Pictures was shortlisted for a Dagger Award presented by the Crime Writers’ Association in Britain. The recognition brought Uketsu to London, where he attended the awards event still wearing the costume that has become closely associated with his public identity. From the neck down, Uketsu appeared much like the other writers attending the ceremony. He wore formal black clothing, including a tuxedo, bow tie and white shirt. His face, however, remained hidden behind the white mask, while a device altered his voice when he spoke. A Writer Who Keeps His Identity Secret Uketsu has deliberately maintained a separation between his private identity and his public persona. His publishers have confirmed only limited information about him, including that he is a man. Even people working with him in the publishing industry have sometimes had little or no knowledge of what he looks like without his mask. The secrecy has become an important part of the fascination surrounding his books. Rather than appearing as a conventional author at literary events, Uketsu arrives in his distinctive costume and communicates using his electronically altered voice. The approach began as part of his online activities before becoming closely connected with his books. Uketsu first attracted attention through unusual and unsettling videos on YouTube, where he experimented with strange images and stories designed to make viewers curious and uncomfortable. One of his most successful early videos examined the floor plans of a mysterious house and considered what might be hidden within its unusual design. The concept eventually became the foundation for Strange House, the novel that helped establish Uketsu as a successful writer in Japan. From YouTube to Bestselling Books Uketsu’s transition from online creator to bestselling author has been unusual. His work combines elements of mystery, horror and visual storytelling, often asking readers to examine diagrams, illustrations or other clues as they work through the story. Rather than relying entirely on conventional prose, his books encourage readers to participate in solving the mystery. Images can contain information that becomes significant later in the story, creating a connection between the visual material and the written narrative. Strange Pictures uses this approach by presenting several apparently separate stories centred around illustrations. Readers are encouraged to look for connections between the individual stories and work out the larger mystery as the book progresses. The format has helped Uketsu reach readers who may not normally choose traditional mystery or horror novels. His work combines the accessibility of visual media with more complicated underlying structures, giving readers different ways to engage with the story. Influences from Japanese Mystery and Horror Although Uketsu’s presentation is distinctly modern, his work is connected to a much longer Japanese tradition of mystery and supernatural storytelling. Japan has a rich history of ghost stories and tales of the strange, with collections of supernatural narratives dating back centuries. Uketsu has also identified the influential Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Ranpo as an inspiration. Ranpo helped establish many of the conventions associated with Japanese detective and mystery fiction, and his influence can be seen in Uketsu’s interest in puzzles, hidden information and unusual narratives. At the same time, Uketsu has developed a distinctive format of his own. His stories frequently combine disturbing subject matter with diagrams, drawings and visual clues, allowing readers to investigate the mystery rather than simply watching events unfold through conventional narration. His Connection With Britain Uketsu’s appearance at the Dagger Awards also had a personal connection because Britain was part of his early life. His experiences in the country have become one of the less widely known aspects of the writer’s background, particularly because he has chosen to keep much of his personal history private. His connection with Britain provided an unusual link between the writer’s Japanese literary career and the international audience now discovering his work. The Dagger shortlist gave Uketsu an opportunity to return to the country in a very different role, this time as an internationally recognised author. The awards appearance also demonstrated how far his career has progressed from his early online videos. Instead of being known primarily to Japanese internet audiences, Uketsu is now being discussed by publishers, translators and crime writers outside Japan. The Dagger Shortlist Being shortlisted for a Dagger Award represents another stage in the international expansion of Uketsu’s work. The Crime Writers’ Association awards recognise crime and mystery writing, bringing his style of Japanese mystery horror to an established British literary audience. The international publication of Strange Pictures has also helped introduce Uketsu to readers outside Japan. Translations of his work are being published in numerous countries, expanding the audience for a writer whose original success was built through a combination of books and online video. His appearance in London attracted attention not only because of the award nomination but because of the extraordinary lengths he goes to in order to preserve his anonymity. Even at an important literary event, the mask remained firmly in place. The Mask Has Become Part of the Story Uketsu has acknowledged that his appearance can contribute to the success of his work. The mask immediately distinguishes him from other writers and provides a recognisable visual identity that connects his books, videos and public appearances. There are practical disadvantages, however. Maintaining the costume throughout public events can make ordinary activities more complicated. At the Dagger Awards, for example, the mask affected how Uketsu could eat and drink during the event. Despite those difficulties, he continues to appear publicly in the same distinctive form. The decision allows him to preserve the mystery surrounding his identity while giving

September 22, 2026 No Comments

Gang of angry monkeys surrounds and attacks man in hot spring town

Gang of Angry Monkeys Surrounds and Attacks Man in Japan’s Hot Spring Town A man in his 40s was attacked by a group of Japanese macaques in Yugawara, a popular hot spring town in Kanagawa Prefecture, after the animals surrounded him during an early-morning walk. The incident is the latest in a growing series of problems involving a troop of wild monkeys that has increasingly moved into residential areas of the town. The animals have been blamed for threatening residents, entering properties and damaging gardens. The man was reportedly walking near the entrance of a hotel at around 7 a.m. when approximately a dozen monkeys surrounded him. He was bitten several times on his hands and was taken to hospital for treatment. Man Surrounded by Troop of Monkeys The attack happened in Yugawara on September 17. The town is located in western Kanagawa Prefecture and is well known for its hot springs, traditional inns and mountainous surroundings. The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was in his 40s when he encountered the monkeys. Rather than simply passing through the area, the animals surrounded him and attacked. The monkeys bit his hands several times during the encounter. The injuries were serious enough for him to require treatment at a hospital, although reports did not indicate that his injuries were life-threatening. The animals are believed to belong to a troop known as T1, which has become a longstanding problem for people living in Yugawara. The troop has increasingly been seen away from the surrounding forests and in parts of the town where people live and work. The latest attack has again highlighted the difficulty faced by residents of an area that is both a residential community and a popular destination for people visiting Japan for hot spring stays. More Than 900 Aggressive Incidents Reported The T1 troop has been associated with a large number of encounters involving people. More than 900 cases of monkeys behaving aggressively or threateningly towards humans were reported during 2025. Those incidents have not been limited to people encountering monkeys in the countryside. The animals have increasingly appeared in built-up parts of Yugawara, including residential neighbourhoods. Residents have reported monkeys entering gardens and homes, damaging vegetables and other plants, and creating problems around properties. Their increasing presence has changed everyday routines for some people living in affected parts of the town. A previous investigation by Japan Forward reported that Yugawara recorded about 33,000 incidents involving monkeys over the four years through 2025. A household survey documented problems ranging from monkeys climbing onto roofs and making noise to damage to homes and threatening behaviour towards residents. The survey recorded approximately 27,000 incidents between 2022 and 2024, followed by another 6,000 incidents in 2025. Many of the reported problems were concentrated around JR Yugawara Station and the area’s hot spring district. Monkeys Have Become Part of the Town’s Daily Problems The presence of the monkeys has become more than an occasional wildlife encounter. Residents have described having to change normal activities because of the animals. Some people have reported keeping their windows locked because monkeys use the surrounding area as a route. Others have stopped gardening after repeatedly encountering the animals near their homes. There have also been reports of monkeys entering areas used by visitors. An open-air bath in the area was reportedly forced to close after monkeys began appearing nearby. The situation is particularly significant because Yugawara’s identity is closely connected to tourism. The town is known for its natural hot springs and traditional accommodation, attracting visitors looking for a quieter alternative to larger tourist destinations in the Tokyo region. The increasing presence of wild macaques in the same areas used by residents and tourists therefore creates a difficult problem for local authorities. The monkeys are wild animals, but their habitat now overlaps with parts of the town used regularly by people. The T1 Troop Has a Complicated Status The monkeys are Japanese macaques, a native species that is found across large parts of Japan. The T1 troop is particularly significant because it is the last remaining troop in the Seisho area along the western coast of Sagami Bay. A population survey conducted in 2025 confirmed 20 monkeys in the T1 troop. The animals’ status makes the authorities’ response more complicated than simply removing a nuisance population. The regional population of Japanese macaques is listed by Kanagawa Prefecture as a population at risk of extinction. As a result, the authorities have to consider both the damage caused by the monkeys and the conservation status of the animals. Kanagawa has previously taken action against other troops under its Japanese macaque management programme. Entire troops have been removed from some areas when their presence created serious problems for local communities. The T1 troop, however, is the final remaining troop in the Seisho area, meaning that any decision to remove it entirely has wider implications for the regional macaque population. Authorities Have Been Seeking Permission to Act Yugawara’s local authorities have been seeking permission from Kanagawa Prefecture to capture the T1 troop because of the continuing problems it causes for residents. The request has been under consideration rather than being an immediate authorisation to remove the animals. The prefectural government has been examining how the monkeys should be managed as it prepares its next Japanese Macaque Management Plan. That plan is scheduled to take effect in fiscal 2027. The question of what should happen to the T1 troop is therefore being considered as part of a wider approach to managing Japanese macaques across the prefecture. The situation demonstrates why dealing with wildlife in populated areas can be complicated. Capturing or removing animals can reduce immediate risks to residents, but conservation rules and the status of the regional population also have to be taken into account. Why Are the Monkeys Becoming More Aggressive? The precise reason for the increasingly aggressive behaviour of the monkeys in Yugawara has not been established. Authorities have not identified a single cause that explains why

September 21, 2026 No Comments

Japan elderly population makes up record 29%

Japan’s Elderly Population Reaches Record 29.6%, Highest Among Major Nations Japan’s population aged 65 and over has reached a new record, with elderly people now accounting for 29.6 percent of the country’s total population, according to figures released by the Japanese government ahead of Respect for the Aged Day. The latest estimate shows that 36.24 million people in Japan are aged 65 or older. That figure increased by 20,000 from the previous year, even as Japan’s overall population continues to decline. The figures underline the scale of Japan’s demographic transformation and its position as the country with the highest proportion of elderly people among nations with populations of more than 40 million. Nearly Three in Every 10 People Are Aged 65 or Older The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released the figures on September 20, one day before Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day. The proportion of people aged 65 or older reached 29.6 percent, exceeding the previous year’s figure of 29.4 percent. The total elderly population of 36.24 million consists of 15.71 million men and 20.54 million women. The figures demonstrate the continuing importance of older people within Japanese society, both in demographic terms and in the workforce. The latest percentage represents another record for Japan. Government statistics show that the proportion of people aged 65 and over has risen steadily over the long term as the country has experienced declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy. For comparison, official Japanese statistics put the elderly share at 29.3 percent as of October 2024. The new estimate therefore represents a further increase in the proportion of the population belonging to the 65-and-over age group. Japan Remains at the Top Internationally Japan’s demographic situation is particularly notable when compared with other large developed countries. Among 39 countries with populations of at least 40 million, Japan has the highest proportion of residents aged 65 or older. Italy has the second-highest proportion, with people aged 65 and over accounting for 25.6 percent of its population. Germany follows at 24.2 percent, while France records 22.9 percent. The difference between Japan and the other countries illustrates how pronounced the country’s ageing trend has become. Almost three out of every 10 people living in Japan are now at least 65 years old. The Japanese government’s comparison uses countries with populations of 40 million or more, rather than every country in the world. That distinction is important because countries with smaller populations can have different demographic structures and are not included in this particular comparison. The Number of People Aged 75 and Over Is Also Rising The ageing trend becomes even more pronounced when the population aged 75 and over is considered. People in this age group account for 17.7 percent of Japan’s total population. That proportion is also the highest among nine major countries examined in the government comparison. Italy follows Japan at 13.3 percent for the share of its population aged 75 and over. Japan’s large population of people aged 75 and over reflects the continuing movement of earlier generations into older age groups. It also means that the country’s ageing population is not simply a result of a growing number of people entering their 60s. A substantial and increasing part of Japan’s population is now in the 75-and-over category, creating additional demographic consequences for healthcare, social security, employment and the provision of services for older residents. Japan’s Working Population Has Also Been Changing The ageing of the population is taking place alongside a long-term reduction in the number of people in the traditional working-age population. Japanese government statistics show that the population aged between 15 and 64 has declined significantly from its previous peak. At the same time, the number of older people who remain in employment has continued to rise. According to the Statistics Bureau, 9.43 million people aged 65 or older were employed, marking the 22nd consecutive year in which the number increased. People aged 65 and over accounted for 13.8 percent of all employed people, another record in the government’s latest statistics. Employment rates for individual older age groups also reached record levels. The figures show that the elderly population should not be viewed simply as a group that has left the labour market. Many older Japanese people continue to work, contributing to businesses and the wider economy after reaching the traditional retirement age. Population Decline Makes the Proportion More Significant Japan’s record elderly percentage is occurring against the background of a shrinking overall population. The number of people aged 65 and over increased slightly in the latest figures, while Japan continues to face a longer-term decline in its total population. This combination means that older people represent an increasingly large share of the population. Even relatively small changes in the number of elderly residents can therefore produce a noticeable change in their percentage of the total population. Japan has experienced this demographic shift over several decades. The proportion of people aged 65 and over was less than 5 percent of the population in 1950. It subsequently passed 7 percent in 1970 and exceeded 14 percent in 1994 before continuing to rise. The transformation has changed the structure of Japanese society. The country now has a much smaller proportion of children and working-age adults relative to its elderly population than it did during the decades when Japan experienced rapid economic growth. The Ageing Trend Is Expected to Continue The latest record is not expected to represent the end of Japan’s ageing trend. Demographic projections indicate that the number of people aged 65 and over will increase further in the coming decades as large generations move into older age. According to projections from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, Japan’s elderly population is expected to reach approximately 39.45 million by 2045. At that point, people aged 65 and over are projected to account for 36.3 percent of the total population. That would mean more than one in three people in Japan would be at least 65 years

September 21, 2026 No Comments

Pickle-flavored tart AI inspires Japan’s convenience stores

Pickle-Flavoured Tart? AI Is Helping Japan’s Convenience Stores Create Unusual New Foods Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used for tasks that go far beyond the technology sector, and in Japan it is now finding a particularly unusual application: helping convenience stores come up with new food products. Major Japanese convenience store chains are experimenting with AI as a source of ideas for products that might not emerge from conventional food development methods. The results include some combinations that sound strange at first, including a pickle-flavoured lemon tart and a French-style canelé containing sweet potato. The experiments come as Japan’s convenience stores compete to keep their food selections interesting in a market where customers have an enormous range of inexpensive meals, snacks and desserts available to them. Rather than simply copying successful products or relying entirely on previous sales data, companies are increasingly asking AI to suggest combinations that human developers might not immediately consider. Lawson Asks AI for Something Unexpected Lawson, one of Japan’s largest convenience store chains, announced a group of new products developed with assistance from artificial intelligence. The company said it wanted to create foods that were not constrained by established ideas or existing market trends. The theme given to the AI was deliberately provocative: “What on earth is this? But it’s delicious.” The idea was to encourage suggestions that might initially seem unusual while still producing combinations that could potentially work as food products. Among the products generated through this process was a pickle-flavoured lemon tart. The combination brings together the sharp acidity and sweetness normally associated with lemon desserts with the salty, sour character of pickles. Lawson also developed a bread roll containing red bean paste, margarine and yogurt cream. Red bean paste is already a familiar ingredient in Japanese sweets and bread products, but combining it with margarine and yogurt cream gives the product a different balance of flavours and textures. AI Was Used to Generate the Ideas Lawson said AI was used during brainstorming rather than being left to independently design finished products. The company specifically said it wanted to generate ideas without relying on past sales figures or market data. That distinction is important. The products were not created by handing the entire development process over to a computer system. Instead, AI was being used as a source of suggestions at an early stage, with people still responsible for deciding which ideas were worth developing. The approach gives food developers a way of exploring a much larger number of combinations. An AI system can rapidly generate unusual pairings based on a prompt, allowing human developers to select ideas that appear sufficiently interesting to investigate further. The pickle-flavoured tart is an example of the kind of combination that can attract attention precisely because it does not sound like a conventional dessert. The Products Are Not Just AI Experiments Although the unusual combinations originated from AI-assisted brainstorming, the finished products still require conventional food development. Human specialists remain involved in deciding whether an idea can actually be made, how it should taste and whether customers are likely to buy it. This means that AI is functioning more like a creative tool than an autonomous food manufacturer. It can propose combinations, but people still have to turn those proposals into products that meet practical requirements. Ingredients have to work together, recipes have to be suitable for large-scale production and products have to survive the logistical demands of being sold through convenience stores. There is also the question of whether customers will actually want to eat something that sounds unusual. A combination may look interesting on paper but fail if the finished product does not taste good or if shoppers are unwilling to spend money on it. FamilyMart Is Taking a Different Approach Lawson is not the only major Japanese convenience store chain experimenting with artificial intelligence. Rival FamilyMart has also been using AI in the development of new desserts. FamilyMart used sales data as part of its AI-assisted product development process. Rather than asking AI to generate ideas without reference to historical information, the company fed sales data into the system to help identify a product that was both unusual and likely to sell. The result was a French-style canelé made with dough containing sweet potato puree and topped with caramel sauce. A canelé is a small French pastry traditionally associated with Bordeaux. It has a dark caramelized exterior and a soft, custard-like interior, making it a very different product from the typical rice balls and sandwiches found in Japanese convenience stores. FamilyMart’s version adds sweet potato puree to the dough and finishes the pastry with caramel sauce, creating a dessert that combines a French pastry format with flavours strongly associated with Japanese autumn foods. FamilyMart Wants Products That Will Sell FamilyMart’s approach highlights one of the main differences between using AI for creative brainstorming and using it as a commercial forecasting tool. The company told AFP that it wanted to create something new while also developing a product that was likely to sell. Sales data therefore became part of the information used in the development process. As with Lawson, however, the AI did not replace the company’s food specialists. Human employees remained involved in turning the computer-generated ideas into an actual product. The canelé is scheduled for nationwide sale, giving FamilyMart an opportunity to see whether an AI-assisted product can perform successfully across its large network of stores. FamilyMart Already Tested AI With a Dessert The sweet potato canelé is not FamilyMart’s first attempt to use artificial intelligence for food development. The company conducted an earlier experiment in July with a biscuit sandwich filled with thick milk cream. That product was treated as a test of whether AI-assisted development could produce something customers actually wanted to buy. FamilyMart said the experiment was successful, encouraging the company to continue exploring the technology. The chain subsequently decided to pursue AI-assisted product development more seriously and planned to introduce additional products developed using the technology. The

September 21, 2026 No Comments

Flights scrapped evacuations urged as typhoon nears Tokyo area

Flights Cancelled as Typhoon Dujuan Brings Heavy Rain to Japan Hundreds of flights were cancelled and more than 1.6 million people were urged to evacuate in Japan as Typhoon Dujuan approached the Tokyo region, bringing the threat of torrential rain, flooding and landslides. The powerful storm was moving towards the Kanto region on September 21, with authorities warning that conditions could deteriorate rapidly. The Japan Meteorological Agency said rainfall could become particularly intense as the typhoon moved north, with some areas potentially experiencing record-breaking rainfall. Dujuan was producing winds of around 144 kilometres per hour as it moved to approximately 130 kilometres south of Katsuura City in Chiba Prefecture. Although the storm was not expected to make a direct landfall in central Tokyo, its extensive rain bands were affecting a wide area around the capital. More Than 1.6 Million People Urged to Evacuate Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said more than 1.6 million residents in and around Tokyo had been urged to evacuate from areas at risk. The evacuation advice was not mandatory, but authorities warned residents to take the threat from flooding and landslides seriously. Landslide warnings were issued for Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures as heavy rain continued across parts of eastern Japan. Officials were particularly concerned about locations where already saturated ground could become unstable following prolonged rainfall. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the total amount of rain falling through September 22 could exceed the average rainfall normally recorded during the entire month of September in some locations. The agency also warned about the possibility of linear rain bands forming over the Kanto and central Japan regions. These narrow areas of intense rainfall can remain over the same location for several hours and significantly increase the risk of flash flooding and landslides. Air Travel Hit by the Storm The approaching typhoon caused widespread disruption to air travel. Japan Airlines cancelled 135 flights, while All Nippon Airways cancelled another 140 flights as the storm approached the Tokyo area. The cancellations affected both passengers travelling within Japan and people using Tokyo’s airports to connect with international destinations. Travellers were advised to check directly with their airlines before travelling because further cancellations and delays were possible as weather conditions changed. The disruption extended beyond aviation. Railway operators in Tokyo and neighbouring areas suspended services on some lines as heavy rain and strong winds created difficult operating conditions. The transport disruption demonstrated how quickly a major typhoon can affect movement across the wider Tokyo metropolitan area. Even when the centre of a storm remains offshore, heavy rainfall and flooding can cause problems across roads, railways and airport connections. Flooding and Power Outages Reported The storm had already caused flooding in several locations as rain intensified. Images from Kamakura showed water covering roads around the popular tourist area near Kamakura Station. Kamakura Mayor Takashi Matsuo warned residents that travelling by car was dangerous because flooding had affected different parts of the city. Other areas around Tokyo and Chiba also experienced flooding as rivers and drainage systems came under pressure from the heavy rainfall. Thousands of households were also without electricity. More than 9,000 households in areas near Tokyo had lost power as the storm brought strong winds and heavy rain. The combination of flooding, power outages and transport cancellations created difficulties for residents and visitors alike. Authorities continued to monitor rivers, roads and vulnerable areas as the typhoon moved through the region. Events Cancelled Across Japan Typhoon Dujuan also disrupted a number of major events. The Tokyo Game Show, one of the world’s largest video game trade events, was forced to close early on its final scheduled day because of the approaching storm. Events in Chiba were also affected. A major outdoor music festival and a baseball game scheduled to take place in the prefecture were cancelled because of the weather conditions. The storm also affected sporting events elsewhere in Japan. At the Asian Games being held in Aichi Prefecture, organisers postponed an equestrian competition because of the approaching weather. The disruption illustrated the wider impact of the storm beyond areas directly threatened by flooding. Events involving large numbers of spectators can be particularly difficult to operate safely when severe weather affects transport networks and surrounding infrastructure. Prime Minister’s Travel Delayed The typhoon also affected the schedule of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, whose planned departure for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly was delayed by four hours because of the storm. The delay was another indication of the disruption caused by the weather as authorities dealt with deteriorating conditions around the capital and other parts of eastern Japan. While the typhoon’s strongest winds remained offshore, its associated rain bands were capable of producing dangerous conditions over a much wider area. Officials therefore continued to urge residents in vulnerable locations to pay attention to evacuation information and local weather warnings. Warnings Over Further Heavy Rain The Japan Meteorological Agency said that heavy rain could continue even as Typhoon Dujuan moved north. Takuya Hosomi of the agency warned that rainfall could remain a significant threat in areas where weather warnings were already in place. The possibility of concentrated rain bands was particularly concerning because these systems can produce extremely heavy rainfall over a relatively small area. Such conditions can cause rivers to rise rapidly and trigger flash floods or landslides with limited warning. Residents in areas covered by evacuation advice were therefore encouraged to move to safer locations before conditions became more difficult. Authorities also warned people against unnecessary travel, particularly through flooded areas or locations vulnerable to landslides. Typhoon Causes Widespread Disruption Typhoon Dujuan’s approach demonstrated the broad impact that a major storm can have on Japan’s infrastructure and daily life. Flights were cancelled, railway services were disrupted, events were called off and thousands of homes lost power. The immediate concern was the continuing threat from heavy rain rather than the storm’s winds alone. With saturated ground and rivers already under pressure, further rainfall could increase

September 21, 2026 No Comments
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