Entertainment

Why Did SMAP’s Nakai Masahiro Pay a Woman a Massive Settlement?

A member of ultra-famous Japanese boy band SMAP paid a woman an eye-watering settlement. Fans and the media want to know why.

NHK’s Kohaku Switches Hoshino Gen Song Tied to Director Accused of Sexual Assault

NHk and Hoshino Gen have announced the singer will switch the song he planned to sing at Kohaku due to its association with disgraced director Sono Sion.

Thanks, Resellers: Why Evangelion Voice Actress Will End Signings

Famous voice actress Yamaguchi Yuriko (Evangelion's Akagi Ritsuko) lashed out at resellers on social media recently.

Japanese Idol TV Competition Ends With No Results

Fans of idol competition Seven Colors tuned in this week to find out if their oshi made the cut. Here's why everyone ended up disappointed.

Popular Japanese Politician Tamaki Yuichirō Attends Porn Law Symposium

A number of political party representatives - including popular Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) leader Tamaki Yuichirō - attended a symposium this week aimed at changing the so-called "new Adult Video Law."

Japanese Influencer Gets Bigger Breasts, Owes Millions in Damages

Japanese YouTube entertainer Tenchim owes a sizable chunk of change to a bra manufacturer. The online star sold a successful line of bras she said helped encourage breast growth...but forgot to mention an important detail.

Is Sanrio’s Kuromi Fighting for Ukraine? Badge on Wall Behind Zelenskyy Stands Out

Kuromi appears to have moved on from her beef with My Melody and now has a new enemy: Russia! Here's why (we think) the mischievous little devil from Sanrio has made an appearance on a wall of badges belonging to various Ukrainian military detachments.

Japanese Resellers Are Turning Old Nintendo Employee Manuals Into Yen

You can make a profit selling anything on the Internet, it seems. In the latest trend, some resellers on Japanese sites like Mercari are making beer money selling old pamphlets meant for new Nintendo employees - some dating back over a decade.

Sanrio to Open “Unique” New Museum in Yamanashi Prefecture

Sanrio fans rejoice! The company has announced it's opening a new and "unique" museum in 2025 in Kai, Yamanashi Prefecture for Hello Kitty, My Melody and gang. The new facility is partially an homage to Sanrio founder Tsuji Shintaro, a Yamanashi native.

Entertainment

Before You Go...