Asahi

Japan is focused on the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, with coverage highlighting the 2023 award recognizing contributions to mRNA vaccine development. Asahi Shimbun notes the breakthrough is being explained through Newton science publications, underscoring how the mRNA technology underpinning COVID-19 vaccines earned the honor and what it means for future medical research.

Japanese actor Kiritani Kenta is drawing attention amid the launch of the new TV Asahi variety programme 'Omakase Hanashoku Hamatarou', hosted by Mamiya Shotalong with SixTONES' Shintaro Morimoto and comedian Hamaya of Kamaitachi. Morimoto joked about the unusual format, asking whether it truly counted as work, and fans are discussing the unconventional cast and the show's talk-and-food concept.

Actress Ashida Mana took on her first-ever vinyl record challenge on the TV Asahi quiz show Doctor-chan, but struggled badly with the task. An unexpected mishap drew bursts of laughter from the studio, with the actress reportedly remarking 'It's not like that' as things went off-script. The lighthearted segment aired on the ANN network and was picked up by Yahoo! News in Japan.

Japanese basketball player Yuta Watanabe has taken part for the first time in the television variety program 'Oni Renchan', according to coverage by the Asahi Shimbun. The appearance has drawn attention in Japan, with viewers discussing the NBA and international player's move into Japanese entertainment television and how he comes across on the show.

An artist is sharing a custom foiled drawing of Asahi, a white dog, presenting the pet portrait as their latest artwork. The piece, tagged with dog and art topics, showcases a foil technique applied to an illustration of the dog. The work is drawing modest attention from art and animal lovers as the creator promotes their custom commissions.

Announcer Chiaki Kuroki is set to serve as MC on the news program "News to", taking on her first role broadcast nationwide. In comments carried by the Asahi Shimbun, she struck a confident tone about the big assignment, saying she is ready for the challenge. Viewers are discussing the announcement and her step up to a national television stage.

Japanese actress Anna Yamada is featured in new promotional material for Asahi Super Dry, telling fans to raise a glass with the line "Cheers! Ice cold and perfect." The push highlights the beer's signature crisp chill as the brand marks its 30th anniversary, with entertainment outlets picking up the spot.

Actor Takenouchi Yutaka answered the question 'If you could transform into anything, what would it be?' in a TV Asahi entertainment segment, and fellow actors Takeuchi Ryoma and Nakano Taiga, among others, voiced their agreement with his response. The exchange, aired as part of a news feature on October 3, 2026, has drawn attention among fans of Japanese television and celebrity interviews.

Japanese model and television personality Nozomi Sasaki has reached the 20th anniversary of her debut, describing the milestone as 'a miracle' compared with what her younger self imagined. Speaking in a TV Asahi News segment, she reflected on her two decades in the entertainment industry, prompting fans to celebrate her longevity and career.

A one-hour special of the Japanese comedy talk show 'Nagano & Kuruma no Hikkakari Nietzsche' will feature guest appearances from Ota of comedy duo Bakusho Mondai and Raoul of idol group Snow Man. After the recording, cast members including TV Asahi announcer Mitsuya Tsumugi, Nagano, and Kuruma of Reiwa Roman spoke to reporters from comedy news outlet Natarie about the episode.

A special interview with the cast of the Japanese drama 'Hadakanbotachi' has been published, featuring Muto Matsuda (Matsuda Manta), Katsumi Rosa, Takagi Yuya, and Osawa Akane. The piece focuses on the charm of the 'hard-to-hate protagonist' at the centre of the show's adult ensemble romance, with the cast describing the character as 'incredibly adorable'. The interview was released via TV Asahi's POST platform.

Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu is featured in a TV Asahi entertainment segment in which he admits he once said he 'hates skating', while describing how he persevered anyway and delivered performances beyond expectations. The piece highlights his journey from frustration with the sport to lasting success, drawing renewed attention to his career and candid reflections.

TV Asahi aired a one-hour special of its talk show Hikkakari Nietzsche featuring comedian Hikari Oita of Bakusho Mondai alongside Raoul of the idol group Snow Man. The programme reportedly featured a series of candid, unguarded conversations between the two, and Japanese entertainment outlets and fans are discussing the unexpected pairing and the frank exchanges on the show.