Sponichi

Japanese screenwriter So Kuramoto has died at 82. His final work, the 2024 film 'Silence of the Sea', was completed after a conception period of some 60 years, with Kuramoto reportedly saying 'it's finally finished'. Tributes and coverage of his career are circulating in Japanese entertainment media.

Japanese actress Miyazaki Yoshiko is featured in a Sponichi Annex entertainment piece recalling the moment she decided to try acting, saying she 'got interested' after finding it fun, and later joined a talent agency. The item has been shared on Japanese social media as celebrity news, drawing attention to her early career story.

Actress Miyako Yoshiko is drawing attention in Japan after sharing relatable comments about quiz shows, saying buzzers are 'truly no good' and describing the common experience of a thought suddenly crossing your mind. Her remarks, reported by Sponichi Annex, have struck a chord with viewers who recognize the same quiz-show habits.

Comedian Date of the duo Sandwichman, who is currently on hiatus to recuperate, will not appear on his own BS-TBS programme "Korokke Agattemasu" for the time being. Guest comedians are filling in as substitutes, with Masaki Okada of the duo Masuda Okada set to appear in October. Fans are following news of his recovery and how the show will carry on in his absence.

Japanese comedian Hira Norara is making her acting debut in a social-realist film addressing hikikomori, the phenomenon of people withdrawing from society. She said reading the script left her stunned, exclaiming with surprise at its content. The project marks a shift for the entertainer, best known for comedy, into serious dramatic acting.

Japanese actor Masaki Higashide has spoken about a field outside acting that he had long hoped to enter, saying that once his name became well known, "things would be easier to sell." The remarks, reported by Sponichi Annex, have drawn attention from fans curious about the actor's plans, especially given his recent move away from mainstream entertainment work.

TBS has commented on the retirement of Noriyuki Higashiyama as president of SMILE-UP, the rebranded talent agency formerly known as Johnny & Associates. The broadcaster said it will continue communication efforts to prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the leadership change. The remarks were reported by Sponichi Annex.

Japanese TV presenter Yumi Udo revealed that one of her close celebrity acquaintances is slow to respond even when she sends emails. She said she asks for replies by sending illustrated picture letters, jokingly writing 'give me a reply.' The anecdote, reported by Sponichi Annex, is being shared among fans of Japanese entertainment news.

Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV announcer Asami Miura commented on her summer holiday, saying she has already eaten too much, according to Sponichi coverage. The light remark about her vacation habits is circulating among Japanese television fans and entertainment media.

Japanese comedy duo Haraiichi are celebrating 20 years since forming, and say radio has been the secret to their lasting partnership. The pair joked that once their radio programs end, the duo might not be far behind, quipping that they would 'disband soon after the show finishes.' The remarks were reported by Sponichi Annex in its entertainment coverage.

The upcoming Japanese drama 'Analog Nurse', written by Nakazono, is adding cast members from NHK's morning drama 'Anpan'. Nakazawa Motoki, who played Chihiro, and Kihara Katsutoshi, known for playing the secretary Tetsuko, are among the new additions reported by Sponichi Annex. The string of casting links between the two productions is drawing attention from Japanese TV fans.

Japanese TV personality Becky has appeared on the variety show Itte Q for the first time in about ten years. Fellow personality Fuwa-chan marked the occasion with a social media post about the appearance, which prompted a playful riposte from Becky, who wrote that she wanted a redo, drawing amused reactions from fans and entertainment media.

AKB48 member Arai Ayane, 20, announced she will suspend her activities with the group to study abroad. In a message posted on X, she said that from February 2027 she will take roughly six months away from AKB48 for the overseas program, writing that she will take on the challenge with full determination. Fans are reacting to the temporary hiatus of one of the group's younger members.

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa is set to start the team's final game of the season on October 1. A win would give SoftBank four pitchers with double-digit victories in consecutive seasons, a feat the club has not achieved in 60 years. Japanese sports media, including Sponichi Annex, are covering the story as the regular season winds down.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars have issued roster-cut notices to 10 players, including pitchers Shintaro Fujinami and shortstop Koizono, while the Yakult Swallows let go of six players including Aoyagi and Taguchi. In total, four NPB clubs have notified 28 players they will not be retained, as the annual offseason release period gets under way across Japanese pro baseball.