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 volleyball player Ai Otomo has announced her divorce from judo athlete Keiyuki Akimoto. In a statement, she said she worried and thought a great deal before reaching the decision. Sports news outlet Sponichi Annex reported the announcement, which is drawing wide attention in Japan as both athletes are well-known Olympic-level competitors.

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.

TV Tokyo president Koji Yoshitsugu spoke about the network's October programming reorganization, highlighting anime titles with potential for global expansion and news programs he described as unique to the station. The remarks, reported by Sponichi Annex, frame the autumn schedule as a way to differentiate TV Tokyo from rival broadcasters.

Sports Nippon has published a photo from April 1997 showing actor Ito Shiro (right) and announcer Yoshida Terumi when Cultural Broadcast's radio programme 'Oyaji Netsuai' first went on air. The item also references actress Kitano Kii, who was raised by a single father, recalling the difficulties of buying sanitary products and underwear as a teenager. Readers are revisiting the duo's long radio partnership and the single-father family theme.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki spoke about his future as his five-year contract with the club comes to an end, saying in Japanese media that what matters most is a place where his family can live with peace of mind. He added that he really likes the city of Chicago, leaving open whether he will stay with the Cubs or consider other options.

Japanese announcer Tomo Miyazawa is in the news through her official Instagram account (@tomo.miyazawa), covered by sports and entertainment outlet Sponichi Annex. The item is being shared among Japanese-speaking audiences interested in television personalities, gravure and sports-related celebrity coverage. No further details about the content of the posts or her response are available beyond the coverage itself.

Japanese actress Haruna Kawaguchi appeared at an event in a loose jacket while pregnant with her first child, saying that filming the movie she stars in was a time of inner conflict and loneliness. The remarks, reported by Sponichi Annex, offer a rare personal glimpse into how the actress balanced her first lead film role with her pregnancy.

TV Tokyo announcer Emika Furuhata, who joined the network in 2024, has announced she is transferring from her announcer role to the news department. She will leave her on-air presenting duties and begin working as a reporter in October. The news, reported by Sponichi Annex, has drawn attention among Japanese entertainment and television viewers.

The Hiroshima Toyo Carp have notified infielder Kaito Kozono that he will be released from the team. Reacting to the news, Kozono said he had already expected the move, saying he thought it would probably come. He had been playing with the club's farm team in the Western League since August after struggling to hold a place on the top roster.

The talent agency has terminated the contract of TIMELESZ member Inomata, prompting Japan's major broadcasters to announce how they will handle the group's programming. Nippon TV said the group will continue as seven members, while Fuji TV said programmes will go on but footage already recorded with Inomata will be cut. The announcement has drawn wide attention in Japanese entertainment news.

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.

Fuji TV's variety show "Timeless Man" will continue with its remaining seven members after the exclusive contract of Shuto Inomata was terminated. Footage from already recorded episodes featuring Inomata is being edited out, with his scenes cut before broadcast. The move follows the network's decision to end his exclusive agreement, drawing attention to how Japanese broadcasters handle talent scandals.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 television host Tamori (Tamon) said his honorary Tokyo resident award was met with strong public criticism at first, with only around six or seven years ago people beginning to gradually praise him. The remarks come from a Sponichi Annex interview published in Japanese entertainment media, drawing attention to his long television career.

The Hiroshima Toyo Carp have informed outfielder Masaya Yano that he will be released from the team. Responding to the news, Yano said he still wants to continue playing professionally and plans to keep preparing himself for that possibility. Japanese baseball fans are sharing the report and discussing what could come next for the player.