Latest news with #Reiwa
Korea Herald
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
"The Summer Hikaru Died" Anime Reveals 2nd Main Trailer and New Casts
Unveils the Opening Theme Song "saikai" performed by Vaundy ~Streaming Worldwide Only on Netflix from July 5th~ TOKYO, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CyberAgent, Inc. today has revealed the second main trailer and additional cast announcements of the television anime of up-and-coming award winning author Mokumokuren's "The Summer Hikaru Died" (original published by KADOKAWA, co-produced by CyberAgent and KADOKAWA, animation produced by CygamesPictures). "The Summer Hikaru Died" is a hit horror manga series about an ordinary high school boy, Yoshiki, who experiences various mysterious incidents in his life with Hikaru, a mysterious being who imitates his best friend Hikaru Indo. The story of "whatever it is" and the boy's madness has garnered significant attention, making it a must-see anime film. The newly revealed second main trailer features the opening theme song "saikai" performed by Vaundy which is also unveiled for the first time. Additionally, comments from the new cast members, Yoshiki Nakajima as Yuta Maki and Shion Wakayama as Yuki Tadokoro have also arrived. The Anime "The Summer Hikaru Died" will be available on Netflix worldwide from July 5th, 2025. We will continue to provide additional details. Second Main Trailer: The opening theme song will be performed by Vaundy, a notable artist leading Japan's latest music scene! "saikai" filled with inspiration from reading the original manga, can be heard in the 2nd main trailer. The opening footage of the main story will start broadcasting and distributing from episode 2, so don't miss it! "saikai" by Vaundy Music, lyrics and arranged by Vaundy (SDR / Sony Music Labels） This time, I wrote down the opening theme song " saikai " for "The Summer Hikaru Died". I made it into a song with the same uneasy feeling I got when reading the original manga, not knowing what would happen every time I turned the page. I hope it has become a song that challenges the music of anime in the future. Who would you want to meet again if you had the chance? A multi-talented 24 years old artist who handles all of his own lyrics, composition, and arrangement, as well as design, video direction, and self-production. He started posting songs on YouTube in the spring of 2019. With catchy melodies like "Tokyo Flash" and "Fukakouryoku" and a wide range of genre songs, he quickly became a hot topic on SNS. He has been attracting attention as a symbolic figure of the "Reiwa" era in streaming music, with 17 songs exceeding 100 million plays, setting a record for the most by a Japanese male solo artist. From February 2026, he will also be the youngest male solo artist in history to hold a tour in four major city domes (with an expected audience of about 300,000 in 6 live concerts). With his natural voice that catches the ear and becomes addictive at first listen, and his wide-ranging song sense that suggests extraordinary talent, he is leading the Japan's latest music scene. Yuta Maki (CV: Yoshiki Nakajima) Classmate of Yoshiki. A funster with a shaved head. I'm Yoshiki Nakajima, and I'll be voicing Yuta Maki. Maki shakes up the mood of the story—in a good way! He uses all kinds of tricks (laughs). In this "abnormal" world that clings to you like sweaty summer heat, doesn't the "normal" daily life of Maki and Yuki offer a refreshing contrast? Since the shocking first chapter of the manga, I've been drawn into this world. I hope I can share that feeling with you soon. Please look forward to the anime! Yuki Tadokoro (CV: Shion Wakayama) Classmate of Yoshiki. Childhood friend of Asako Yamagishi. When I first read the manga, I was completely drawn into its unique atmosphere—how it captures the abnormal side of everyday summer life, quietly existing right next to the normal. Even though the characters live like they're walking a tightrope and have long left "normal" behind, that same unchanged normal life is still waiting for them at school. I truly, truly love this world and its atmosphere. I'll do my very best to help bring that feeling to the anime. A hit horror manga series about an ordinary high school boy, Yoshiki, who experiences various mysterious incidents in his life with Hikaru, a mysterious being who imitates his best friend Hikaru Indo. The story of "whatever it is" and the boy's madness has garnered significant attention, making it a must-see anime film. In a certain village Since their childhood, they have grown up together. Yoshiki and Hikaru, childhood friends. the sun shining down on them the chirping sound of a crypto tympana facialis Ice cream on the way home Laughing over trivial things One day in summer, no different from any other day ...... You're not Hikaru after all, are you? Half a year ago, Hikaru went missing in the mountains. A week later, he came back on a whim. The voice, the figure, the thing that looked like Hikaru What was stirring inside... "Hikaru is no longer with us. ...... if that's the case." Starting the days with "something" in the form of a friend, The "same as usual" everyday life. But at the same time... Strange incidents begin to plague the village. Falling into the unknown "something" The curtain rises on a coming-of-age horror story. Original story: Based on the comic "The Summer Hikaru Died" by Mokumokuren, originally serialized in the YOUNG ACE UP published by KADOKAWA Director/Series Composition: Ryohei Takeshita Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Yuichi Takahashi DORODORO Animator: Masanobu Hiraoka Animation Production: CygamesPictures Copyrights must be indicated when posting or using the image materials. Original work information Title: "The Summer Hikaru Died Author: Mokumokuren Previously published: Volumes 1-5 (Kadokawa Comics A)
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"The Summer Hikaru Died" Anime Reveals 2nd Main Trailer and New Casts
Unveils the Opening Theme Song "saikai" performed by Vaundy ~Streaming Worldwide Only on Netflix from July 5th~ TOKYO, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CyberAgent, Inc. today has revealed the second main trailer and additional cast announcements of the television anime of up-and-coming award winning author Mokumokuren's "The Summer Hikaru Died" (original published by KADOKAWA, co-produced by CyberAgent and KADOKAWA, animation produced by CygamesPictures). "The Summer Hikaru Died" is a hit horror manga series about an ordinary high school boy, Yoshiki, who experiences various mysterious incidents in his life with Hikaru, a mysterious being who imitates his best friend Hikaru Indo. The story of "whatever it is" and the boy's madness has garnered significant attention, making it a must-see anime film. The newly revealed second main trailer features the opening theme song "saikai" performed by Vaundy which is also unveiled for the first time. Additionally, comments from the new cast members, Yoshiki Nakajima as Yuta Maki and Shion Wakayama as Yuki Tadokoro have also arrived. The Anime "The Summer Hikaru Died" will be available on Netflix worldwide from July 5th, 2025. We will continue to provide additional details. Second Main Trailer: Vaundy chosen to perform the opening theme song！ The opening theme song will be performed by Vaundy, a notable artist leading Japan's latest music scene! "saikai" filled with inspiration from reading the original manga, can be heard in the 2nd main trailer. The opening footage of the main story will start broadcasting and distributing from episode 2, so don't miss it! "saikai" by VaundyMusic, lyrics and arranged by Vaundy(SDR / Sony Music Labels） Comments from Vaundy This time, I wrote down the opening theme song " saikai " for "The Summer Hikaru Died". I made it into a song with the same uneasy feeling I got when reading the original manga, not knowing what would happen every time I turned the page. I hope it has become a song that challenges the music of anime in the future. Who would you want to meet again if you had the chance? Vaundy Profile Information A multi-talented 24 years old artist who handles all of his own lyrics, composition, and arrangement, as well as design, video direction, and self-production. He started posting songs on YouTube in the spring of 2019. With catchy melodies like "Tokyo Flash" and "Fukakouryoku" and a wide range of genre songs, he quickly became a hot topic on SNS. He has been attracting attention as a symbolic figure of the "Reiwa" era in streaming music, with 17 songs exceeding 100 million plays, setting a record for the most by a Japanese male solo artist. From February 2026, he will also be the youngest male solo artist in history to hold a tour in four major city domes (with an expected audience of about 300,000 in 6 live concerts). With his natural voice that catches the ear and becomes addictive at first listen, and his wide-ranging song sense that suggests extraordinary talent, he is leading the Japan's latest music scene. New Cast Comments Arrived! Yuta Maki (CV: Yoshiki Nakajima)Classmate of Yoshiki. A funster with a shaved head. I'm Yoshiki Nakajima, and I'll be voicing Yuta Maki. Maki shakes up the mood of the story—in a good way! He uses all kinds of tricks (laughs). In this "abnormal" world that clings to you like sweaty summer heat, doesn't the "normal" daily life of Maki and Yuki offer a refreshing contrast? Since the shocking first chapter of the manga, I've been drawn into this world. I hope I can share that feeling with you soon. Please look forward to the anime! Yuki Tadokoro (CV: Shion Wakayama)Classmate of Yoshiki. Childhood friend of Asako Yamagishi. When I first read the manga, I was completely drawn into its unique atmosphere—how it captures the abnormal side of everyday summer life, quietly existing right next to the normal. Even though the characters live like they're walking a tightrope and have long left "normal" behind, that same unchanged normal life is still waiting for them at school. I truly, truly love this world and its atmosphere. I'll do my very best to help bring that feeling to the anime. About "The Summer Hikaru Died" A hit horror manga series about an ordinary high school boy, Yoshiki, who experiences various mysterious incidents in his life with Hikaru, a mysterious being who imitates his best friend Hikaru Indo. The story of "whatever it is" and the boy's madness has garnered significant attention, making it a must-see anime film. Follow "The Summer Hikaru Died" for the latest news and announcements： Official website: Official X: Introduction In a certain villageSince their childhood, they have grown up and Hikaru, childhood sun shining down on themthe chirping sound of a crypto tympana facialisIce cream on the way home Laughing over trivial thingsOne day in summer, no different from any other day ...... You're not Hikaru after all, are you? Half a year ago, Hikaru went missing in the mountains.A week later, he came back on a voice, the figure, the thing that looked like HikaruWhat was stirring inside... "Hikaru is no longer with us. ...... if that's the case." Starting the days with "something" in the form of a friend,The "same as usual" everyday at the same incidents begin to plague the village. Falling into the unknown "something"The curtain rises on a coming-of-age horror story. Key Visual Work Information Original story: Based on the comic "The Summer Hikaru Died" by Mokumokuren, originally serialized in the YOUNG ACE UP published by KADOKAWADirector/Series Composition: Ryohei TakeshitaCharacter Design/Chief Animation Director: Yuichi TakahashiDORODORO Animator: Masanobu HiraokaAnimation Production: CygamesPictures Copyright: ©Mokumokuren/KADOKAWA/The Summer Hikaru Died PartnersCopyrights must be indicated when posting or using the image materials. Original work informationTitle: "The Summer Hikaru DiedAuthor: MokumokurenPreviously published: Volumes 1-5 (Kadokawa Comics A) Available on YenPresshttps:// View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE CyberAgent, Inc.
Yomiuri Shimbun
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Govt Plans Scheme to Increase People's Ties to Regional Areas; Cabinet to Approve Regional Revitalization Draft
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo The Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo The government plans to encourage people to register their favorite municipalities outside of where they live under a new scheme, targeting 10 million registrants. The scheme is included in its draft basic plan for promoting regional revitalization, a flagship policy of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The draft plan also calls for doubling the number of young people settling in rural areas and creating regions that can remain economically viable even as their populations decline, according to sources. As part of measures to address the overconcentration of the population in Tokyo, the so-called hometown resident registration system is an attempt to increase the number of people who have an ongoing connection with regional areas. According to the draft plan, those who select their preferred municipalities and register as 'hometown residents' via a dedicated smartphone app can use facilities within that region on the same terms as residents. Municipalities can also utilize the system to share information about events and recruit volunteers. These hometown residents make up the 'related population,' those who stay engaged with their hometowns or other regional communities. They are neither part of the 'settlement population' – those who have move to the area – or the tourists that make up the 'exchange population.' The government in the draft has set a target of 10 million registrants and aims to have them sign up with multiple municipalities in order to reach 100 million registrations. The basic plan lists such goals as raising the labor productivity per worker in rural areas to the same level as in the Tokyo metropolitan area and utilizing artificial intelligence and digital technology to solve regional issues. Other policies to be implemented before the end of fiscal 2034 are also outlined in the draft, which is expected to be approved by the Cabinet as early as mid-June. A comprehensive strategy is to be formulated by the end of this fiscal year. A similar strategy was compiled in 2014, when Ishiba served as minister for regional revitalization, with a focus on countermeasures against population decline. The current plan, 'Regional Revitalization 2.0,' aims for economic growth based on the assumption of population decline. To encourage young people to relocate to regional areas, the government will expand the scope of its support to include those working in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector as well as the medical and welfare industries. The government, meanwhile, will solicit ideas from municipalities on the relocation of ministries and agencies to outside Tokyo. It has also proposed the establishment of a cross-prefectural framework for public-private partnerships. Under the 'remodeling of the Japanese archipelago in the Reiwa era,' the government aims to create an environment that will attract investment in semiconductors and data centers. It will support small and midsize enterprises in regional areas with exports and overseas expansion and improve productivity in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector by utilizing AI and digital technology.
The Mainichi
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
What made matchmaking events in Japan's least populated prefecture a 'great success'?
TOKYO -- Many local governments in Japan are abandoning matchmaking events intended to combat declining birth rates and revitalize regions, citing lackluster results and a struggle to attract young participants. But Tottori Prefecture, the least populated prefecture in the country, is gaining attention for its unique approach that has turned such events into a "great success." Exploring the changing landscape of marriage-seeking in the Reiwa era starting from 2019, the Mainichi Shimbun examined the success of the Tottori model, which is based on an understanding of the psychology and behavior of young people in regional areas. What, exactly, is capturing their hearts? 'Human scavenger hunt' on Tottori Sand Dunes In May 2024, 50 men and 50 women gathered on the Tottori Sand Dunes, among the largest in Japan, for a matchmaking event co-hosted by the Tottori Prefectural Government and Omicale Inc., a matchmaking app operator based in Tokyo. The event featured a "human scavenger hunt" involving all 100 participants. Challenges included finding someone who has started a NISA (a tax-free small investment account), someone who turns off all lights before sleeping, and someone who has traveled to 10 or more countries. With themes shedding light on the participants' values and lifestyles, participants looked for the people matching the criteria to reach the goal. Once the ice was broken, the host encouraged participants to send "likes" via the smartphone app used in the event. Likes lead to face-to-face meetings By liking someone's profile, the participants could initiate a call. "You can't start without sending a sign," the host informed them, prompting participants to begin conversations. Areas for yoga and paragliding and a booth with sweets were set up. Participants were seen actively signaling their locations to meet face-to-face. "Over here! I'm by the yoga area on the dunes," called out one enthusiastic participant. Pref. gov't aims to boost marriages for higher birth rates With a population of just under 530,000, Tottori Prefecture is the least populated prefecture in Japan. In 2023, only 3,263 births were recorded, down 30% from a decade earlier. Nationally, the average number of children per married couple hovers around 2.0. The Tottori Prefectural Government has focused on marriage support, believing that increasing marriages will lead to more births. Gov. Shinji Hirai, in his fifth term since first being elected in 2007, established the "Entry" marriage support center in 2015, which facilitates meetings through matchmakers and by hosting events. In 2023, he declared Tottori a "new child-rearing kingdom," aiming for 500 couples annually. Kazuhiro Hasegawa, a 34-year-old section chief at the prefectural government's "child-rearing kingdom" division, noted that attracting enough women to events was a challenge. One reason is the small, close-knit nature of local communities. "There were concerns about the same people always showing up at events and participants being exposed through rumors like, 'I heard she went to a matchmaking event,'" Hasegawa explained. Aversion to the term 'marriage hunting' To combat declining birth rates and the population outflow accelerating in rural regions, the national government in fiscal 2023 increased the budget for its grants for the promotion of measures to counter declines in regional birth rates to 10 billion yen (some $69 million) -- roughly triple the budget for the previous fiscal year. Tottori Prefecture used this grant to enhance matchmaking support. The prefectural government formed the "Tottori Mirai Sozo Taskforce" (Tottori taskforce for future creation), recruiting employees in their 20s and 30s to reflect the opinions of young people. It also established the "Tottori Wakamono Katsuyaku-kyoku" (Tottori youth active participation bureau), enlisting residents from high school age to their 30s. One idea that emerged was the event at the sand dunes. Hasegawa was apparently surprised by the opinions of young people. "They said they disliked the term for 'konkatsu' (marriage hunting, or more literally, marriage activities). I realized that it might sound too aggressive, making participation difficult," he said. Incorporating youth opinions leads to flood of applications Based on this feedback, event name candidates were considered, and after a popular vote among staff in their 20s, "matching event" was chosen. The vast dunes were selected as the venue because it would be difficult to spot acquaintances. At the venue, too, initial contact was made via the event app before meeting in person. The app becomes unusable about a week after the event, requiring participants to exchange contact information personally if they wish to keep in touch. Recreational elements like yoga and paragliding were included to create natural encounters where like-minded participants could enjoy activities together, leading to relationships. The participation fee was set at 1,000 yen (about $7) for both men and women, thanks to subsidies from the prefectural and national governments, keeping costs low. As a result, the event, with a capacity of 100 participants (50 men and 50 women), received 160 applications. Cost and time efficiency sought Naomi Araki, 56, who serves as a matchmaking adviser for many local governments and emceed the Tottori dunes event, pointed out, "Young people in rural areas lack opportunities to meet partners, as well as money and confidence." She explained that they strongly tended to seek cost-effectiveness while focusing on performance over the available time, such as meeting many people. "Many events used to be luxurious, like buffets at stylish restaurants, but that's changed," she added. In Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, a matchmaking event at city hall with a 2,000 yen (around $14) fee apparently also exceeded capacity for both men and women, highlighting the appeal of government-hosted events' reliability. Participation fees used to be often higher for men, but equal fees for both men and women have become common amid growing gender equality awareness. Araki said that it is important to understand young people's desire not to fail, adding, "Approaching someone they're interested in is a high hurdle. Matchmaking apps lower that hurdle." 29 matches out of 100 participants The dunes event resulted in 29 matches (personal contact exchanges) among the 50 male and 50 female participants. It is not uncommon for only two or three matches to occur at such events, so Hasegawa called it a "great success." With cost-effectiveness, time performance and privacy protection -- the three elements sought by rural youth -- the event was a success. Another dunes event is scheduled for May 24. Men's slots filled within 10 days, prompting additional spots. While women's initial slots were full, extra applications are still being accepted. Why the government supports matchmaking Tottori Prefecture's budget for matchmaking support projects has increased year by year. In fiscal 2025, it has allocated 47 million yen (approx. $324,000) for its "Entry" marriage support center operations and 23 million yen (roughly $158,000) for new projects including the events on the sand dunes. While "Entry" facilitated a record high of 57 marriages in fiscal 2024, the overall number of marriages in the prefecture decreased from the previous fiscal year. Critics argue that government-sponsored matchmaking leads to "produce more" policies and that improving local employment and retaining women should take precedence in addressing declining birth rates. However, the Tottori government says that it plans to continue the events, driven by the belief that marriages would decline further without government support. Hasegawa stated, "In the post-COVID era, there's a growing momentum to actively seek partners. We as the prefectural government want to support relationships." (Japanese original by Reiko Noguchi, Digital News Group)
Yomiuri Shimbun
13-05-2025
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Women in the Reiwa Era Imperial family / Princess Aiko Learning by Watching Emperor, Empress Fulfill Their Duties
The Yomiuri Shimbun Princess Aiko prepares to cut a rope using a small ceremonial hatchet at a naming and launching ceremony for the Mirai II, an Arctic research vessel, in Isogo Ward, Yokohama, on March 19. With the number of Imperial family members decreasing, the ruling and opposition parties have been discussing the idea of female Imperial family members remaining part of the Imperial family after marriage. This is the first installment in a three-part series about what roles they should play in the Reiwa era as women born into the Imperial family. Princess Aiko, 23, the daughter of the Emperor and Empress, attended a naming and launching ceremony on March 19 for the Mirai II, an Arctic research vessel, in Isogo Ward, Yokohama. It was her third official duty that she did alone, and she prepared for the event by studying videos of previous ceremonies. Princess Aiko even thought about the proper angle at which to bring down the small ceremonial hatchet to cut the rope tying the ship to the dock. She appeared relieved when officials later said that she did well. 'I would like to balance my official duties and work,' the princess said after graduating from Gakushuin University last spring, expressing her resolve. Princess Aiko is working as a full-time contract employee at the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) in Tokyo to promote the Junior Red Cross. 'She has been busy with her work, but she would read materials in the car on her way to perform her official duties until the very last minute and give it everything she had,' said a senior official at the Imperial Household Agency. Busy days On the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II in August last year, as well as on the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in January this year, Princess Aiko did her work for the JRCS in the morning from the Imperial Palace while watching the memorial ceremonies on TV. She also observed a moment of silence for the victims before going to her workplace later in the day. On the days marking the deaths of past emperors, she also actively participates in the religious rites held at the Three Shrines in the Imperial Court of the palace. Princess Aiko would sometimes ask her parents about what she should do. 'I think Princess Aiko believes that her feelings will be expressed through her demeanor,' her close aide said. Princess Aiko grew up watching her parents, who love their families and closely support the people, up close. From early childhood, she learned about Japanese culture and the country's history of war. The princess wrote an essay titled 'Wishing for World Peace' to add to a collection of written works by her class that was compiled for her junior high school graduation. She chose to work for the JRCS because she understood that the role of the Imperial family is to 'fulfill their duties while sharing hardships and happiness with the people.' Supporting role Last year, Princess Aiko performed official duties outside Tokyo by herself for the first time. 'I felt inspired by even hearing their footsteps, which is something you can't feel when watching them on TV,' she said while watching the athletics competitions of the Japan Games held in Saga City last October. Yasuhiro Suetsugu, 82, chairman of the Saga Athletics Association, said, 'I was impressed by her gentle way of speaking and her kind manner, as well as her clear responses.' Her kind demeanor would match that of the Emperor and Empress whenever they went out in public. 'The three of us have been to events and museums in Tokyo, so it seems that she performed her official duties while watching us on such occasions as well,' the Emperor said at a press conference in February. The Emperor, Empress and Princess Aiko have made four official outings together this year. Hideya Kawanishi, an associate professor of modern and contemporary history of Japan at Nagoya University who is knowledgeable about the Imperial family, said: 'With Princess Aiko now performing the official duties of the Imperial family, the atmosphere has further improved, making it easier to convey the significance of their official duties to the public. Princess Aiko is playing a supporting role while the Empress is recuperating.' On weekends, Princess Aiko goes to the movies and eats out with her friends and colleagues. On Valentine's Day this year, she handed out instant miso soup to Imperial Household Agency officials who take care of her, to express her gratitude for all their hard work. A quote from the Chinese classic 'Mencius' says, 'Those who love people are always loved, and those who respect people are always respected.' Her name Aiko and her Imperial title 'Princess Toshi' are derived from the Chinese classic. Princess Aiko, who has grown up surrounded by love, is now being asked to attend one official event after another. She is also expected to make her first overseas goodwill visit this year. Official duties increasing When Princess Kako, 30, the second daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, was born in 1994, the Imperial family had 26 members — eight male members and 18 female members. Due to deaths and marriages, the number has now fallen to 16 — five male members and 11 female members. However, the number of executive positions held by Imperial family members for various organizations has increased from 75 to 92 during these years. During the shift from the Heisei era (1989-2019) to the Reiwa era, the official duties to be performed at the national convention for the promotion of blood donation that had been previously performed by the then crown prince and crown princess — now Emperor and Empress — were taken over by then Princess Kiko of Akishino — now Crown Princess Kiko, 58. The official duties for the national summit of agricultural leaders were also handed over to Princess Nobuko, 70, the widow of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. Princess Hisako of Takamado, 71, has also been active at home and abroad and was the first member of the Imperial family to visit Russia in 102 years. Female members of the Imperial family have taken over various events and adopted executive posts formerly held by its male members. Princess Kako took over the presidential post of the Japan Kogei Association, while Princess Akiko of Mikasa, 43, has become the president of the Japan-Turkey Society. 'It is inevitable for many of the official duties performed by the Imperial family to be reviewed,' said Yuji Otabe, professor emeritus at Shizuoka University of Welfare and an expert on the Imperial family system. 'Discussions need to urgently take place on how to ensure a stable succession, as well as on securing sufficient Imperial family members.'
