Latest news with #Takahashi
Tokyo Weekender
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Alan Takahashi on Love, Labels and Life After The Boyfriend
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here . When Netflix released The Boyfriend , Japan's first same-sex dating program, it became an overnight sensation, praised for its honesty, slow-burn romances and lovable cast. One of its breakout stars was Alan Takahashi, a Brazilian-Japanese IT worker with an infectiously positive personality and a 1,000-watt smile. Although he joined the cast later in the season — in the third episode, to be precise — Takahashi's presence immediately became a focal point of the show, thanks to his ice-breaking extroversion and willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve. With The Boyfriend 's sudden success, the cast members have seen themselves catapulted into the spotlight, put in the lofty yet precarious position of representing the LGBTQ community in a country where that representation lags behind. Takahashi's life has changed significantly — on social media, he can be seen dancing with his co-star, the jet-setting go-go dancer Usak; attending fashion events; modeling for various brands; and even MCing at Japan's national qualifier for Miss International Queen, the world's largest transgender beauty pageant. And he's moved to Tokyo from Nagoya. Despite his sudden shift into the limelight, the 30-year-old remains as warm, open and engaging as he appears on TV. As his stint on The Boyfriend revealed, remarkable emotional depth lies underneath Takahashi's blinding charm, the result of a life spent not quite fitting in yet continuously finding the strength to be himself. A Childhood Between Cultures Takahashi was born in Brazil and moved to Japan at the age of 2, raised mostly by his single mother, a Nikkei Brazilian (a Brazilian of Japanese descent). They lived in Nagoya, part of a community of dekasegi — a term often used to refer to Nikkei people, especially those from Brazil or Peru, who migrate to Japan for work. So, despite living most of his life in Japan, Takahashi grew up surrounded by Brazilian culture and language, using Japanese only in school. 'I really feel like half-Japanese, half-Brazilian is the best way to describe myself,' he says. 'The values of both cultures that I treasure are very much alive inside of me.' Takahashi has had a bubbly personality and a slight mischievous streak his whole life, traits that weren't always accepted by the conformist society of Japan. 'I liked running around outside and climbing trees. I was called the Tarzan of Higashiura-cho [my neighborhood],' Takahashi recalls. He continues, still smiling, 'I overheard my classmates' parents telling their kids to stay away from me because I was different, and some teachers didn't like me, even though I never felt like I was doing anything wrong. I was excluded and bullied for how I looked and talked, and there were times when being raised by two cultures was tough. But I was always guided by my love for expressing myself, my love for music and dance, my love for Brazil.' In hindsight, Takahashi realizes much of his community was rooting for him as well. 'A lot of Brazilian parents from my neighborhood really supported me. The Nikkei kids in my school didn't want to be bullied and adapted to the Japanese lifestyle, but a lot of adults around me appreciated how I stuck with my heritage. There were times when I felt lonely, but as an adult, I realized I was never alone.' The Alan Effect Takahashi continued living in Nagoya, close to his mom and his younger sister, into adulthood. When he was cast in The Boyfriend at age 28, he was a full-time office worker. Joining a reality show — especially one that focused so closely on intimate relationships — was far out of his comfort zone, but it was a challenge he wanted to try. The Boyfriend follows nine men between the ages of 22 and 36 as they share a house and go on dates. They have a modest daily allowance, which they can augment with money they earn at a coffee truck they operate together. As in many dating shows, the cast lived in their own bubble for the duration of filming. 'Living isolated with a group of strangers for a month with the intention of wanting romance, that'll be broadcast on Netflix for the whole world … I was quite nervous, and I got in my head a lot.' The Boyfriend is mild and wholesome compared to its Western counterparts — the relationships generally progress slowly and cautiously, and the men mainly get to know each other through a series of polite conversations and shared moments working alongside each other in the coffee truck. Takahashi's entrance stirred things up; from the moment he appeared, the atmosphere changed. In contrast to his castmates, he vocalized his feelings quickly and pursued his love interest in a very direct way. He was immediately interested in Kazuto, a mild-mannered chef who was particularly popular among the show's participants, going so far as to describe his attraction as 'love at first sight.' 'I think the way I get close to people was different from some of my castmates, and I'm sure my castmates at first didn't know how to interact with me. I learned a lot about paying attention to the people around me and being careful with the timing in which I tell people my feelings,' he reflects. He wasn't just straightforward in his romantic efforts; he also discussed, openly and candidly, the struggles he faced growing up in Japan with a single mother. In one scene, he describes his father's arrest when he was 6 years old, recounting that he was tasked with taking care of his younger sister. 'That's all I have,' he says, smiling sadly. 'That promise is the only connection I have with my dad.' Takahashi has found the public's response to his arc on the show to be overwhelmingly positive, which has helped him feel understood. 'I realized there are a lot of people like me in the world. I received a lot of warm comments about how people found a new perspective on life or how they could relate to my actions on the show,' he says. A Lesson in Kindness Although Takahashi didn't leave with a new boyfriend, the experience helped him see himself in a new light. Given his confidence and ease in approaching others, he often became a sounding board or confidante for other members — for instance, college student Dai, who came to him with frustrations about his relationship with the mysterious artist Shun. In the scene, Takahashi advises him to speak directly to his love interest, without worrying about what might happen or fretting about others' opinions, and to be kind and forgiving, both to himself and to Shun. 'Kindness truly has magical powers,' he says, wiping away a tear. 'Grab Shun's hand and go talk to him right now. I think it's an important time.' This scene left commentators on the show struck by Takahashi's empathy and warmth. 'Watching the show back, I realized the words I gave people were things I needed to hear myself,' he muses. 'It makes me happy that those kind words are documented forever on Netflix, and it was a reminder that I should give myself the kindness that I give easily to other people.' He continues, 'I feel like I've been looking for allies my whole life, trying to improve myself so I can be surrounded by people who understand me. But now, I learned how to simply appreciate the people who accept me for exactly who I am. I think it's taken a lot of pressure off of me, and it's a kinder world to live in.' Evident from his unapologetic persona on the show, Takahashi has always had a knack for expressing himself completely, without trying to conform to expectations. At the root of this is a desire to be seen — and understood — fully. His queerness has been very public since his time on The Boyfriend , but he doesn't always appreciate the hyperfixation on his sexuality. 'Why do I have to be identified by the people I like? I don't like labels and being put into a box. I'm just a human trying to be happy.' It's clear Takahashi has spent a lot of time thinking about Japanese society, where his open-minded and flexible nature doesn't always conform to the societal norm of rule-following and respecting tradition. 'I want Japan to nurture the strengths it already has while looking at the world more. Japanese leaders can learn a lot from other cultures, and I think it would make Japan less fixed in its ways,' he affirms. 'Whether it's more freedom in education, clothing or self-expression, I think it's important to teach Japanese kids it's alright to be themselves. I want Japanese education to not make ideas black and white, but show the whole rainbow between.' More Info Follow Alan Takahashi on Instagram . Related Posts Why Netflix's The Boyfriend Is a Must-Watch The Infectious Absurdity of Atsuko Okatsuka Yuka Kouri: Shogun's Rising Star
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
New teeth, new you? Double Take Dental looks ahead to the future of dentistry
Innovative treatment on the horizon could reshape dentistry – and one Utah-based clinic is already preparing for the future. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A pioneering medical breakthrough that could enable natural human tooth regrowth is making headlines globally – and Utah's Double Take Dental is paying close attention. Scientists in Japan have developed a novel drug that targets the USAG-1 protein, known to inhibit tooth development. By suppressing this protein, researchers have successfully stimulated the growth of new teeth in animal models. Human clinical trials are now underway, with the first patient trials scheduled to begin this year. Experts suggest that if the trials succeed, the first commercially available treatments could be available as early as 2030. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While that future unfolds, progressive dental clinics like Double Take Dental are already educating their patients on the potential of regenerative care, underlining their commitment to innovation in oral health. A clean and modern dental clinic equipped for comprehensive patient care. A Regenerative Revolution in Dentistry Unlike traditional dental implants, which involve surgically inserting artificial structures, this new approach taps into the body's own stem cells to regenerate actual teeth. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), combined with regenerative compounds, could soon enable the human body to 'reboot' tooth development — an ability previously believed lost after childhood. Dr. Katsu Takahashi, the lead researcher behind the Japanese trials, described the upcoming treatment as a 'game changer,' capable of supporting people with congenital tooth loss, traumatic dental injuries, and potentially those who have lost teeth due to age or decay. 'This isn't science fiction anymore,' said Takahashi in an interview. 'We're finally entering a period where the natural regrowth of teeth is a real and viable therapeutic option.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A patient undergoes a routine dental check-up with braces as part of orthodontic treatment. What It Means for Practices Like Double Take Dental The impact of tooth regeneration on the dental industry could be substantial. Preventative measures will still play a central role in dental care, but regenerative solutions could reduce the need for invasive treatments such as root canals, crowns, and prosthetics. Double Take Dental, located in Orem, Utah, has already integrated advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive techniques into its services. The clinic sees this new frontier as an opportunity to combine traditional values in patient care with the possibilities that medical science is unlocking. 'Our patients expect world-class care, and that includes staying informed and ahead of the curve,' said a spokesperson for the clinic. 'Tooth regeneration isn't something we offer today — but it's something we're preparing to embrace when the time comes.' Societal and Ethical Considerations As with any medical breakthrough, experts have raised concerns about equitable access. Will treatments be affordable, or will they initially cater to wealthier patients? Insurance providers may be slow to adapt, while regulators weigh how to classify regenerated teeth: are they medical treatment or enhancement? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are also broader cultural implications. Could regrown teeth — because they're natural — become status symbols, replacing today's cosmetic veneers? Will patients opt for 'upgrades' even if their existing teeth are healthy? The ethical debate is still evolving. However, many in the field agree that transparent regulation and public education will be critical to ensure this innovation benefits all. A Glimpse at the Future of Regenerative Medicine Beyond dentistry, regenerative techniques are advancing rapidly across healthcare. From liver and skin tissue regrowth to early studies on neural repair, the principle of using a patient's own biology to heal and rebuild is no longer theoretical. At the intersection of this future sits artificial intelligence and bioprinting. AI can help model a patient's ideal tooth shape or bite alignment, while 3D bioprinters could produce scaffold structures that encourage natural growth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For dental professionals like those at Double Take Dental, staying abreast of these changes is essential. While current services still include preventative care, fillings, and restorations, patients are increasingly asking about what's coming next. For Now, It's Still About Prevention Until tooth regeneration becomes commercially available — possibly by the end of the decade — the best approach remains regular dental hygiene, professional cleanings, and early intervention. 'We encourage everyone to keep brushing, flossing, and visiting their dentist,' the team at Double Take Dental added. 'The future may hold incredible solutions, but the fundamentals of good oral care are just as important today.' For more information about Double Take Dental's services or to schedule a consultation, visit Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
The Verge
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Let's get this ball rolling.
The next game from Katamari creator Keita Takahashi launches very soon — To a T hits the PS5, Xbox, and PC on May 28th — but you can check it out early with this new Steam demo. I'm still not entirely sure what the game, which stars a kid stuck in a t-pose, is actually about, and this interview with Takahashi in Wired only has me more confused.
Daily Express
12-05-2025
- Daily Express
15-yr-old boy arrested over murder of elderly woman near Tokyo
Published on: Monday, May 12, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 12, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. CHIBA: A 15-year-old boy was arrested on Monday for allegedly stabbing an elderly woman to death on a street in Chiba, near Tokyo, the previous day, police said, Kyodo News agency reported. The junior high school student living in the city has admitted to killing 84-year-old resident Yayoi Takahashi by stabbing her in the back shortly after 5 pm on Sunday, they said, adding they believe he was not acquainted with the victim. The boy has told investigators he felt like killing someone, and it did not matter who, according to an investigative source. Takahashi was found on the street in a residential area about 1 kilometre east of JR Tsuga Station on Sunday afternoon and was later confirmed dead at a hospital. According to the police, a passer-by made an emergency call reporting that an elderly woman was lying unresponsive and bleeding on the street. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Nikkei Asia
07-05-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Japan finance group Orix looks for growth beyond M&A: president
TOKYO -- Japanese financial services group Orix seeks to develop its own businesses to ensure sustainable growth rather than relying on the aggressive acquisitions that have powered its expansion, President Hidetake Takahashi told Nikkei. "We don't aim to be a company that does nothing but invest," said Takahashi, who recently became Orix's first new president in 14 years. "We have to put in the effort to build businesses from the ground up."
