Society

Ex J-pop idol Hideaki Takizawa resigns from Johnny & Associates

TOKYO, Nov 02 (Kyodo) - Hideaki Takizawa, a former member of J-pop idol duo Tackey & Tsubasa who starred in NHK's yearlong historical drama series in 2005, has resigned from Johnny & Associates Inc., one of Japan's most powerful talent agencies, an agency official said Tuesday.

Takizawa, vice president of the Tokyo talent agency and production company, offered his resignation in mid-September and left the agency as of Monday, according to the official.

Takizawa, 40, retired from show business in 2018 to take on a greater role in running the office by training talent and producing.

Source: ANNnewsCH

Ferrari Auctioned for Over 170 Million Yen, Sets New Record

A Ferrari seized from a tax delinquent was auctioned by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, fetching over 170 million yen, the highest bid ever recorded for such an auction.

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

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