Society

SKE48's Matsui wins first AKB48 popularity contest to include sister groups

Jun 18 (Japan Times) - Jurina Matsui of SKE48, one of the AKB48 family of all-female idol groups, has taken the No. 1 spot in the franchiseâ€™s annual popularity contest, which was the first to let its Thai and Taiwanese members join the 10-year-old event.

Fans voted Matsui to the top of the groupâ€™s list of the 100 most popular members on Saturday after four-time winner Rino Sashihara opted not to run this year.

Two members from Bangkok-based BNK48 made the list as well: Cherprang Areekul at No. 39 and Praewa Suthamphong at No. 72.

A record 339 members ran in the 10th so-called General Election. The top 16 will get to record the next single for AKB48.

AKB48, named after the Akihabara electronics and anime district in Tokyo, is known for having churned out consecutive million-seller singles. It has also boosted its presence overseas by forming sister groups in other parts of Asia.

BNK48 has had great success with its cover of AKB48â€™s â€œKoisuru Fortune Cookieâ€ (â€œFortune Cookie in Loveâ€), a hit originally released in 2013.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Moves Toward Vietnam, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 20th show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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