Epic New Fantasies Star Spartans and Samurai

TOKYO, Mar 09 (News On Japan) - Two new manga series, "RED RULE" and "Fist of Aphasia" have launched in the April issue of Bessatsu Shonen Magazine (Kodansha), following the adventures of Spartans and Samurai.

"RED RULE" is a heroic tale set in ancient Sparta, Greece, and follows the life of a young boy named Iason, born into the slave class known as helots and merchant slaves. Living under the dominion of Spartan citizens, Iason strives to fulfill his late father's dying wish to incite a slave rebellion, for which his father was publicly executed. As he dedicates himself to training for this uprising, a fateful day arrives when his sister Helene is attacked by a Spartan citizen.

The protagonist of "Shitsugo no ken [Fist of Aphasia]," is a martial artist who wields mystical arts and is the 81st successor of the centuries-old Isshin-ryu dojo. The story begins with the arrival of a government intelligence officer at the dojo requesting to investigate an unrecorded "Dark Age" in history.

Source: Natalie

Japan's Young Doctors Flocking to Cosmetic Medicine

The number of young doctors entering cosmetic medicine immediately after completing their initial medical training is rapidly increasing in Japan, raising concerns within the healthcare industry about the future of medical care and the training of physicians.

Japan to Release Oil Reserves as Early as March 16

Japan plans to release petroleum reserves as early as March 16 in response to surging crude oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the government also aiming to keep the nationwide average gasoline price at around 170 yen per liter.

Survey Shows Working-Age Mothers Exercise Only 30 to 40 Minutes a Week

Women in their 20s to 50s—the so-called child-rearing and working-age generation—have significantly shorter exercise times than other age groups, according to a survey by Japan’s Sports Agency.

Japan Approves Travel Authorization System

The Japanese government approved a bill on March 10th to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act to establish an electronic travel authorization system called JESTA that would screen foreign visitors before they arrive in Japan.

Mid-Winter Temperatures Return, Snow Falls in Central Tokyo

A blast of midwinter-like cold returned to the Kanto region, bringing rare March snowfall as Utsunomiya recorded its heaviest snow in 21 years for the month, while snow also fell in central Tokyo.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Reality or Fiction!? The Kabuki World in Kokuho

This week, we have another look at other interesting topics related to the drama film Kokuho. (Kabuki In-Depth)

Behind the Scenes of Love Through a Prism | Anime Step by Step

In early 1900s London, a young Japanese woman enrolls in a famous art school, only to be surprised when rivalry with a gifted classmate becomes romance. (Netflix Anime)

Sakurazaka46 Members Appear at AnimeJapan 2026

Members of the idol group Sakurazaka46, including Morita Hikaru, appeared as presenters at the AnimeJapan 2026 “Manga Fans Want to See Animated Ranking 2026” award ceremony held in Tokyo on March 4th.

Shogakukan Under Fire for Manga Author Appointment

Shogakukan has come under mounting criticism after it was revealed that its manga app “Manga One” appointed a male manga artist as the original author of a new serialized work despite being aware of his past sexual misconduct, prompting the publisher to apologize and announce on March 2nd that it would establish an independent third-party committee to investigate the matter.

AKB48 Visits Golf Course

AKB48 set out to uncover examples of digital transformation in everyday settings, visiting a golf course in Ibaraki Prefecture and a long-established Japanese confectionery shop in Nihonbashi, where cutting-edge technology is reshaping both leisure and tradition.