AKB48's Megu Taniguchi Announces Graduation from Group

TOKYO, Mar 20 (News On Japan) - During the "Boku no Taiyou" performance on March 19th, AKB48 member Megu Taniguchi announced her graduation from the group.

The following is a statement from her:

"To all the fans who have always supported me, the time has finally come for me to say these words...! I, Megu Taniguchi, will graduate from AKB48. This April marks my 10th year since joining AKB48. During these 10 years, I've had the opportunity to experience various jobs, been selected as a featured member appearing on the cover of singles, received a center song thanks to the fans during the general elections, and even published a photobook. I've achieved all the dreams I had while being a part of AKB48, so now I'm ready to take a step forward to pursue new dreams. I will continue my activities in the entertainment industry even after graduation, so I hope you will keep supporting me as always. I will give my all as an idol until the end! Thank you!"

Regarding her future schedule, Taniguchi plans to graduate in the middle of May 2024. Details such as her final day of activity will be announced once decided.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 谷口めぐ Megu Taniguchi (@o_megu1112)

Source: MDPR

Takaichi Wins Leadership Race, Declares All Must Work Like Horses

Sanae Takaichi, elected as the Liberal Democratic Party’s new president on October 4th, declared on stage, “I ask everybody to work like a horse,” after defeating agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff to become the party’s first female leader.

Honey Trap Crimes Becoming More Malicious

A string of so-called “honey trap” cases is drawing attention across Japan as schemes once limited to extortion have become increasingly violent, involving physical assaults and life-threatening intimidation.

Woman Killed with Dozens of Stab Wounds in Higashi-Osaka

Police have revealed that a woman killed by her former partner in Higashi-Osaka had sustained dozens of stab wounds across her body, including injuries that pierced internal organs.

Mega Solar Farm Sparks Backlash Over Deforestation

Vast hillsides have been cleared for the construction of a large-scale solar power facility in Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture, leaving piles of felled trees scattered across the slopes. The development covers approximately 146 hectares, or the size of 32 Tokyo Domes, and involves cutting down about 365,000 trees to make way for 470,000 solar panels.

Sora2 AI Raises Copyright Fears

OpenAI has unveiled its latest video generation AI, Sora2, which can produce realistic footage in about three minutes, including Japanese anime-style clips and composite videos featuring real individuals.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Hiromi: The Most Electrifying Pianist Alive

In this interview, I sit down with Japanese piano virtuoso Hiromi to talk about her playing, her influences, and her approach to improvisation. We cover her career, her unique style, and what drives her as a musician. (Rick Beato)

Creephyp's Frontman Capture's Late-Night Feel

At the close of each day, the moment marked by 11 p.m. has become the theme of a new song by rock band Creephyp’s frontman Ozaki Sekai-kan, who has written an original piece titled “23, 24” as the ending theme for the television program News23.

Anime to Watch on Netflix October 2025

That's a new season of ANIME approaching. Arriving this month, we have Ranma1/2: Season 2 and more Umamusume: Cinderella Gray episodes. Plus, ONE PIECE Zou Arc is now available in more regions. (Netflix Japan)

Delicious Divorce Notification Episode 2 PR Release

The second episode of the drama Delicious Divorce Notification will air on October 8th at 24:24, with a storyline centered on the most ruthless form of revenge against a top-rated, womanizing television host.

This Disturbing Japanese Horror Game is Too Explicit to Play

Imagine meeting a girl by accident; she tells you her name and seems to know you, but you can’t remember who she was. Soon after that, various disturbing deaths happen around you, and not only does it affect random people, it also targets the people you know. (Reddoliche2)