New Forces in Gravure: Giant Women and Mistress Types

Jun 09 (News On Japan) - In a recent program, Yoko Kumada released her 40th photo book, showcasing her toned body honed through pole dancing. At the launch event, she announced her intention to continue gravure work until age 50.

Asuka Kishi, with 13 years of experience in the gravure industry, discussed emerging trends. She highlighted the 'giant women type,' characterized by tall and well-proportioned bodies, exemplified by Asayo Saito. Another rising trend is the 'mistress type,' featuring seductive and engaging gravure idols like Naomi Majima.

Kishi noted that the gravure world remains popular, with many magazines transitioning to digital photo books, allowing for more experimental content. Cosplayers, such as Enako, have also found financial success, earning significant income from their work. The industry is competitive, with new categories constantly emerging, posing challenges even for long-established figures like Kishi.

Do Bears Prefer Acorns or Berries?

Bear sightings across Japan have already climbed to nearly twice the level recorded during the same period last year, prompting entry bans in mountain areas behind Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple and the cancellation of hiking events in Kansai, while new research suggests that the key to reducing encounters may lie in understanding what bears eat in each region.

Copper Thieves Target Japanese Shrines

Copper roofing panels were stolen from several shrines in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, including a city-designated cultural property, in the latest case amid a nationwide surge in copper thefts targeting shrines and temples across Japan, where soaring metal prices have fueled crimes that leave historic religious buildings damaged, exposed to the elements, and facing repair costs of millions of yen.

1200-Year-Old Temple on Miyajima Reduced to Ashes

Flames broke out on the morning of May 20th on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, home to one of Japan's World Heritage sites, destroying Reikado Hall near the summit of Mount Misen.

From Bento Boxes to Garbage Bags, Rising Costs Hitting Daily Life Across Japan

Uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East is beginning to affect daily life in Japan, as concerns over crude oil supplies spread to restaurants, cleaning services and even household garbage disposal systems across the Kansai region.

Tochigi Robbery-Murder Suspect’s Wife Posted Dance Videos on Social Media

A 25-year-old woman arrested as a suspected ringleader in a robbery-murder case in Tochigi Prefecture once posted cheerful dance videos on social media and was remembered by those who knew her as an energetic and outgoing young woman.

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300-Meter 'Kingdom' Manga Sets World Record

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Traditional Takigi Noh Heralds Early Summer in Ancient Capital of Nara

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'Sheep in the Box' Officially Screened at Cannes Film Festival

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The Lights of Kabuki Go Out in Dōtonbori

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Japanese Cinema in Cannes Spotlight

The Cannes Film Festival opened this week with three Japanese films nominated for the festival’s top prize, the Palme d'Or, including 'Sheep in the Box' directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, 'Nagi Notes' directed by Koji Fukada, and 'Suddenly Feeling Unwell' directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

Japanese Hospitality Principles Event Planners Can Learn From

Japanese hospitality has a reputation for being almost mystically attentive, but the principles behind it are practical and teachable.

Curtain Falls on Osaka’s Beloved Theater

The Osaka Shochikuza theater, which has entertained audiences in Osaka’s Dotonbori district for more than a century through films, kabuki and live performances, will close in June 2026 due to aging facilities and the high cost of renovations.

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