Niece of Sayuri Ishikawa Wins Miss Japan 2025 Grand Prix

TOKYO, Jan 27 (News On Japan) - The 57th Miss Japan Contest was held on January 27th at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Twelve finalists participated, showcasing performances in traditional kimonos and dresses. Marinna Ishikawa, a 19-year-old freshman at Ferris University and the niece of singer Sayuri Ishikawa, won the Grand Prix.

Ishikawa also received the Miss Kimono award, achieving a double win. Speaking about her aspirations, she expressed, "As a representative of the youth who carry the future, I want to dedicate myself to various activities."

Other award winners included Miyu Kosaka, a 21-year-old junior at Waseda University, named Miss Japan "Angel of Water." Kokoro Sazuka, a 19-year-old freshman at the International Christian University, was awarded Miss Japan Green Ambassador. Sayano Takahashi, a 21-year-old junior at Chuo University, received the Miss Japan "Ocean Day" title. Tomoko Nagao, a 20-year-old sophomore at Tokai University, was selected as Runner-Up.

Source: maidigtv

Tighter Visa Rules Raise Fears for Curry Restaurants Across Japan

Japan tightened its "Business Manager" visa requirements in October 2025, prompting growing concern among foreign restaurant owners who fear the changes could force them out of business.

Mass Protest Outside National Diet Demands End to War

A citizens’ group advocating the preservation of Japan’s pacifist constitution held a large-scale rally in front of the National Diet on April 8th, drawing approximately 30,000 participants according to organizers, while similar events and street demonstrations were held across the country.

Japan Soccer Team Chooses Nashville as World Cup Base Camp

A modern training facility equipped with two natural grass pitches sits about a 25-minute drive from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, where Japan’s national soccer team will establish its base camp for the World Cup set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Third Japanese Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz

A third vessel linked to Japan has been confirmed to have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, where a de facto blockade remains in place following heightened tensions in the region.

Trump Criticizes Japan for Lack of Support

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Japan over its response to a military operation involving Iran, stating that Japan "did not help" during the campaign.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Ryo Asai Wins Japan Booksellers Award for In the Megachurch

The winner of the 2026 Japan Booksellers Award, in which bookstore staff across the country vote for the book they most want to sell, was announced on April 9th, with Ryo Asai, 36, receiving the top prize for the novel "In the Megachurch," published by Nikkei Publishing.

Enthusiasm Builds for Okinawa’s First Body Make Contest

Athletes from across Japan boasting finely trained physiques are set to gather in Okinawa for a major fitness competition, as more than 300 participants prepare to compete in the "Muscle Gate" body make contest, marking the event’s first-ever staging in the prefecture.

The Strange World of Chikamatsu Hanji (1725 – 1783)

This video focuses on the outstanding playwright Chikamatsu Hanji, who contributed countless works to the repertoires of kabuki and the puppet theatre. (Kabuki In-Depth)

This Year’s Heroes Become Dolls in Fukuoka

Dolls modeled after individuals expected to shine this year, including Shohei Ohtani and other prominent figures, have gone on display at a doll shop in Kasuga, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Japanese Artist Tomokazu Matsuyama Takes Over Times Square Screens

Times Square in New York, a major tourist destination that draws visitors from around the world, has been filled with works by a Japanese contemporary artist, with large-scale visuals taking over its iconic screens.

Okinawa Elementary Cheer Team Battle for National Title

An elementary school cheer dance team from Okinawa delivered a strong performance at a national competition in March as it aimed for a third consecutive national title, ultimately finishing fourth before disbanding.

Final Rehearsal Held for Kyoto’s Spring Tradition Miyako Odori

Kyoto’s traditional spring event, the Miyako Odori, is set to begin, with performers holding their final full rehearsal, known as an “ozarae,” on March 30th.

Kabuki Actors Parade Through Dotonbori

Kabuki actors including Ganjiro Nakamura and Koshiro Matsumoto toured the Dotonbori district on Saturday by rickshaw and greeted crowds in front of Osaka Shochikuza ahead of the opening of its farewell performances in April, marking the theater’s final run before closure.

< 2 3 4 5 >