Star’s Favorite Pleasures Turn Sour in New 'Kiss Or Die' Drama

Sep 16 (News On Japan) - In the new drama Kiss Or Die, Gekidan Hitori is forced by Tsukino Luna to drink a mysterious drug that turns his most beloved pastimes into objects of hatred.

Once under its influence, he is confronted with the very things he used to enjoy, each now causing him visible torment. His expressions twist in agony as he undergoes the experiences one after another.

Yet, for audiences, the scenes are layered with irony. What is supposed to be unbearable pain often appears more like guilty pleasure, blurring the line between punishment and indulgence. The show’s premise hinges on this tension: the struggle to give a “perfect kiss” in order to survive, while every other comfort in life turns into a source of suffering.

Kiss Or Die builds on a high-stakes concept, merging dark comedy with survival drama. Each episode challenges its characters with scenarios that mix intimacy and dread, pushing them to confront the contradictions of desire, fear, and human vulnerability. The series positions itself not only as entertainment but also as a commentary on the extremes of love and obsession.

Source: Netflix Japan

Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

A new chapter opened in Japan’s political history on October 21st as Sanae Takaichi was elected the nation’s first female prime minister. Following her appointment by the Diet, Takaichi declared that her new cabinet would be one of “decision and progress,” pledging to move swiftly on policies from the very first day.

Hokkaido Launches Mass Culling After Bird Flu Detected

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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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