Tokyo Court Rules Movie Spoiler Articles Infringe Copyright

TOKYO, Apr 16 (News On Japan) - A man accused of violating copyright law by publishing so-called spoiler articles summarizing films on the internet was handed a suspended prison sentence after the Tokyo District Court ruled that the posts infringed copyright.

Wataru Takeuchi, 39, head of a company operating websites, was charged with publishing online plot summaries of films including 'Godzilla Minus One' and infringing the copyrights of movie distributors and other rights holders.

Takeuchi had pleaded not guilty. In its ruling on Thursday, however, the Tokyo District Court found that his articles violated copyright protections.

The court said the conduct deprived copyright holders of legitimate opportunities to receive compensation and could undermine revenue models as well as the development of culture.

Takeuchi was sentenced to one year and six months in prison, suspended for four years, and fined 1 million yen.

Source: TBS

Bluefin Tuna Prices Tumble on Record Haul

Bluefin tuna, now being caught in unusually large numbers around areas such as Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, is becoming significantly more affordable, with some restaurant operators even saying it is cheaper than horse mackerel.

Is Japan Really Running Short of Naphtha?

The impact of Japan’s growing naphtha shortage is spreading across a widening range of industries, raising concerns about manufacturing, logistics, and even daily consumer life.

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.

Japan Greenlights Coverage for iPS Parkinson’s Treatment

Japan has approved the application of public health insurance to a regenerative medicine product using iPS cells to treat Parkinson’s disease, marking the world’s first practical use of iPS cell-based regenerative medicine.

Chinese Buyers Drive Property Surge in Japan’s Luxury Districts

Foreign acquisition of Japanese land has become a growing topic of debate in recent years, and now the trend is reaching Ashiya, one of the Kansai region’s most prestigious residential areas, where soaring property prices are increasingly being linked to demand from wealthy Chinese buyers.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

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.

Sturgeon Biting Keeper’s Arm Sparks Online Frenzy

A video of a giant fish biting a keeper’s arm at an aquarium in Hokkaido has surged in popularity, racking up 60 million views online and sparking widespread curiosity about the unusual performance.

Three Living National Treasure Puppeteers Share the Stage!

Today we turn out attention to the magical world of the puppet theatre! (Kabuki In-Depth)

Mizuno Makes Full-Scale Entry into Esports Market

Mizuno has made a full-scale entry into the esports market, unveiling gaming controllers and chairs that draw on its expertise in sports equipment, as the company seeks to establish a new source of revenue in the rapidly growing sector.

Shiki Theatre Company Unveils New Nagoya Venue

A new theater operated by the Shiki Theatre Company was unveiled on May 1st in Nagoya’s Atsuta Ward, replacing the former Nagoya Shiki Theatre that closed in February, with the new MTG Nagoya Shiki Theatre increasing seating capacity by about 100 while prioritizing clear stage visibility from every seat.

Anime to Watch on Netflix May 2026

Dorohedero Season 2, Dandelion, The Ramparts of Ice, and SPY x FAMILY Season 3. (Netflix Anime)

Kabuki Returns to the Oldest Theatre in Japan!

We round up our coverage of the April kabuki performances by having a look at the show at the Kanamaru-za theatre in Konpira! (Kabuki In-Depth)

< 2 3 4 5 >