Headline news for February 19, 2025
The 4th Reach Mahjong World Championship, ' Earth Pharmaceutical 100th Anniversary World Mahjong TOKYO 2025' will be held in Tokyo from July 1st (Tue) to 6th (Sun), 2025. Video streaming platform ABEMA has announced that it will broadcast live matches of Earth Pharmaceutical 100th Anniversary World Mahjong TOKYO 2025. It was also announced that CyberAgent's Susumu Fujita will be the manager of the Japanese national team.
Earth Pharmaceutical 100th Anniversary World Mahjong TOKYO 2025 - Japan Professional Mahjong League
https://www.ma-jan.or.jp/writings/column_other/114905.html
World Mahjong is an international tournament established in 2014 under the name of 'Reach Mahjong World Championship' with the aim of popularizing mahjong as a 'brain sport' around the world. It has been held three times in the past, with mahjong players from all over the world competing in skill. The fourth tournament will be called 'Earth Pharmaceutical 100th Anniversary World Mahjong TOKYO 2025' and will be held for the first time in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, where reach mahjong originated.
In addition to his achievements as a player, including winning the 2014 Mahjong Strongest Battle, Susumu Fujita founded the professional mahjong league 'M League' in 2018 and is leading the spread of mahjong as its chairman. Furthermore, as the manager of the M League 'Shibuya ABEMAS', he has demonstrated his great skills by advancing to the final series for five consecutive years since its establishment and winning the championship in the 2022-23 season.
The Japanese representative team will be made up of 16 players from 4 full teams made up of active players, plus a total of 8 teams, symbolizing 'mahjong that can be enjoyed equally by people of all ages and genders.'
By the way, we published the following article on the same day in the same month in the past.
The cause of the phenomenon that 'plasma is generated when grapes are microwaved' has finally been revealed - GIGAZINE
Former CEO of startup acquired by Google testifies, 'What will happen if you are acquired by Google?' - GIGAZINE
Review of the webcam 'Anker PowerConf C200' packed with 2K video, privacy cover, and super powerful noise canceling in a compact body - GIGAZINE
Researchers solve the centuries-old mystery of 'Why do curling stones bend?' - GIGAZINE
The initial design of the first Pokemon is released, including the appearance of Kodak's evolved form 'Zudak' - GIGAZINE
How to make your own 'Flightradar24' that displays airplane positions in real time - GIGAZINE
A pinball game that lets you experience the economic term 'double coincidence of desires' has been released - GIGAZINE
How to enjoy 4K resolution video at a 60Hz refresh rate at low cost? - GIGAZINE
◆ Material (notes and other miscellaneous items)
Umeharaa ... - Niconico Video
— UT (@UT_msy10) February 18, 2025
Paleontologists unearth a Cretaceous ammonite in Hokkaido (10 years ago) https://t.co/oGSaU6AhFg pic.twitter.com/JJ1cgXftk1
— Daisuke Aiba: 'Introduction to Ammonite Studies' (@ammo_ammo_ammo) February 18, 2025
A beautiful person with a beautiful voice is being forced to sing a weird song pic.twitter.com/AT1xXQ9aVM
— Mana (@mana_8811111) February 17, 2025
What could happen if the wings and tail were torn off and the fuselage was flipped upside down with almost no damage? https://t.co/GZPEr27GwP
— WOLKE🛩✈🚀❤ (@AztWolke) February 18, 2025
— Koji (@oryzae1824) February 18, 2025
The best greeting in YouTube history! pic.twitter.com/VJYVVmspAH
— Yamada (@keibunb1) February 18, 2025
Yaaayyy! Gundam otaku are stuck in a Möbius strip, unable to move, like old Earthlings who vent their righteous anger and sorrow to others as they grow up, lonely circus kids!
— Suzushiro (@aosagi506) February 18, 2025
Otakus are calling Rakuten Tickets 'worse than ePlus,' 'worse than Pia,' and 'worse than Lawson Ticket,' so it's clear that they have quite a bit of resentment towards each ticket site.
— Silver (@15k_gin7) February 18, 2025
I thought that Go☆Jas-san only does jokes about Earth, considering he's a space pirate... but I guess it's only natural since he's performing his jokes for Earthlings. If he suddenly said, 'They gave me curry for lunch. They gave me curry... this place!! Curry Crater!!' and mentioned the name of a place on Pluto, I wouldn't know what he was talking about.
— Seito (@cyaoiba) February 16, 2025
◆Science (science, learning, technology)
Dopamine is not a 'pleasure substance' - the truth about the 'happiness hormone' | National Geographic Japan website
The latest research supports the theory that 'dogs became domesticated willingly' | National Geographic Japan website
Six former presidents of the Science Council of Japan make statement: Special corporation status 'undermines independence' | Mainichi Shimbun
Designing a seesaw protein that reversibly 'transforms' between fluorescent and enzyme forms | Science Tokyo
◆ Society, politics, and economy (incidents, world news, business)
Defendant sentenced to 10 years in prison for attack on former Prime Minister Kishida, Wakayama District Court | Mainichi Shimbun
Defendant sentenced to 10 years in prison for attack on former Prime Minister Kishida, Wakayama District Court | NHK | Incident
Railway companies cut fares for children to attract child-rearing generations to their railway lines | NHK | Railways
US senior officials resign one after another | Nationwide and overseas | Kobe Shimbun NEXT
More local governments to raise water and sewerage rates, 30% increase in FY2024, many unprofitable - Nikkei Newspaper
Trump claims war with Russia was 'started by Ukraine' - CNN.co.jp
Senior U.S. and Russian officials hold talks on Ukraine situation, agreeing on four principles including restoration of diplomatic mission functions - CNN.co.jp
Introduction under consideration Expo Association to sell same-day tickets every day in principle | NHK | Osaka-Kansai Expo
WHO Kobe to withdraw in spring 2026, prefecture and other organizations to end operational cost burden; 16 billion yen over 30 years, attracted after earthquake disaster, but doubts raised about effectiveness | Society | Kobe Shimbun NEXT
Gas station suspected of cartel: FTC raids Nagano Prefecture Petroleum Commercial Association [Nagano Prefecture]: Asahi Shimbun
Governor Saito's power harassment is 'largely true' Draft report of 100-article committee: 'Identifying the accuser is illegal' Dissenting opinions also added | Society | Kobe Shimbun NEXT
Political group leader files criminal charges after foreign man throws snowballs at staff at snow festival HTB Hokkaido News
US President Trump: Auto tariffs 'will be around 25%' | NHK | President Trump
Autonomous region 'brainwashed' by Russia: amusement parks are free, pensioners are 'bribed' | Mainichi Shimbun
[Exclusive] Nagoya Municipal Subway 'Yanagibashi Station' new construction plan frozen, alternative plan to consider installing SRT stop: Chunichi Shimbun Web
'It can't be helped if people say I handed it over' Hyogo Prefectural Assembly member suspected of providing documents to Tachibana, Ishin to release results of investigation - Sankei News
Applications to cancel My Number health insurance cards reach 58,000 in total, exceeding 10,000 in January | Mainichi Shimbun
Chinese-made EVs 3-5 years ahead of competitors, overcoming protectionism - BYD | Reuters
The slow but growing trend of cancelling My Number health insurance cards: What are the common reasons for applicants? | Mainichi Shimbun
Anonymous Suica and PASMO cards to be sold again from March 1: Asahi Shimbun
Wild opossum caught 'red-handed' in Nebraska after eating entire Costco cake - CNN.co.jp
Oita mayor says 'excessive consideration for Buraku Liberation League' in government-sponsored bid-rigging scandal; league says 'abrupt remark' - Sankei News
Norinchukin Bank chairman to resign next month after huge losses in foreign bond management | NHK | Finance
(PDF file) Regarding some reports regarding a scandal involving a former employee of Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
It is true that in the past, a former employee of our bank stole customer assets from a safe deposit box. Immediately after this incident was discovered, we have strengthened mutual checks and balances by reviewing procedures, and we conducted an internal investigation at the time to confirm that there have been no other similar cases. Furthermore, no other scandals involving safe deposit boxes have occurred since then. In addition, in light of the current situation, we have once again re-examined and strengthened our management system.
Osaka Prefecture and city consider leaving part of Expo's giant roof 'Ring' as a monument | Mainichi Shimbun
Drug gangs seek protection from patron saint of death in Ecuador - 16 photos International News: AFPBB News
Commentary: What do each country want in Ukraine peace talks? - BBC News
US and Russia to hold high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine not participating - 2 photos International News: AFPBB News
Ishin Party member Kishiguchi explains to party over information provision issue to Tachibana: 'I cannot refute it': Asahi Shimbun
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' explanation of the 'rice shortage' is full of 'lies'! A serious point that it is not due to hoarding or resale | Daily Shincho
Ishin no Kai member of Hyogo Prefectural Assembly admits to providing information to Tachibana, calling it 'careless' | Mainichi Shimbun
Zelensky 'surprised' not invited to US-Russia meeting; Trump accuses Ukraine of 'making a deal' sooner - BBC News
Trump says Ukraine should hold presidential elections, 'approval ratings are falling' ... 'confident' in negotiations with Russia: Yomiuri Shimbun
Three beauty salon owners arrested for performing medical procedures such as injections and eyelid incisions without a medical license | NHK | Tokyo
Two suspects arrested for stealing smartphone from person asleep on train, obtaining PIN code illegally and using it to shop | NHK | Incident
President Trump confident of progress in talks toward ceasefire in Ukraine | NHK | President Trump
House of Representatives Budget Committee cancels today's deliberations as ruling and opposition parties fail to reach agreement on witness interviews | NHK | Diet
Exclusive interview with Carlos Ghosn: Analyzing the reasons for the Honda-Nissan deal's collapse: 'Even if the merger had been possible, I didn't think it would have been successful' and 'Nissan had too much pride' | Money Post WEB
◆ Lifestyle (life, living, health)
A cold wave that is said to occur once every 10 years has hit us twice in one month, causing great hardship in many places, but our Yagapi Car was also hit directly by an ice block, as you can see.
— Yagan Railway President (@PresidentYagan) February 18, 2025
While it is reassuring that no one was injured, we are naturally stepping up patrols of dangerous areas such as snow cornices and icicles.
There is no end to safety measures. pic.twitter.com/x50dHGF2Ye
'I tried embroidering a paint pattern.'
— Komekome® (@komekom81267792) February 18, 2025
...Embroidery? pic.twitter.com/PSXmzXQ9KV
Snowplows are clearing the large amount of snow that accumulated on the tracks after last night's snowfall! ☺
— [Official] Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train (@torokkodensya) February 19, 2025
It's a sight to behold as the snow piles up and is crushed with great force! ☃🔨
Please take a look 😌 pic.twitter.com/D6KvZLjvPC
You know those old people who come to the outpatient clinic saying, 'I don't feel well, so please give me an IV drip?' I always thought, 'It must be a placebo because even a plain raw food diet makes them feel better,' but recently I realized something.
— Oysters 🦜 (@gekageka_inko) February 18, 2025
They're just plain dehydrated.
Old people don't drink at all. Their sense of dry mouth has become dull. Everyone is dehydrated. No wonder IV works.
It is widely known that the two sea otters at Toba Aquarium are the last in captivity in Japan, but it seems that not many people know that the African manatee and dugong at the aquarium are also the last in Japan. I hope everyone will come and see these precious creatures alive. #TobaAquariumpic.twitter.com /KE5RjrGmMI
— Kabutz (@tan_sui_kabutz) February 18, 2025
Today, I was asked to make a donation, and since it was a well-known organization, I tried to donate, but they said, 'We don't accept cash, but we want you to register your credit card or bank account and make regular donations.' I know that it's a reputable organization, but I'm not sure about handing over my credit card on the street and registering on the person's tablet.
— Fumie Kondo (@kondofumie) February 18, 2025
I like Morioka Station, which clearly displays any questions that Kyunpass users have. pic.twitter.com/6qJcEHrbDQ
— Raw Yatsuhashi (@namayatabi) February 18, 2025
The road closure was lifted at 10am so the uncle went home!
— Traiya (@_Traiya) February 18, 2025
Thank you for your hard work... https://t.co/Ea097aroUw pic.twitter.com/vz28m2b5qA
[Report]
— Rinzai sect Myoshinji school Shojusan Futetsuji (@futetsuji) February 18, 2025
The portable shrine was completely destroyed, crushing the entire building.
The master carpenter has been working tirelessly since the New Year without a break to complete the construction.
The missing parts were made, and the skills that Himeji has been able to preserve thanks to its long history of making floats, and the mikoshi that has been carefully preserved in Wajima for nearly 300 years, have embodied the greatness of both. I'm at a loss for words. … pic.twitter.com/lfbM7cj9dI
Walking between Memanbetsu Airport and Nishi-Memanbetsu Station in the middle of winter is dangerous, including risk of car accidents, falls, and hypothermia. It is especially dangerous to walk while rolling a large suitcase. Mobile phones are available around Nishi-Memanbetsu Station, so if you are traveling in the middle of winter, call a taxi! #Nishi-MemanbetsuStationpic.twitter.com /2HKPUodfzl
— Ozora Town Official Account (@town_ozora) February 18, 2025
Some people have said that container hotels have finally fallen to this level, but container hotels are quite comfortable and have a large parking lot, so they're good - Togetter
An 18-year-old son is planning to go skiing with seven people on his graduation trip in a rental car driven by a friend who just got his driver's license. This is such a reckless plan that parents and X-users are banding together to try to stop it with all their might. - Togetter
At the funeral of my parents, who I had been taking care of for a long time, an old man who I wasn't even close to said to me, as if it was an unmet quota, that I felt sorry for my parents because they couldn't hold their grandchildren, and I wondered what my life was all about. - Togetter
Interpersonal communication skills can be measured by the words that follow 'What? You don't know?' → I actually heard this and thought 'You were a friendly ghost' - I want to learn this phrase - Togetter
Concerns about the current situation regarding multilingual signs on trains and stations, which are difficult for Japanese people to use, and voices saying that it is difficult for people with dementia - Togetter
There is an amazing village in Hamamatsu City, where the only access to the village is through this 1.2km-long tunnel with groundwater dripping through itpic.twitter.com/r67qlC8voA
— Shigehiko Kobayashi | Apprentice hunter photographer (@naru422) February 18, 2025
◆IT/Gadgets (Internet, software, hardware, mobile)
Nippon Broadcasting System issues statement on 'free casino' advertisement, removes online game advertisement broadcasts, and will 'make screening standards stricter' in the future - Sponichi Annex Entertainment
I was thinking of signing up for ChatGPT Pro, but I noticed that it would be 3,000 to 4,000 yen cheaper if I paid via app on my iPhone? What is the price for Android? → 'Shocking Fact' - posfie
PFN develops new LLM 'PlaMo 2 8B' (tentative name) with 8 billion parameters instead of 100 billion, while maintaining performance - ITmedia AI+
Company president arrested for illegally reselling Apple products, providing funds to Chinese group | NHK | Incident
How 'GigaViewer for Apps' works, allowing you to quickly develop a variety of manga apps (iOS edition) - Hatena Developer Blog
◆Anime, games, manga (subculture)
This is a picture I don't want anyone to find out. pic.twitter.com/88SI8bKcmW
— Yasumi Horiidei / New manga posted daily (@horideiyasumi) February 18, 2025
I bought this dress because I was told I could wear it to a small party pic.twitter.com/QZxw9VX1N9
— Nishimochi: Volume 5 is still on sale (@harurock_mo) February 16, 2025
'I love eating a lot! Mochizuki-san's Seven-Eleven special edition' has been released! Please take a look if you like 🙏 https://t.co/34lsjiqbnV
— Maruyo no Kamome (@maruyono_kamome) February 18, 2025
He is one of the 'neighborhood editors' who brought Maya to Hakusensha and gave me the opportunity to live in Tokorozawa, which was the beginning of 'Fly Me to Saitama.' He is Maya's great benefactor.
— Marie Yamada (daughter) (@MAYA_MUSUME) February 18, 2025
I heard that it was Konagai-san who suggested that you try illustrating Patalliro Journey to the West.
May he rest in peace . https://t.co/8dfD4ZXgMT
I've been drawing a lot of Lina-chans! Chu＼･∵. ／Daaampic.twitter.com/rabocgYeXb
— Araizumi Rui☆ (@araizumirui) February 19, 2025
#SakuraChiyonoohBirthday2025
— Goma (@gomasamune) February 18, 2025
This is the present from me pic.twitter.com/wZuXH6OUkM
Uma Musume 4-koma 'The one with the cool head G can pack more dreams in' #UmaMusumepic.twitter.com /d5vQVIcbHu
— Yukimashiro (@mashiro16462504) February 18, 2025
Yesterday was a study group, and while we were eating dinner, we all cheered for the 16th silver in the Fukaura-Honda match. It seems that when you enter your 30s, you go from being the one who plays these kinds of moves to being the one who gets hit. Even in the study group, the young players are making invisible moves one after another in the final stages, and it's becoming common for them to lose hotly in post-game discussions, so let's be prepared.
— Yuki Sasaki (@yukiryu280) February 19, 2025
TV anime 'Kuroiwa Medaka Doesn't Understand My Cuteness' non-credit ending video | Aida Rikako 'Is this love?' - YouTube
TV anime 'I ended up marrying the girl I hate the most in my class.' Situation voice ~Ito Ao Ver.~ | Broadcast every Friday from 23:30 on January 3rd! - YouTube
TV anime 'Please wear it, Takamine-san' main PV ~Gentleman Ver.~ / Broadcast starts on Wednesday, April 2nd - YouTube
TV anime 'Please wear it, Takamine-san' main PV ~ Healthy Ver. ~ / Broadcast starts on Wednesday, April 2nd - YouTube
'Two Point Museum' tutorial trailer ③ Exhibit security - YouTube
Jump Man | Launch Trailer | PS5® & PS4® - YouTube
Fortnite Battle Royale Chapter 6 Season 2: Lawless World | Official Season Trailer - YouTube
A story about when I brought in manga when I was in high school (1/2) pic.twitter.com/O0ChUBYM8Y
— Naruasuku (@naruasuku) February 17, 2025
◆Sports, entertainment, music, movies (entertainment)
🎬Making of ' #CourtroomDragon ' video!
— 'Courtroom Dragon' will be broadcast on TV Tokyo every Friday at 9pm in January! (@tx_drama9) February 18, 2025
👓 A sneak peek at Mone Kamishiraishi , who plays Tendo Ryumi, practicing shogi with Momoko Nakamura, female 2nd dan player 👀
Please take a look at the results of the practice in the main story.
'Courtroom Dragon' Episode 6
Broadcast on Friday, February 21st at 9pm!
Episode 5 is available for free on #TVer ! https://t.co/CRAT7gKinn #TVTokyo#Drama9 pic.twitter.com/AJrR1rYlOA
About free online game company advertising broadcast | Nippon Broadcasting Radio AM1242+FM93
'I was surprised at how dark the screen was when I watched the movie at Aeon Cinema' - a movie director's comment becomes a hot topic → This isn't limited to Aeon Cinema, it just depends on the movie theater, right? - Togetter [Togetter]
WBC to introduce pitch clock, a time limit between pitches, for the first time in March next year | NHK | #Baseball
Do you feel a deep sense of responsibility? https://t.co/ZW4trauYeb
— Vacuum Jessica Kawakita (@kawktk) February 19, 2025
——————————————————
— Japan Academy Awards Association (@japanacademy) February 19, 2025
The Japan Academy Prizes Association has established a new award, the Creative Contribution Award, and the winners have been selected.
■ 'Golden Kamuy' Decoration by Nobumasa Oba, Yoshimasa Matsumoto, and Takeshi Yanagisawa
■ 'Look Back' Original animation staff
(Kiyotaka Oshiyama, Toshiyuki Inoue, Yuya Shimojji, Takuya Niinuma, Katsuhiko Kitada, Shuichi Obara, Tasan, Ayako Hata)…
I finally found the music that plays at the beginning of Kowloon Walled City and in the flashback scene in the middle. It's from the Teochew opera 'Yudan Chun' (The Spring of the Jade Hall), in the song 'Wang Jinlong's Misfortune' ('Wang Jinlong's Misfortune, Long Street begs for misfortune and suffering'). It turns the lyrics into 'Brothers, misfortune; self-killing, misfortune and suffering!'
— KEI🍎 (@drifting_clouds) February 18, 2025
At that time, many people from Chaozhou lived in Kowloon Walled City.
This is where the twelve - year-old and the drunk tiger brother came from.pic.twitter.com/kmqdYhdjIF
— Kekeke (@kekeke_rrr) February 18, 2025
Iyemon will be reborn,
— Iyemon (@Iyemon_jp) February 19, 2025
I also got the Batteries to reincarnate. #TheNewIyemonpic.twitter.com /JHVagoVWmS
I don't know who I am, but I have become someone!!
— Batteries Ace (@KentoMaruko) February 18, 2025
It was fun!! https://t.co/cXV0ujt0RR
To open the closed black box | Atsushi Funahashi
◆New products (clothing, food, shelter)
[Nakau] Addictive chicken salt udon with plenty of umami and crunchy white onions! Nakau's 'White Onion Chicken Salt Udon' on sale | Press release from Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd.
[KFC introduces new Korean-style spicy chicken] The flavor of gochujang and Korean seaweed is addictive! 'Hanji Hot Chicken' is perfect for cold days and will be available in limited quantities from Wednesday, February 26th | KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN JAPAN,LTD
Pasta de Mochichi Carbonara Style/Arrabiata Style New Release March 3, 2025 | Acecook Co., Ltd.
in Headline, Posted by log1i_yk