Tetsuya Yamayama apologized to Shinzo Abe’s family for this matter

In this week’s news roundup, we cover the trial of Tetsuya Yamama, the man accused of assassinating Shinzo Abe. Sanae Takaichi’s “work, work, work, work, work” comment was named Japan’s catchphrase of the year. Still, the fallout from her remarks about Taiwan lingered as several Japanese artists were forced to cancel performances in China. In sports, Ao Tanaka scored his first Premier League goal as Japan learned about their 2027 Rugby World Cup opponents.

Abe Akie appears in court for first time Tetsuya Yamayama

Tetsuya Yamama, the man accused of killing former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, apologized for the first time to the families of his victims on Thursday. He said at the 14th hearing of the Nara District Court, “It is undeniable that I have caused pain to Akie Abe and Abe’s family over the past three and a half years because of this murder case, although I have no grudge against them.”

He added, “I have lost family members myself, so there is no excuse. I am deeply sorry for what I did.” Abe was not in court to hear the apology, but she had been in court the day before. Family members of the deceased can ask questions to the defendant. However, she remained silent. Looking on from the sidelines, the former first lady told prosecutors that her husband was not his primary target. The verdict will be handed down on January 21, 2026.

‘Okinawa is our territory’: Japan denies China’s claim to Ryukyu Islands

At a news conference on Monday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara was asked about a Chinese newspaper’s assertion that Japan’s sovereignty over the southern island of Okinawa was questioned. “What is the government’s position and response?” the reporter asked. Kihara responded with no response. He said there was no need to talk about the issue “because there is no doubt that Okinawa is our country’s territory.” He added that Japan would continue to refute claims that contradict the facts.

Earlier this month, the state-run global times China published an article calling for further research on the Ryukyu Island Chain, arguing that “historical and legal disputes over island sovereignty have never stopped.” The statement also said, “The geopolitical status, strategic choices and future trajectory of the Ryukyu Islands not only determine its own destiny, but also profoundly affect the security concerns of neighboring countries and regions.” ”

Maki Otsuki was playing One Piece song “Memories” when the Shanghai concert suddenly stopped | Picture: Shutterstock

Japan’s concerts in China continue to be canceled as tensions rise

Otsuki Maki is about to end her life one piece When the music suddenly cuts off and the stage lights dim, “Memories” plays. The Japanese performer performed at the 2025 Bandai Namco Music Festival in Shanghai on Friday before being removed from the stage by venue staff. The next day, her agency posted on her website that “although she was performing, she had to stop suddenly due to unavoidable circumstances.”

The audience looked completely confused and some began to curse as she left the stage. Following the incident, the entire festival scheduled for Sunday was suddenly canceled. Sponsor wrote WeChat stated that the decision was made after “comprehensive consideration of various factors.” Otsuki and popular all-female idol group Momoiro Clover Z are scheduled to perform on Saturday. one person release X said it was “truly barbaric and shocking”.

Japan Cage Aiyi 2024 Written Performance in Ningbo, China | Wikimedia

Ayumi Hamasaki performs to no one in Shanghai

It is the latest in a series of Japan-related concerts and cultural events to be canceled in China. On Friday, news broke that Ayumi Hamasaki’s live show in Shanghai, scheduled for Saturday, would not take place. Force majeure is Quote as a reason. Still, she performed without an audience. Even with 14,000 empty seats, she explain She “felt so much love” and described it as “one of the most memorable gigs ever”.

Other Japanese artists forced to cancel performances in China include Hiromi Uehara and pop-rock duo Yuzu. this Sailor Moon Musicals have also been axed, as have Japanese films such as working cells and crayon shin-chan Their release was postponed as fallout from Takaichi Sanae’s remarks about Taiwan continued. Earlier this month, Japan’s prime minister claimed that China might impose a naval blockade on Taiwan constitute An “existentially threatening situation” could force Japan to respond.

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae | Wikimedia

Takaichi’s ‘work’ phrase wins Japanese buzzword of 2025

Another of Takaichi’s controversial comments this year came shortly before she was officially confirmed as the first female prime minister in Japan’s history. She said she would “work, work, work, work, work” as the country’s leader. On Monday, T&D Holdings announced it was Japan’s top buzzword of 2025. “It is not my intention to encourage overwork or to suggest that working long hours is a virtue,” she said during a speech at the ceremony.

Takaichi’s remarks on October 4 were criticized by many, including a group of lawyers representing karoshi victims. They urged her to retract her statement. Despite the controversy, it was chosen as this year’s buzzword, along with “female prime minister.” Other phrases that made the top 10 include “Trump’s tariffs,” “bear attack” and “old, old, old rice.” It also pays homage to the Expo 2025 Osaka mascot Myaku-Myaku and the film. That’s itwhich is currently the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film of all time.

Former Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones | Photo courtesy JRFU

Japan to face France, Samoa and USA at Rugby World Cup

The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup takes place on Wednesday. The Japanese team is in Group E with France, Samoa and the United States. For the first time, this tournament has 24 teams competing in 6 groups of 4 teams each. The top two teams in each group advance to the second round along with the four best third-place teams. After the draw, Japan head coach Eddie Jones said the Brave Blossoms were aiming to reach the semi-finals.

In football news, Ao Tanaka scored his first Premier League goal as Leeds beat Chelsea 3-1 on Wednesday. Other Japanese players to score this week include Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda, who netted for the 14th time this season. Minamino Takumi scored the winning goal in Monaco’s 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Koki Ogawa scored twice for NEC Nijmegen. Daizen Maeda scored in consecutive games for Celtic. In the J-League, Kashiwa Reysol is one point behind Kashima Antlers with one game remaining.

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