Princess Aiko visits Osaka Expo
This is the second independent official duty for the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako outside Tokyo. In October last year, Aiko attended the Japan Games, a major national sports event, in Saga Prefecture.
The 23-year-old princess was scheduled to inspect the Grand Ring, the huge wooden structure that is a symbol of the expo, on Thursday afternoon.
She was also slated to visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Pavilion run by the Japanese Red Cross Society, which she works for.
On Friday, the princess will inspect the Singapore Pavilion, Commons A Pavilion for Kenya and several other countries, and Earth Mart, a food-themed pavilion.
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Kyodo News
21 minutes ago
- Kyodo News
FEATURE: Film sheds light on unsung nurse heroes of Nagasaki A-bombing
TOKYO - In the immediate aftermath of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japanese medical teams put aside their own safety to aid in relief efforts and tend to the dying and horribly injured in a city turned to ash. As the 80th anniversary of the bombing approaches, the film "Nagasaki: In the Shadow of the Flash," directed by third-generation atomic bomb survivor Jumpei Matsumoto, seeks to highlight stories of unsung Japanese Red Cross nurses. The film follows three young nursing students who return home to Nagasaki from Osaka and briefly enjoy peaceful days with family and friends before their world is shattered by the U.S. "Fat Man" atomic bomb on August 9, 1945. Amid the ruins, the students attempt to treat the injured using limited medical supplies and makeshift clinics, confronting the harsh reality of losing far more than they can save. An estimated 74,000 people were killed by the Nagasaki bombing by the end of 1945. Many others suffered from radiation-related illnesses for decades. "I hope the film provides an opportunity for reflection," said Matsumoto, whose late grandfather was a "hibakusha," or atomic bomb survivor. "Especially now, when the threat of nuclear weapons and war seems to be rising again, and that people can reconsider these issues through the experiences of the people of Nagasaki." Matsumoto said that while his grandfather was active in peace organizations, he never spoke to his grandchildren about his experience, likely because it was too painful. "I couldn't help but think of my grandfather as I made this film. I feel like I'm continuing something he might have wanted to do himself," said Matsumoto, 40. The film draws inspiration from a collection of firsthand accounts by nurses compiled by the Nagasaki branch of the Japan Red Cross Society in 1980. The last known surviving contributor, 95-year-old Fujie Yamashita, appears briefly in the film. Matsumoto described working with her as "precious." "I felt that her presence alone could speak volumes. Even if it was just a cameo, having her appear in the film was extremely important to me," he said. Yamashita enrolled in a Japanese Red Cross training school for relief nurses in Osaka at age 15, but returned home to Nagasaki in July after the air raids. In the aftermath of the bombing, she was dispatched to temporary relief stations in the city, where she witnessed countless agonizing deaths. "I appeal to the people of the world to ensure that the suffering caused by the atomic bomb is never witnessed again," she wrote in her personal account. Michiko Suzuki, a project researcher at the University of Tokyo focusing on Japanese Red Cross activities in prewar and early postwar periods, said she was moved that, after 80 years, a film is finally shedding light on the "invisible" yet essential work of wartime humanitarian aid. "In war, the spotlight is always on soldiers and civilian victims. Red Cross nurses, by contrast, worked behind the scenes to care for them because it was considered professional to remain in the shadows," Suzuki said. In her research, Suzuki found that Japanese Red Cross workers made repeated attempts at providing humanitarian aid at Allied prisoner-of-war camps in Nagasaki before the bombing. She said they exemplified humanitarianism in the way they treated the injured, regardless of whether they were friend or foe. The Red Cross's aid did not stop with the end of the war. Hospitals run by the organization for atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, established in 1956 and 1958, respectively, have treated a cumulative 7.9 million outpatients and 6.3 million inpatients as of fiscal 2024. The film also highlights Nagasaki's long history of Christianity and Matsumoto's own Catholic upbringing through one of the main characters, Misao. "Misao's willingness to sacrifice herself to help others and her readiness to serve in the Catholic sense is an attitude I deeply admire. Misao represents the type of person I look up to," said Matsumoto. At the time of the bombing, two priests were hearing the confessions of several dozen parishioners at Urakami Cathedral, located around 500 meters from the hypocenter. All perished under the rubble. It is believed that around 10,000 Catholics, most of whom lived in the Urakami district, were killed by the atomic bomb. "I've shown the film to some Americans, and many didn't know the bomb exploded directly above a church -- or that so many Christians died. They watched the film with great interest," said Matsumoto, who wants to release the film in the United States. Matsumoto hopes that, for a foreign audience, the film will offer a glimpse of what life was like in the days following the bombing and motivate them to visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki or, at least, learn more online. "There have only been two instances of nuclear weapons being used. By telling a more human story in this film, I want to convey the importance of ensuring that Nagasaki is the last place to ever suffer such an attack." "Nagasaki: In the Shadow of the Flash" is showing now in Nagasaki and will open in cinemas across the rest of Japan on Aug. 1.
Japan Times
3 hours ago
- Japan Times
Boys' love dramas from Thailand make waves in Japan
Fans packed the 8,000-seat Tokyo Garden Theater in January for GMMTV Fan Fest 2025: "Live in Japan," a major event celebrating Thai BL, short for 'boys' love,' dramas. Banners bearing the faces of beloved on-screen couples lined the walls, while attendees clutched handmade signs along with flowers, letters and other gifts. This was no one-off event, either. Similar gatherings happen every few months across the country, drawing dedicated communities of viewers who have embraced Thai BL dramas as more than just entertainment. This growing enthusiasm reflects Thailand's expanding cultural footprint in Japan. The annual Thai Festival in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting more than 300,000 visitors each year, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But beyond traditional cultural exchanges, Thai entertainment — BL dramas in particular — has emerged as a significant soft power tool. Blending romance with social commentary, Thai BL dramas often include tropes such as university settings with senior-junior dynamics, workplace romances complicated by class differences, and coming-of-age stories that address family acceptance and societal pressure. Unlike many BL productions from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Thai series tend to feature more intimate scenes while also tackling real-world issues like mental health, economic inequality and LGBTQIA+ rights. According to the Economic Intelligence Center at Siam Commercial Bank, the BL series market is projected to generate more than 4.9 billion Thai baht (approximately $150 million) in revenue this year. Thailand now leads the Asian BL market, accounting for more than half of all BL series aired across the region, with more than 340 BL features, drama series and short films produced to date. Cross-cultural connections Among the enthusiastic crowds at Thai BL events is Nyx, a 25-year-old nonbinary British resident of Japan who works full-time in community-based international exchange. (Interviewees for this article requested to be identified by nicknames or first names due to privacy concerns.) Nyx first encountered Thai BL as a teenager through 'Love Sick,' a groundbreaking series about high school students navigating love and identity. Though they later became an avid consumer of Japanese BL, it was 'Cutie Pie,' a romantic drama featuring arranged marriage themes, and 'A Tale of Thousand Stars,' an emotional story about a heart transplant recipient who becomes a volunteer teacher and falls for a forest ranger while fulfilling his donor's promise, that reignited their passion for Thai media in 2023. However, the drama 'Bed Friend' proved life-changing. 'I connected with it on such a deep level, and it helped me process some things in my own life,' Nyx says. 'The main character, Uea, helped my self-confidence and changed my outlook on life. I often say to myself, 'If he could get through everything and still keep moving forward to tomorrow, then so can I.'' Nyx's engagement with Thai BL is far from passive. Since late 2023, they've attended five fan events in Japan, as well as the 'Love Out Loud' concert in Bangkok — an annual celebration hosted by GMMTV, one of Thailand's largest entertainment companies and a major producer of BL dramas. The most recent edition featured 22 actors representing 11 screen couples. British fan Nyx attended the annual 'Love Out Loud' concert in Bangkok, featuring 11 screen couples from various series by GMMTV, one of Thailand's largest entertainment companies and a major producer of Thai boys' love (BL) dramas. | Courtesy of Nyx Nyx also organizes letter-writing campaigns for actors, participates in Discord servers with hundreds of members, connects with other fans on social media and has even joined Dungeons & Dragons campaigns with fellow BL enthusiasts. 'It has really helped me settle in and find a community in Japan,' they say, adding that what sets Thai BL apart is 'the queerness inherent in the shows,' the visibility of openly queer creatives and the availability of translated content. The fandom has even inspired them to learn Thai. T.F., a Brazilian university employee in her 30s, had a similar trajectory. Her BL journey began with fan fiction in her teens, later progressing to Japanese anime like 'Gravitation.' During the pandemic, a friend's recommendation of 'TharnType' opened the door to Thai content, but it was '2gether' and its charismatic leads Bright (Vachirawit Chivaaree) and Win (Metawin Opas-iamkajorn) that truly captured her heart. (In Thailand, most people go by a nickname in both personal and professional settings, such as 'Bright' and 'Win.') Thailand's boys' love (BL) media industry accounts for more than half of all such series made in Asia, and is expected to bring in revenue of $150 million in 2025. BrightWin is the portmanteau for the screen couple from the popular BL series '2gether.' | via PR Times T.F. values how 'the genre seems more naturally accepted by the general public' in Thailand and offers 'a variety of plots and approaches to romance.' She appreciates the interactive nature of the fandom, facilitated by social media access to actors and behind-the-scenes content. The shows have inspired her to learn more about Thai culture, from monastic traditions to everyday religious customs. The emotional resonance runs deep, especially in coming-out scenes. 'I wish everyone could experience this happiness of being accepted for who they are,' she says. 'I appreciate that these shows give LGBTQ+ people the chance to see themselves represented." Breaking boundaries Japanese viewers of Thai BL enjoy the genre for its different perspectives on romance and social issues. Maki, an office worker in her 50s who has a job in the financial sector, discovered the genre through a coworker's recommendation of '2gether.' Like many fans, she was initially attracted to Bright's screen persona, but soon came to appreciate how Thai BL weaves romance with social themes — something she felt was rare in Japanese television. Maki's interest evolved from following individual actors to exploring broader cultural topics. She finds Thai BL's tone more relaxed and relatable than dramas from other countries and says the genre sparked a personal interest in gender issues. Watching these dramas shifted her perspective as a cisgender heterosexual woman, drawing her attention to the current social realities faced by queer communities. The community aspect proved equally important. Maki has made friends across age groups and regions through the fandom, and participates in a chat group she describes as warm and joyful. 'When you're really into something, everyday life becomes more vivid,' she says. 'I feel like I can say, 'I love what I love,' and face things more openly.' A fan meeting for the show 'Only Friends' held in Saitama Prefecture | Courtesy of T.F. Wakana's story represents the most dramatic transformation. Now in her 20s, she first discovered Thai BL through a magazine feature on '2gether.' After watching the series on a coworker's suggestion, she quickly became absorbed — especially after viewing 'SOTUS,' a university-set drama exploring hazing culture and forbidden romance. What stood out to Wakana was the willingness of Thai BL to address topics often avoided in Japanese television, including gender identity, bullying and social inequality. Her passion ultimately reshaped her life. In 2023, she moved to Bangkok to study Thai for six months and later decided to pursue a job opportunity there. 'I was watching dramas constantly during the pandemic, but now that I live here, I get to experience the world I once only saw on screen.' Wakana's fan activities span both countries. In Japan, she has attended fan meetings for the on-screen couples known by portmanteaus, like KristSingto (actors Perawat Sangpotirat and Prachaya Ruangroj) and OffGun (Jumpol Adulkittiporn and Atthaphan Phunsawat). In Thailand, she experiences firsthand the events where fans arrive hours early with stools and cameras. 'The energy of local fans is amazing,' she says, 'and when they see you're a foreigner, they help you out without hesitation.' She remains close with three fellow Thai BL fans from her former workplace, who even visited her in Thailand to explore filming locations together. 'I experienced that feeling of tōtoi — being overwhelmed by love — for the first time,' Wakana says. 'The more I learned about the actors, the more I came to love all of them. Eventually, I fell in love with the whole country.' The journeys of these fans show that Thai BL is more than just entertainment. The genre has strengthened Thailand's soft power as a form of cultural diplomacy, offering Japanese and international viewers a deeper appreciation for Thai customs, values and social perspectives. Fan activities also forge lasting bonds — from online communities to real-world friendships that cross borders. Through Thai BL, fans find more than just compelling stories: They discover different ways of understanding love, identity and acceptance.
The Mainichi
a day ago
- The Mainichi
Film sheds light on unsung nurse heroes of Nagasaki A-bombing
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- In the immediate aftermath of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japanese medical teams put aside their own safety to aid in relief efforts and tend to the dying and horribly injured in a city turned to ash. As the 80th anniversary of the bombing approaches, the film "Nagasaki: In the Shadow of the Flash," directed by third-generation atomic bomb survivor Jumpei Matsumoto, seeks to highlight stories of unsung Japanese Red Cross nurses. The film follows three young nursing students who return home to Nagasaki from Osaka and briefly enjoy peaceful days with family and friends before their world is shattered by the U.S. "Fat Man" atomic bomb on August 9, 1945. Amid the ruins, the students attempt to treat the injured using limited medical supplies and makeshift clinics, confronting the harsh reality of losing far more than they can save. An estimated 74,000 people were killed by the Nagasaki bombing by the end of 1945. Many others suffered from radiation-related illnesses for decades. "I hope the film provides an opportunity for reflection," said Matsumoto, whose late grandfather was a "hibakusha," or atomic bomb survivor. "Especially now, when the threat of nuclear weapons and war seems to be rising again, and that people can reconsider these issues through the experiences of the people of Nagasaki." Matsumoto said that while his grandfather was active in peace organizations, he never spoke to his grandchildren about his experience, likely because it was too painful. "I couldn't help but think of my grandfather as I made this film. I feel like I'm continuing something he might have wanted to do himself," said Matsumoto, 40. The film draws inspiration from a collection of firsthand accounts by nurses compiled by the Nagasaki branch of the Japan Red Cross Society in 1980. The last known surviving contributor, 95-year-old Fujie Yamashita, appears briefly in the film. Matsumoto described working with her as "precious." "I felt that her presence alone could speak volumes. Even if it was just a cameo, having her appear in the film was extremely important to me," he said. Yamashita enrolled in a Japanese Red Cross training school for relief nurses in Osaka at age 15, but returned home to Nagasaki in July after the air raids. In the aftermath of the bombing, she was dispatched to temporary relief stations in the city, where she witnessed countless agonizing deaths. "I appeal to the people of the world to ensure that the suffering caused by the atomic bomb is never witnessed again," she wrote in her personal account. Michiko Suzuki, a project researcher at the University of Tokyo focusing on Japanese Red Cross activities in prewar and early postwar periods, said she was moved that, after 80 years, a film is finally shedding light on the "invisible" yet essential work of wartime humanitarian aid. "In war, the spotlight is always on soldiers and civilian victims. Red Cross nurses, by contrast, worked behind the scenes to care for them because it was considered professional to remain in the shadows," Suzuki said. In her research, Suzuki found that Japanese Red Cross workers made repeated attempts at providing humanitarian aid at Allied prisoner-of-war camps in Nagasaki before the bombing. She said they exemplified humanitarianism in the way they treated the injured, regardless of whether they were friend or foe. The Red Cross's aid did not stop with the end of the war. Hospitals run by the organization for atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, established in 1956 and 1958, respectively, have treated a cumulative 7.9 million outpatients and 6.3 million inpatients as of fiscal 2024. The film also highlights Nagasaki's long history of Christianity and Matsumoto's own Catholic upbringing through one of the main characters, Misao. "Misao's willingness to sacrifice herself to help others and her readiness to serve in the Catholic sense is an attitude I deeply admire. Misao represents the type of person I look up to," said Matsumoto. At the time of the bombing, two priests were hearing the confessions of several dozen parishioners at Urakami Cathedral, located around 500 meters from the hypocenter. All perished under the rubble. It is believed that around 10,000 Catholics, most of whom lived in the Urakami district, were killed by the atomic bomb. "I've shown the film to some Americans, and many didn't know the bomb exploded directly above a church -- or that so many Christians died. They watched the film with great interest," said Matsumoto, who wants to release the film in the United States. Matsumoto hopes that, for a foreign audience, the film will offer a glimpse of what life was like in the days following the bombing and motivate them to visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki or, at least, learn more online. "There have only been two instances of nuclear weapons being used. By telling a more human story in this film, I want to convey the importance of ensuring that Nagasaki is the last place to ever suffer such an attack." "Nagasaki: In the Shadow of the Flash" is showing now in Nagasaki and will open in cinemas across the rest of Japan on Aug. 1. (By Donican Lam)
