Kyodo News Digest: July 14, 2025
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Japan emperor, empress describe trip to Mongolia as "truly memorable"
TOKYO - Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Sunday described their visit to Mongolia as "truly memorable" as they concluded a trip aimed at affirming the two nations' enduring friendship and commemorating war victims.
"We were able to directly feel the rich history and culture of Mongolia, as well as its natural wonders," they said in a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, recalling the first state visit to Mongolia by a Japanese emperor.
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Nearly 70% of A-bomb survivors concerned about nuclear arms use: poll
OSAKA - Nearly 70 percent of atomic bomb survivors believe nuclear weapons could be used again, with many citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's weapons development, according to a Kyodo News survey conducted ahead of the 80th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan.
Many respondents were also not optimistic that last year's Nobel Peace Prize win for Nihon Hidankyo, Japan's leading group of atomic bomb survivors, would help bring about a world without nuclear weapons, with more than 60 percent expecting little or no change.
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Sumo: Grand champions Onosato, Hoshoryu open Nagoya meet with wins
NAGOYA - Onosato made a solid start to his yokozuna career, while fellow grand champion Hoshoryu overcame one of his most troublesome opponents Sunday as the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament opened at IG Arena.
The 25-year-old Onosato, the first Japanese-born yokozuna since the January 2019 retirement of his stablemaster, the former Kisenosato, comfortably took care of new Mongolian komusubi Oshoma in the day's penultimate bout.
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Tennis: Oda fights back to win 2nd Wimbledon wheelchair crown
LONDON - Japan's Tokito Oda won his second Wimbledon wheelchair tennis title in three years, coming from a set down to beat Britain's Alfie Hewett on Sunday.
The top-seeded 19-year-old won 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in a 2-hour, 16-minute final against the second-seeded host nation favorite at the All England Club.
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Taiwan rocket crashes in Japan's 1st launch backed by foreign capital
KUSHIRO, Japan - A Taiwanese rocket crashed shortly after lifting off from a private spaceport in northern Japan, failing in what would have been the first successful launch from Japanese soil of a rocket developed with foreign capital.
The 12-meter rocket dubbed "VP01" was launched by jtSPACE Co., a Japanese arm of a Taiwanese aerospace company, at 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, according to the operator of Hokkaido Spaceport.
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Figure skating: Uno completes 1st ice show series, promises for 2nd
NIIGATA, Japan - Former Olympic figure skater Shoma Uno said Sunday that there will be a sequel to the ice show he produced for the first time, which just concluded.
The two-time world champion made the announcement on the final day of "Ice Brave" in front of more than 2,000 spectators at MGC Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Ice Arena in Niigata, northwest of Tokyo.
Video: Skateboarder Yuto Horigome wins JOC award
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Tokyo Weekender
5 hours ago
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Chie Hayakawa was in elementary school when she decided she wanted to be a filmmaker. The Tokyo native went on to study photography at the New York School of Visual Arts before releasing her breakthrough short 'Niagara,' a story about a girl who goes to live with her dementia-afflicted grandmother. It was selected in the Cinéfondation section at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014. Hayakawa's debut feature, Plan 75 , came eight years later. A critically acclaimed dystopian drama about a government-sponsored euthanasia program available to all Japanese citizens 75 and older to address the country's aging society, it was awarded the Camera d'Or Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022. Her latest flick, Renoir , a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale set in Tokyo in the late 1980s about a pre-teen girl named Fuki whose father is battling terminal cancer, was recently nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or prize at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival. Hayakawa recently spoke to Tokyo Weekender about the film. Complete Interview with Chie Hayakawa Why did you decide to make Renoir? My previous movie, Plan 75, was an issue-driven film. I, therefore, wanted to make something different; a movie about emotions that I couldn't describe in words. I've been wanting to make a film about an 11-year-old because I was about that age when I first started to think about becoming a filmmaker. There were a lot of ideas and scenes in my mind for my future film. © Renoir – Loaded Films You mentioned Plan 75, which also deals with preemptive grief. How connected are the two films? And what was it like making such a personal movie from an emotional perspective? My personal experience of living with a father who had cancer affected my perception of death, solidarity and human dignity. So I think you have similar underlying themes in both films. For me, making Renoir was like a journey to find myself. I gained a new perspective on my childhood. What kind of films inspired you when making this film? I was inspired by movies which have a child as the protagonist, such as Shinji Somai's Moving , Victor Erice's The Spirit of the Beehive and François Truffaut's The 400 Blows, to name a few. Why did you decide on Renoir as the title? I wanted to have a title that didn't have a specific meaning. I like the contrast between a story about a little Japanese girl and a French painter. However, after showing the film at Cannes, a lot of people mentioned that the movie was like an impressionist painting. A picture starts to emerge with a lot of brush strokes and colors. Renoir has a lot of small episodes which don't look like they connect with each other, but the collections of these episodes help to give the film something special and, I hope, leave a lasting impression. © Renoir – Loaded Films The film includes a story about a pedophile who attempts to groom Fuki via phone chat chat lines. Why did you include that? Girls are constantly exposed to such dangers. Sometimes they don't understand what's going on, but have a feeling of fear or uneasiness. They also have curiosity about sexual things at that age. I wanted to depict a girl's complex feelings and bitter experience. How her dignity can be hurt by men's desires. Why did you choose the Yellow Magic Orchestra song 'Rydeen' in the movie? That was the song I danced to at a summer camp when I was a child. Also, the film is set in 1987, so I think it also embodies the positivity that Japan was feeling at that time during the bubble period. Telepathy is another theme in the film. Were you interested in that growing up? Yes, I was drawn into it. I practiced a lot when I was in my early teens. I wanted to believe it existed and that miracles were possible. © Renoir – Loaded Films Yui Suzuki was the first child to audition for the role. What impressed you about her? And what was she like to work with? I found that she has her own universe inside of her. She is a very creative artist who is brave and is very comfortable in front of the camera. I really liked her strong gaze. Once I cast her, though, I was expecting that it would be very challenging to direct a child. However, it was so easy working with Yui. I didn't really give her detailed directions. I just let her do whatever she wanted. She acted so naturally. She has real talent. What about the performances of Lily Franky and Hikari Ishida? Lily Franky reminds me of Chishu Ryu because his acting is so minimal and his presence, just standing or sitting, gives a very strong and true impression. I was impressed with Hikari Ishida's performance as she embodied a mother's frustration, desperation and weakness. How did it feel to be nominated for the Palme d'Or? I was honored and felt very encouraged as a filmmaker. But at the same time, it was very surrealistic to see my name among other legendary filmmakers. For a long time, it didn't feel real. Of course, I would love to be nominated again. My future goal, though, is just to keep making films that I can put my soul into. Renoir is showing at Shinjuku Piccadilly Cinema with English subtitles until July 17. Related Posts Chie Hayakawa's Renoir Competes for Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival 2025 Johatsu: A Haunting Documentary About Japan's 'Evaporated People' David Lynch and Japan – The Twin Peaks of a Decades-Long, Mutual Obsession
Asahi Shimbun
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Stylish and self-assured, Takahiro Nogawa is making history as one of Japan's first openly gender-nonconforming news anchors to appear on national television. This spring, Nogawa, 31, left a local station in Fukushima Prefecture after eight years to begin appearing on the flagship news program at the Tokyo-based Nippon Television Network Corp. 'In my next life, I want to be a female news presenter,' Nogawa wrote on social media. 'For now, I'm a male one.' Known for a love of beauty and fashion, Nogawa frequently posts about makeup and skincare online. As a child, Nogawa felt most at home among female classmates, preferring Pretty Cure over Ultraman. Although rarely facing bullying, in high school Nogawa was deeply affected by a tragic news story about a gay teen in the United States who took his own life. 'I realized I was just lucky to have supportive friends,' Nogawa said. Motivated by a desire to live openly and help others do the same, Nogawa pursued a career in broadcasting. Over time, Nogawa began challenging gender expectations more openly by wearing women's clothing during on-location shoots, and gradually using more intense makeup. Nogawa's subsequent appearances on national TV talk shows and beauty magazines drew attention and helped reshape perceptions of gender expression in Japanese media. Although Nogawa's presentation challenges gender norms, the broadcaster has chosen not to put a specific label on gender identity. 'There should be room for people who choose not to name it,' Nogawa said, suggesting that coming out should be a personal choice—not an obligation. When appearing in the news studio, Nogawa now opts for a toned-down look: a tailored jacket and subtle makeup. Nogawa's goal is to keep the audience focused on the news—not on appearances. But just being present on screen sends a powerful message. 'Television reflects everyday life,' Nogawa said. 'I hope that one day, someone like me can simply be part of everyday life without it feeling unusual.'
Tokyo Weekender
9 hours ago
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Where To Eat the Best Kakigori Shaved Ice in Tokyo This Summer
When summer in Tokyo hits full swing and the heat starts bouncing off the pavement, there's one treat locals and visitors alike turn to: kakigori. This fluffy, cloud-like shaved ice dessert has been cooling down Japan for centuries. You'll spot it everywhere from nostalgic festival stalls to neighborhood parks, served in its simplest form with bright syrups and sweetened condensed milk. And with Tokyo's summer temperatures breaking records , there's no better time to skip the soft serve and go for something colder, lighter and way more interesting. But beyond the classic versions lies a wave of kakigori shops turning this humble dessert into something more refined. From long-standing neighborhood favorites to experimental patisseries pushing kakigori into new territory, we've tracked down eight of the most creative, crave-worthy kakigori destinations in the city. Ready to cool off? Let's dig in. List of Contents: Azuki to Kouri (Yoyogi-Uehara) Ginza Ginger (Ginza) Oribe (Shimokitazawa) Asakusa Naniwaya (Asakusa) Magie du Chocolat (Jiyugaoka) Wa Kitchen Kanna (Sangenjaya) Yelo (Roppongi) Sabo Okuno Shibuya (Shibuya) Related Posts View this post on Instagram A post shared by あずきとこおり (@azukitokouri) Azuki to Kouri (Yoyogi-Uehara) Tucked away in a stylish street in Yoyogi-Uehara, Azuki to Kouri (literally 'red bean and ice') opened in January 2022, headed by Miho Horio, a former pastry chef at a French restaurant. The shop's signature azuki and meringue shaved ice is a fusion of crisp meringue, velvety mochi sauce and cooked azuki beans. Seasonal highlights rotate roughly every two weeks, with past creations like the strawberry and meringue kakigori and passion fruit creme chiboust kakigori showcasing Horio's French techniques and Japanese sensibilities. Beyond shaved ice, the shop, which is completely cashless, also offers handmade azuki-studded brioches, seasonal soups and a tea menu. Address: 1F Grand Duo Yoyogi, 1-46-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya ward, Tokyo View this post on Instagram A post shared by 銀座のジンジャー (@ginza_ginger_official) Ginza Ginger (Ginza) If you're a fan of the tangy taste of ginger, then Ginza Ginger is for you. This specialty shop crafts colorful syrups and confitures from ginger, yuzu citrus, strawberry, lemon and more, each with a warming kick. Its flagship Namiki-dori location offers kakigori made with its signature milk ginger syrup, layered with seasonal toppings like ginger-infused foam or slow-cooked confiture. Summer specials this year include a lemon-scented Okinawa pineapple and kiwi tropical yogurt kakigori — though you'll have to check out Ginger Ginza's Instagram to find out when each flavor is on offer. The shop has also had exclusive deals for Instagram followers in the past, including a retro-style melon cream soda kakigori and a first flush matcha and muscovado milk kakigori — another good reason to check Ginza Ginger out online. Address: 1F and 2F Quartier Blanc Ginza, 1-4-3 Ginza, Chuo ward, Tokyo View this post on Instagram A post shared by ✿ 休日ご褒美グルメ ✿ (@oishi_gohobi) Oribe (Shimokitazawa) Step inside Oribe , and you'll be welcomed not just by the scent of roasted tea and sweet red beans but also by shelves of beautifully crafted Japanese pottery. This Shimokitazawa gem is part cafe, part gallery, showcasing traditional wares like Mino-yaki, Arita-yaki and Hasami-yaki that are also occasionally for sale. The shop's kakigori is also served in these elegant bowls — fluffy mountains of ice topped with options like hojicha milk, matcha syrup with kinako warabi mochi (bracken starch cakes dusted with soybean powder) or red bean paste. For the adventurous, there's the Namaste kakigori, a punchy mix of Indian spices and spicy passion fruit syrup. The shop also hosts monthly exhibitions by up-and-coming ceramic artists. Address: 1F, 2-2-3 Kitazawa, Setagaya ward, Tokyo View this post on Instagram A post shared by keiko (@kei.114345) Asakusa Naniwaya (Asakusa) Naniwaya has been around since 1909, quietly serving up nostalgic sweets to loyal locals in the city's historic neighborhood. Its kakigori is cloud-like, topped with seasonal fruits and slow-simmered sauces that bring out just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Add-ons include a sweet potato sauce that melts into the ice. The shop is equally famous for its taiyaki — golden fish-shaped cakes with an ultra-thin crispy crust and a core of azuki from Hokkaido's Tokachi region. Address: 2-12-4 Asakusa, Taito ward, Tokyo View this post on Instagram A post shared by マジドゥショコラ （magieduchocolat） (@magieduchocolat) Magie du Chocolat (Jiyugaoka) Magie du Chocolat is best known for its ethically sourced chocolates — but in warmer months, its luxurious kakigori is a seasonal favourite. The bitter chocolate kakigori hides scoops of mascarpone and the shop's signature ice cream under layers of snowy ice, all crowned with delicate chocolate shavings and available with a rich chocolate sauce. Another standout is the decadent white chocolate kakigori, featuring luscious strawberry confiture, frozen fruit and a dreamy condensed milk-white chocolate drizzle. Address: 6-33-14 Okusawa, Setagaya ward, Tokyo View this post on Instagram A post shared by 和kitchenかんな (@wa_kitchen_kanna) Wa Kitchen Kanna (Sangenjaya) Tucked into the backstreets of Sangenjaya, Kanna feels like a serene hideout. The wooden interior has a soft, Japanese-inspired aesthetic that pairs perfectly with its elegant kakigori offerings. Crowd-pleasers include the tiramisu kakigori and the wakaba ('fresh verdure') kakigori — a blend of strawberries and matcha. A big reason fans follow Wa Kitchen Kanna on Instagram, however, is to keep abreast of the shop's experimental monthly specials. Recent showstoppers include yhe Sumomo BC, which features plum sauce, compote, kefir yogurt and mascarpone, and a kakigori made with Noto blueberries — part of the proceeds from which support recovery efforts in the earthquake-affected Noto region. They also serve hearty teishoku meal sets, so come hungry and stay awhile. Address: 2F COMS Shimouma, 2-43-11 Shimouma, Setagaya ward, Tokyo View this post on Instagram A post shared by KAKIGORI CAFE&BAR yelo @六本木かき氷 (@yelojp) Yelo (Roppongi) A late-night favorite in Roppongi, Yelo elevates kakigori into an after-hours indulgence. Its secret lies in temperature-controlled ice that's shaved to an impossibly fine, cloud-like consistency. Standouts include Ichigo Miruku DX, a strawberry-milk creation, and Tiramisu DX, both of which are topped with a generous swirl of mascarpone whipped cream. For the adventurous, the Night Kakigori series introduces alcohol into the mix, with flavor combinations like rum and fruit liqueur. Alongside its kakigori, the shop also serves a hearty selection of hot dogs, sandwiches and late-night bites. Address: 1F Patio Roppongi, 5-2-11 Roppongi, Minato ward, Tokyo View this post on Instagram A post shared by 茶房 オクノシブヤ (@saboh_okushibu) Sabo Okuno Shibuya (Shibuya) Sabo Okuno is a stylish kakigori salon in Shibuya founded by renowned kakigori artisan Yasumasa Era. Here, portions are generous and the flavors are sometimes surprising. In addition to beloved staples, the shop serves imaginative offerings like an avocado salad kakigori, heaped with silky avocado cream, and a nutty concoction that combines bean-based coffee and hazelnut cream pastes with coffee warabi mochi and other tasty ingredients. Address: 102 Whiteheim Otake, 7-15 Kamiyamacho, Shibuya ward, Tokyo Related Posts Iconic Japanese Ice Creams, Ranked The Best Taiyaki Shops in Tokyo Unpacking the Gourmet World of Fruit Sando: Japan's Iconic Dessert Sandwich
