Latest news with #ShukanBunshun


Japan Today
17-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Hokkaido town residents gird for battle against 'China Village'
The town of Kutchan, located about two hours southwest of Sapporo City, lies at the foot of 1,898 meter-high Mount Yotei. Known as the "Ezo Fuji" (Fuji of Hokkaido) because of its resemblance to Mount Fuji, the mountain is cherished for its scenic beauty. At the foothills of the mountain are cultivated fields and livestock farms. Also close by is a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force garrison. But as Shukan Bunshun (July 17) reports, this pastoral part of Japan's northern island appears to have been targeted by Chinese developers. "In early June, it was discovered that 3.9 hectares of trees had been cut down at the foot of Mount Yotei, in violation of the Forestry Act, without obtaining forest development permission," a local government official tells the magazine."Buildings have also begun to be constructed at the site. This has raised such commotion that it's been getting almost daily coverage on local TV. The prefectural and town governments have been moved to take action." Upon investigation, Shukan Bunshun has learned that a consortium of Chinese businesses has drawn up plans to erect a "China Village" over an expansive area at the foot of the mountain. Details of the plans are outlined in a presentation consisting of 16 slides, a copy of which the reporter obtained. Titled "Kutchan Town New Life Project," it proclaims that by "transforming the area into a village" by 2035, "a total lifestyle will be realized," which by then will include a hotel, condominiums, public open spaces, a supermarket and so on. A town official familiar with the situation told the magazine, "This development is aimed at Chinese people. They've already started running ads on Chinese websites to promote sales of vacation homes. The development is headed by company J, a real estate outfit based in Sapporo whose president is from China." Another town official also acknowledged that the company has been quietly buying up land in the area. Upon investigating the logging site and the land nearby, Shukan Bunshun found that between 2019 and 2025, the company had successively acquired at least 60 hectares of land, an area equivalent to 13 Tokyo Domes (the Yomiuri Giants' home stadium at Korakuen, Tokyo). Furthermore, some parcels of land have reportedly been resold to people with addresses in China or to Chinese companies. The developers are also believed to have an eye on the local water resources. "The water resources are located close to a distillation plant," says a source familiar with the project plans. "I can see them tapping into it and exporting bottled water to China and other countries." At the very least, Shukan Bunshun writes, the project may be in violation of seven laws or ordinances concerned with logging, building standards, urban planning, landscaping, soil pollution and protection of water resources. It is uncertain at this point what sort of action, if any, the Hokkaido prefectural government intends to take. Company J's Chinese president has been lying low, and the reporter's efforts to reach him for a comment, via his real estate offices or social media, were unsuccessful. Office staff advised the reporter to inquire through the company's attorney, who initially replied by sending a copy of the company's press release, but made no subsequent reply. "Although Mount Yotei is on privately owned land, no one has touched it," a local farmer was quoted as saying. "That's because, like Mount Fuji, it offered a view that many people could enjoy. I can understand developing it, say, to create a relaxing hot spring for use by the local townspeople. But it looks like it's going to be turned into a place for wealthy Chinese. What's more, construction work was done without obtaining permission, and is chock full of the most frightening thing of all is that it might raise the possibility of floods. "What is it that I want?" he asks rhetorically. "Just to be able to grow my vegetables in peace." © Japan Today


Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Asuka Kirara defends Ju Haknyeon after prostitution case dismissal
Asuka Kirara, a former Japanese adult film actress, has reiterated her defense of former The Boyz member Ju Haknyeon, who was recently cleared of prostitution allegations. During a livestream on Tuesday, she addressed growing speculation about her alleged involvement in a private gathering that contributed to Ju's sudden exit from the K-pop group. Kirara explained she was simply attending a male friend's birthday party and had no prior knowledge Ju would be there. 'There were designers and other people. No one invited me because of him,' she said, dismissing rumors that she was used to elevate someone's public image. Although Ju had mentioned being a fan, Kirara denied any personal involvement, stating they had no physical or romantic connection. 'That was my first time meeting him. There was no three-day relationship,' she said, criticizing Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun for spreading false claims. 'So much misinformation is being circulated.' She questioned the motives behind Ju's expulsion from the group, saying, 'I don't understand how this led to his expulsion. It seems like someone wanted him gone or was hiding something else.' She added that despite Ju being 'handsome,' she 'never touched him, never hugged him,' and emphasized there was no physical relationship. Earlier, she posted on social media, 'I have never privately received money for sex, not once in my life — and that includes this time.' On Wednesday, police in Seoul's Gangnam District officially dismissed the prostitution charge against Ju, citing insufficient grounds for investigation. The case began June 18 when Shukan Bunshun reported Ju met Kirara at a Tokyo bar. Ju maintains his innocence and has announced plans to take legal action against the journalist, media outlet, and the individual who filed the complaint, citing defamation and false reporting.


Hype Malaysia
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Singer Ju Haknyeon Claims Former Agency One Hundred Forced Him To Leave THE BOYZ
It looks like former THE BOYZ (더보이즈) member Ju Haknyeon (주학년) is standing his ground against the recent allegations made towards him. The K-pop idol will also take action against several parties, including his former label, One Hundred. Last week, the idol faced rumours of engaging in prostitution after being spotted drinking with Japanese influencer Asuka Kirara. In response to the allegations, Ju Haknyeon's now-former label, One Hundred, announced the termination of his exclusive contract and his departure from THE BOYZ. Ju Haknyeon would later share a brief statement denying the prostitution allegations. However, over the weekend, the 26-year-old shockingly announced his decision to take legal action against One Hundred for unlawful termination. In his statement, Ju Haknyeon claimed that the agency had forced him to sign a termination agreement and demanded over KEW 2 billion (approximately RM6.1 million) in damages. After refusing the demands, One Hundred announced the singer's departure from his group and the label. One Hundred denied Ju Haknyeon's claims, even mentioning a specific reason for terminating his exclusive contract. Following this, Japanese news outlet Shukan Bunshun released alleged photos of the idol and Asuka. Korean news outlet Dispatch also released its own exposé, alleging that Ju Haknyeon spent the night with Asuka and bragged about it to his groupmates. The exposé also claimed that the vocalist had agreed to leave the group but changed his mind. Following these allegations, Ju Haknyeon released another statement to reinstate his innocence. In the new statement, the idol also alleges that someone is trying to frame him for something he didn't do, noting the suspiciously 'planned' revelations from news outlets. Additionally, Ju Haknyeon is taking legal action against news outlets for defamation. He said he would continue fighting to reveal the truth and clear his name. The public's reaction to the situation remains mixed. However, fans continue supporting Ju Haknyeon, hoping he can clear his name. We also hope that justice will prevail and the truth will reveal itself. What are your thoughts on this? Read Ju Haknyeon's statement below: Sources: Instagram (1)(2), Soompi (1)(2), Koreaboo What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0

News.com.au
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Tennis star apologises for cheating on wife with mistress in messy scandal
Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori was getting a little too much love off the court. The world's No. 61 player is alleged to be having a years-long affair with model Azuki Oguchi by Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun. Nishikori gave a statement to the outlet: 'I deeply apologise for causing discomfort to everyone who supports me: tennis fans, associations, sponsors, and other related parties, and for their concern and inconvenience due to my dishonest behaviour.' Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The NY Post reports Nishikori added. 'Additionally, I deeply regret making my wife and children feel hurt. The 35-year-old, who married his wife, Mai Yamaguchi, in 2020 after a five-year relationship, was seen visiting model Oguchi's apartment last week in Japan, with photos published by Shukan Bunshun showing the two together and walking out of the apartment. The tennis star shares two children with Yamaguchi, ages 4 and 1. 'Moving forward, in order to fulfil my role as a responsible member of society, I will focus solely on tennis competitions and achieving results,' his statement continued. 'We will do everything possible to regain their trust.' Nishikori and Oguchi reportedly met in 2022 while in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2023, Oguchi was reportedly confronted by her then-boyfriend over her relationship with Nishikori. Shukan Bunshun reports that Nishikori, a quarterfinalist at Wimbledon in 2018 and 2019, hired a lawyer in an attempt to mediate and avoid a public scandal. Nishikori and Oguchi's relationship came to an end in 2023 but resumed in 2024 after the tennis star reportedly told her that he 'no longer loves his wife' and that they are together solely for the sake of their children. Nishikori was forced to pull out of the French Open as well as Wimbledon due to injuries with the scandal brewing. He is the first Asian men's player to reach a grand slam final — losing to Marin Cilic in the 2014 US Open finals — while also having won 12 ATP titles and was ranked No. 4 in the world.


New York Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Tennis star Kei Nishikori caught up in messy scandal after alleged years-long affair with model
Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori was getting a little too much love off the court. The world's No. 61 player is alleged to be having a years-long affair with model Azuki Oguchi by Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun. Nishikori gave a statement to the outlet. 'I deeply apologize for causing discomfort to everyone who supports me: tennis fans, associations, sponsors, and other related parties, and for their concern and inconvenience due to my dishonest behavior,' Nishikori said in a statement. 'Additionally, I deeply regret making my wife and children feel hurt. 5 Nishikori with wife Mai Yamaguchi on their wedding day. 5 32-year-old model Azuki Oguchi, alleged mistress of Kei Nishikori. The 35-year-old, who married his wife, Mai Yamaguchi, in 2020 after a five-year relationship, was seen visiting model Oguchi's apartment last week in Japan, with photos published by Shukan Bunshun showing the two together and walking out of the apartment. The tennis star shares two children with Yamaguchi, ages 4 and 1. 'Moving forward, in order to fulfill my role as a responsible member of society, I will focus solely on tennis competitions and achieving results,' his statement continued. 'We will do everything possible to regain their trust.' Nishikori and Oguchi reportedly met in 2022 while in Honolulu, Hawaii. 5 Kei Nishikori of Japan was among the best players in the world. AP 5 Pictured: 32-year-old model Azuki Oguchi. In 2023, Oguchi was reportedly confronted by her then-boyfriend over her relationship with Nishikori. Shukan Bunshun reports that Nishikori, a quarterfinalist at Wimbledon in 2018 and 2019, hired a lawyer in an attempt to mediate and avoid a public scandal. Nishikori and Oguchi's relationship came to an end in 2023 but resumed in 2024 after the tennis star reportedly told her that he 'no longer loves his wife' and that they are together solely for the sake of their children. 5 Kei Nishikori apologized for his extra marital affair. Getty Images Nishikori was forced to pull out of the French Open as well as Wimbledon due to injuries with the scandal brewing. He is the first Asian player to reach a Grand Slam final — losing to Marin Cilic in the 2014 US Open finals — while also having won 12 ATP titles and was ranked No. 4 in the world.