Headline news for April 7, 2026



Morinaga & Co., Ltd. is releasing a new product, ' Koeda [Royal Milk Tea], ' as part of its 'Koeda' series, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary. The new product features milky white chocolate blended with black tea powder, creating a royal milk tea aroma that spreads gently with every bite. The combination of puffs and biscuits provides a light, crispy texture and a harmonious blend of chocolate and chocolate. It will be released on April 21st, 2026 (Tuesday).

Celebrating the 55th anniversary of Koeda: A refined tea aroma and crispy texture – 'Koeda [Royal Milk Tea]' launches April 21st (Tuesday) – ~'Take a crispy break with Koeda' campaign underway~ | 2026 | News Release | Morinaga & Co., Ltd.
https://www.morinaga.co.jp/company/newsrelease/detail.php?no=3109

Incidentally, on the same day of the same month in the past, we published the following article.

Ancient Mesopotamian clay tablets contain the 'world's oldest customer complaint' written in cuneiform - GIGAZINE

DeepSeek and Tsinghua University researchers announce new method to enhance the inference capabilities of LLMs - GIGAZINE

Microsoft has announced 'Copilot Search,' a web search function that uses Copilot, so I tried it out - GIGAZINE

Experts say that in addition to protein, 'carbohydrate intake is also important' for muscle training - GIGAZINE

The James Webb Space Telescope discovers the oldest galaxy ever observed, possibly born just 320 million years after the Big Bang - GIGAZINE

I tried out Roland's 'GO:LIVECAST,' a super-compact smartphone live streaming tool that can play sound effects and opening movies with the touch of a button - GIGAZINE

'World's oldest evidence of cannibalism' found in trilobite fossils dating back over 500 million years - GIGAZINE

On their wedding day, it was revealed that the bride was the groom's mother's long-lost daughter, leading to a reunion between mother and daughter after 20 years. What will become of the bride and groom's marriage? - GIGAZINE

Interview with Toh Enjo, series composition writer for 'Godzilla SP [Singular Point]': How did he create the first 13-episode Godzilla series? - GIGAZINE

Interview with Yoh Yoshinari, director of 'BNA: Brand New Animal,' and series composition writer Kazuki Nakashima: How did they depict a 'society with beastmen'? - GIGAZINE

◆ Ideas (notes, miscellaneous things)













◆Science (Science, Academics, Technology)
'Artemis Program': Humans reach their furthest point from Earth, breaking a 56-year record | NHK News | Space, Science, America

Orion spacecraft, which orbited the far side of the moon, communicated with Houston: 'We are watching over you' - BBC News

◆Society, Politics, and Economy (Events, World News, Business)
US rescues missing fighter jet crew in Iran; Trump calls it 'one of the most audacious rescue operations in history' | Reuters

US military rescues crew members who were missing after US fighter jet was shot down, Trump announces - CNN.co.jp

Trump pressures Iran with '48 hours to hell,' Iran retaliates with 'the gates of hell will open to you' (5 photos) International News: AFPBB News

'You'll be living in hell': Trump's insults to Iran on Easter spark widespread controversy (Photo 1) International News: AFPBB News

Russian Foreign Minister Advises US to Avoid Using 'Ultimatum'-like Language (4 photos) International News: AFPBB News

Israeli military destroys 17 cameras of UN Interim Force in Lebanon, officials say. (4 photos) International News: AFPBB News

Tokaido Shinkansen passenger numbers to reach record high for the first time in 7 years... Yomiuri Shimbun: Yomiuri Shimbun

'Unusual route': Opposition group claims thorough preparations were in place at Henoko accident site | Okinawa Yaeyama Nippo

Iran vows to regain 'complete air superiority' after downing US fighter jet, claims it used a newly developed air defense system - CNN.co.jp

Plans emerge to extend Utsunomiya LRT to the center of Haga town, replacing discontinued bus routes - Nikkei

Italian Prime Minister visits three Middle Eastern countries to discuss energy supply | NEWSjp

'Inappropriate, reject it!' Defense team refutes claims in 'Japanese citizenship acquisition lawsuit': The government's response and the 'redacted answer sheet' amidst stricter citizenship acquisition procedures [Report from the 'unknown courtroom'] | TBS NEWS DIG

How to interpret reports that 'Japanese-related vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz': A summary of the current situation | Hidenori Watanabe Laboratory | Hidenori Watanabe

Iranian military commander says 'innovation' in air defense system contributed to downing of US aircraft - CNN.co.jp

'Komodo dragon diplomacy': Arranging a visit to Japan - NNA ASIA, Indonesia, Society

Man in his 80s dies after accidentally ingesting aconite in Hokkaido | NHK News | Hokkaido

[Analysis] F-15 fighter jet downed highlights increasing risks to US military; limits to air superiority - CNN.co.jp

[Breaking News] Attack near nuclear power plant in southern Iran, security guard killed | 47NEWS

US Air Force lost a total of 7 aircraft in the war with Iran, including F-15s, E-3s, and A-10s - CNN.co.jp

Concerns have been raised about the supply of dialysis circuits and other equipment, but there will be no immediate disruption, says a Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare official | Reuters

Two US fighter jets shot down by Iran; two crew members rescued, one missing; first time since the start of the US offensive against Iran | Reuters

Iran shoots down US military aircraft, search for missing persons continues, another fighter jet also crashes, US reports [US-Israeli attack on Iran, Iran situation]: Asahi Shimbun

French and Japanese merchant ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the start of the conflict. (Photo 1) International News: AFPBB News

Trump administration demands 40% increase in military spending; budget proposal includes significant cuts to education and other areas [Trump Returns]: Asahi Shimbun

Cosmetic surgeon commits sexual assaults on defenseless female patients under anesthesia; 21 victims, including a 9-year-old child... 'A heinous and despicable crime,' sentenced to 25 years in prison: Yomiuri Shimbun

Japanese language proficiency required for the 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities and International Affairs' professional visa | 47NEWS

U.S. Defense Secretary Heggesses reportedly blocked promotions for women and Black people in the military | NEWSjp

Skymark considering introducing fuel surcharges on domestic flights as early as next spring | NHK News | Aviation, Transportation & Infrastructure, Crude Oil Prices

[Analysis] 'We're at war. Childcare is out of the question,' Trump's problematic remarks come to light at an inconvenient time - CNN.co.jp

Incorporating information on terrorism and espionage into policy... Deliberations begin on establishing a 'National Intelligence Council': 'Strengthening citizen surveillance?' Prime Minister Takaichi denies it: Tokyo Shimbun Digital

Crude oil shortage: Proposal to request conservation measures after Golden Week emerges within the government, but strong caution remains | Mainichi Shimbun

One month after the dissolution order for the former Unification Church, liquidation procedures are progressing. Believers are unable to use the church buildings | NHK News | Former Unification Church, lawsuit, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

Pakistan has proposed a two-phase conflict resolution plan to Iran and the US, mediating the agreement; sources say an agreement is needed by June 6 | Reuters

Mizuho Fukushima wins Social Democratic Party leadership election: 'We will move forward with full force' - Defeated Otsubaki is not allowed to speak and leaves the room - Sankei News

Family of Okawara wrongly convicted criminal files lawsuit, questioning the responsibility of 37 judges: 'Bail denial was illegal' - Asahi Shimbun

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara's statement that 'naphtha supply will be unavailable in June' is incorrect | NHK News | Iran situation: Impact on Japan and response, naphtha, Iran situation

Macroscope: Middle East-related subsidies to last 'three months,' the shadow of depleted financial resources creeps up on Governor Takaichi | Reuters

Tomomi Inada: 'They're not listening to our side of the story at all!' LDP meeting in turmoil over government proposal to revise retrial system, demands for 'prohibition of appeals' | TBS NEWS DIG

Questions raised about Trump's mental health over his excessively offensive social media posts - CNN.co.jp

Prime Minister Takaichi's parliamentary attendance time was 60% of what it was during Ishiba's time; she uses X to refute criticism - Nikkei

Trump holds press conference, says Iran could be 'destroyed' overnight, criticizes allies - CNN.co.jp

Following the wrongful conviction case involving Okawara Chemical Machinery, judges hold study group to discuss bail procedures: “Continuing detention requires sincere judgment” | NHK News | Trials, Prosecutors

An 89-year-old man suspected of biting a woman at a cherry blossom viewing spot experienced a change in his condition while being taken into custody, and later died.

LDP Secretary-General Suzuki: 'We may have to ask the public to be more frugal in the future' in response to the situation in Iran | TBS NEWS DIG

Man arrested for threatening bus driver with knife over slow speed; driver runs to police box and the man follows him. Nakano Ward, Tokyo | FNN Prime Online

'A passenger pulled out a knife on a bus bound for Nakano Station in Tokyo.' Bus driver rushes to police station; man in his 60s arrested on the spot; driver and passengers unharmed. Metropolitan Police Department | TBS NEWS DIG (Page 1)

'Let's go home together. Mom's waiting.' The younger brother took off in a fighter jet but crashed and died. The crash site wasn't identified until about 50 years later, when a B-29 also crashed nearby... The clue was a metal fragment accidentally found in the mountains. | NEWSjp

Tomomi Inada: 'They're not listening to our side of the story at all!' LDP meeting in turmoil over government proposal to revise retrial system, demands for 'prohibition of appeals' | TBS NEWS DIG (Page 1)

Israeli military urges Iranians to avoid using trains | Reuters

It's illegal to teach the alphabet to children under 3... South Korean government to completely ban rote learning. (Photos) International News: AFPBB News

Kentaro Ogawa, founder and chairman of Zensho Holdings, which operates the gyudon (beef bowl) chain 'Sukiya,' has died at the age of 77 - Nikkei

'A passenger pulled out a knife on a bus bound for Nakano Station in Tokyo.' Bus driver rushes to police station; man in his 60s arrested on the spot; driver and passengers unharmed. Metropolitan Police Department | TBS NEWS DIG

The largest initial budget in history, exceeding 122 trillion yen, has been approved, but it will be delayed until April for the first time in 11 years. [Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi][Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, President of the Liberal Democratic Party]: Asahi Shimbun

Growing distrust of the 'absent' Mojtabha; contradictory statements, Revolutionary Guard taking the lead - Nikkei

Iran refuses to allow LNG tanker to pass through strait as agreed with US, sources say | Reuters

Bicycle rider falls after being stopped by police; plans to sue, claiming 'illegal questioning' [Osaka Prefecture]: Asahi Shimbun

Kentaro Ogawa, founder of major restaurant chain Zensho Holdings, dies at 77 | 47NEWS

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: 'I have no intention of requesting immediate power conservation' regarding the situation in the Middle East - Nikkei

Crude oil production in Shizuoka Prefecture: 'Extremely high quality' - Crowds gather at pumping operation; the only oil mine on the Pacific coast; Interest is growing due to recent events; one of the mines, abandoned 71 years ago, is preserved and an event is held every two years - YouTube


Prime Minister Takaichi reveals arrangements for a summit meeting with Iran, stating 'we are making arrangements.' She also mentioned a meeting with US President Trump. | FNN Prime Online

Family of Okawara wrongly convicted defendant to file lawsuit against judge for not granting bail despite cancer diagnosis, leading to his death: Asahi Shimbun

Iranian authorities release NHK Tehran bureau chief on bail; unable to leave the country, trial likely - Sankei News

Surge in diesel fuel prices and unsuccessful bids leave Nagara River Railway barely hanging on: 'We want to at least ensure transportation for students' - Chunichi Shimbun Web

Lebanese Christian party leader killed in Israeli airstrikes; domestic conflict deepens | Reuters

World's first statue honoring landmine-sensing rats unveiled in Cambodia - BBC News

Trump threatens to imprison journalists if they don't reveal their sources, regarding reports of missing US soldiers - Nikkei

Trump: 'Japan didn't help us,' expresses dissatisfaction with cooperation against Iran - Nikkei

President Trump calls Iran 'animals' in response to accusations that the attack on power plants was a war crime | TBS NEWS DIG

Trump says the U.S. could collect tolls for passing through the Strait of Hormuz - Summary of press conference - Nikkei

By the way, what happened to the 'LDP and money' issue? | GQ JAPAN

An 89-year-old man who allegedly bit a woman died after being taken into custody in Hyogo Prefecture.

An 80-year-old woman was scammed out of 1.2 billion yen. Amidst suspicions of money laundering due to the record-breaking amount of losses, there are concerns that the scam is becoming a 'fairytale' and that 'it's spreading among some young people.' - Togetter

'That hand is like grilled clams from Kuwana,' Prime Minister says when asked about compiling the supplementary budget | NEWSjp

'Unexplained accident' at soccer stadium leaves one dead and 47 injured during pre-match pep rally (5 photos) International News: AFPBB News

◆Lifestyle (Life, Living, Health)



Muji's plain white design for residential fire extinguishers sparks mixed reactions... Is it better to make them easier to spot during a fire, or to encourage more homes to install them by making them more desirable? - Togetter

'It's fine to dislike what you dislike, but there's a certain dignity to how you dislike something.' You're free to dislike something, but you have no right to slander or defame it - Togetter

The impending 'Reiwa-era oil shock': The inconsistent response of the Takaichi administration should serve as a lesson: Asahi Shimbun

I overheard people behind me in a restaurant saying, 'A war is about to break out, so you should buy shares of such-and-such company now,' and I thought, 'That's just plain creepy.' - Togetter

Japanese people give pure reactions to simple, familiar things like BBQ, but the moment 'combining ingredients' is introduced, they start doing crazy modifications. 'You can't make yokan like that.' - Togetter

After receiving my SHEIN, I spent a few days crushing mysterious insects that appeared in my room. 'They're kind of thin and fluffy, so I don't think they're bed bugs.' - Togetter

Why is it bad to play on tetrapods? Because you won't be able to climb up and be rescued, and in the worst case, it will be impossible to recover the body. - Togetter

A report claiming that plucking your eyebrows causes an uncontrollable runny nose has sparked numerous comments like, 'Is there really no command like that?' - Togetter

In some areas, raccoons are targeted for extermination because they damage crops, but an analysis of their droppings yielded surprising results: 'Are raccoons being wrongly accused?' - Togetter

I was working from home when my son came into my room and, unusually, said, 'I want to go out and play with Daddy.' I couldn't answer immediately, and he tried to close the door saying, 'You're busy, aren't you...' so I canceled all my plans and went out to play with him. - Togetter

The mysterious lie that arises when you eat a simple, old-fashioned soy sauce ramen from a traditional Chinese restaurant: 'Ultimately, this is the most delicious.' - Togetter

I went to a club that said they would open their clubroom at 12:00, but was turned away with the explanation, 'The welcome party is tonight.' → A post was found that seemed to be from the person who turned me away, revealing that both sides were flustered - Togetter

64% of unmarried women do not want children, higher than men, citing concerns about career interruption - Nikkei

I ordered flowers with a budget of 7,000 yen, but the bill came to 7,700 yen including tax... I guess it depends on the florist, but it seems like many people have had the same experience - Togetter

Your name is 'Shikayan': A deer rescued in Osaka City is named at a ceremony held at Nose Onsen [Osaka Prefecture]: Asahi Shimbun




My friend was riding his road bike when he got caught in a trap that was so obvious it was like he was being killed on his first try, and ended up in an ambulance. Isn't it really hard to see? - Togetter




Why do American mansions have swimming pools? Are they just built unnecessarily because they have to spend money on them even if they're not needed? → Various theories gathered - Togetter

Posters that appear to be just ordinary crime prevention posters but are actually warning about 'gang stalking crimes' are increasing in the streets? → Could this give people with delusional disorders more credibility...? - Togetter

While I was letting my daughter play at an amusement park, a boy slapped her cheek and made her cry, so I got angry, but he acted disrespectfully... However, when I asked him, 'Where are your parents?', he suddenly became frightened - Togetter

The phrase 'If you don't want to go, you don't have to' has become widely accepted, but knowing the truth makes it difficult to easily say 'it's okay': 'If you can't even go to school, you basically can't work in society.' - Togetter

'Let's go home together. Mom's waiting.' The younger brother took off in a fighter jet but crashed and died. The crash site wasn't identified until about 50 years later, when a B-29 also crashed nearby... The clue was a metal fragment accidentally found in the mountains. | NEWSjp










'I thought the building was a pachinko parlor, but it turned out to be the city hall.' Local resident: 'The exterior looks like a pachinko parlor, but the inside is the city hall, the upper floors are a library, and the basement is a market, but it's famous for its curry restaurant!' - Togetter

Rococo, the origin of Lolita fashion, was once a sexual and antithetical icon, but 'somewhere along the line, it was rewritten from a 'symbol of lewdness' to a 'girlish symbol'' - Togetter

In South Korea, teaching the alphabet to children under 3 is illegal → 'This is on a different level than what Japanese people imagine.' The harsh realities of early childhood education are shocking - Togetter

An inexperienced newcomer quit after being publicly reprimanded by their supervisor, but the supervisor claimed it was 'just a joke,' which left everyone confused. However, I thought the newcomer's quick decision was commendable. - Togetter

A net cafe refugee I previously helped was taken to a facility in Shinjuku Ward when they received welfare benefits... I heard that it had no air conditioning, only simple partitions, the floor was covered in mold, and the showers only had cold water - Togetter







◆IT & Gadgets (Internet, Software, Hardware, Mobile)
A Toolbox for Philosophical Research - obakeweb

Comparison of Japanese-compatible open-source OCRs, Part 3

My experience creating and running an analytics agent with Claude Code for three months | Nobumoto Taguchi

Harness Engineering: Everyone's Saying Different Things — Here's a Look at the Interpretations from 5 Companies

A summary of the initial settings and features I focused on when I started using Claude Code | DevelopersIO

I was billed 14 million yen by AWS - Speaker Deck

Please stop including freebies in magazines that children look forward to buying, which are then bought up by scalpers and cause price gouging - Togetter

After interacting on X, Americans were shocked that Japanese peanut butter is sweet, and Japanese people were shocked that American peanut butter is salty and not sweet - Togetter

[Claude/ClaudeCode Series for Non-Engineers] Cowork Usage 1: Automating Information Organization Outside of Work Hours at Cowork | DevelopersIO

Gemma 4 - How to run locally | Unsloth Documentation

[Review] Are Macs under 100,000 yen surprisingly good? Using the 'MacBook Neo' for everyday use - Impress Watch

ASCII.jp: Multiple vulnerabilities found in NEC's 'Aterm' series; update or replacement recommended.

I decided to try using Windows Terminal extensively.

Google Pixel 10a announced, starting at around 80,000 yen; Japan-exclusive model 'Isai Blue' also available - Keitai Watch

A simple solution to the character encoding problem in Claude Code - Sakasegawa-chan's Blog

Authlete Terraform Operation Practices at freee - freee Developers Hub

Government approves amendment to School Education Act to include digital textbooks as official textbooks: Jiji.com

◆Anime, Games, and Manga (Subculture)
The fundamental reason why anime analysis and criticism of 'Super Princess Kaguya!' are at odds | Ralu | Shinonome

The Japan Go Association, which continues to operate at a loss, will cut the fixed salaries of its players by 25%... Executives will voluntarily return 50% of their compensation, saying they will 'share the pain': Yomiuri Shimbun




[Slow-paced commentary] Super high-end game [Girls Talk Hyper Bingo / PC9801] - Nico Nico Douga









My favorite female manga artist, Hiromu Arakawa, came in second place in a ranking of favorite female manga artists, and I was like, 'What?!' → But when I found out who came in first, all I could say was, 'I see.' - Togetter







Bandai announces the release of Touken Ranbu collaboration cosmetics, with the items being distributed 'randomly,' sparking backlash from fans: 'Why don't they let us choose the cosmetics??' '80% of the colors are unusable' - Togetter







[Non-credit ending] TV anime 'Isekai Nonbiri Nouka 2' | 'Sunny Steps' / Hizuki Yui - YouTube


[Non-credit opening] TV anime 'Isekai Nonbiri Nouka 2' | 'It's a beautiful story' / Ruru-shi-Lu (CV. Shino Shimoji) & Tia (CV. Aya Suzaki) - YouTube


TV anime 'The Scum of Heroes' PV #3 / Airing nationwide on Nippon Television Network every Saturday from 24:55 starting April 11th! - YouTube


TV Anime 'Nihon Sangoku' Non-Credit Opening Video | Kitani Tatsuya 'Hidane' - YouTube


Episode 1: Possession Requiem 'RES∞NALIST' Aiba Seria (CV: Fujidera Yoshinori) & Cleopatra (CV: Hidaka Rina) | TV Anime 'Ghost Concert: Missing Songs' - YouTube


Starfield PS5® Official Feature Introduction Trailer - YouTube


The Elder Scrolls Online - Season 0 - YouTube


[Genshin Impact] Character Trailer: Lynnea (CV: Haruka Shiraishi) 'Full support, full curiosity!' - YouTube


PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS | New Mode 'XENO POINT' Gameplay Trailer - YouTube


Where Winds Meet: New Weapon: Tang Heng Dao - Gameplay Trailer - YouTube


'Love Live! Hasunosora Girls' Academy School Idol Club x Seibu Railway #Movie Hasunosora Release! 6th Live Tour Announcement! Commemorative Campaign' is being held! : Seibu Railway Website

Why 'No・Ri・Ko' and 'Mitsubachi Gakuen' didn't continue | Takahashi Meijin Official Blog '16-Shot Musings' Powered by Ameba

When a social game service is shut down, the developers and operators are often informed of it abruptly, so please don't blame them too much... → They were working on development as usual for several months ahead when they were told, 'Could you please gather in the conference room?' - Togetter

The reason behind Bandai Namco's removal of 'Sotsu' from the new Gundam rights notice | Otaku Research Institute










Being beaten to death by righteousness | Machinery Tomoko

◆Sports, Entertainment, Music, and Film (Entertainment)
Director Hirokazu Kore-eda criticizes government content support policies: 'They don't even create new creators' - Asahi Shimbun

Is it perhaps rare for people to buy movie pamphlets? I always buy the pamphlet before watching the movie. - Togetter




Jim Carrey and Leonardo DiCaprio: Why the double standards on male aging may be coming to an end - CNN.co.jp

'I can't accept the current system where you have to buy food and drinks if you want movie theaters to stay open... If they can't survive on movie ticket money alone, then the system itself is flawed.' - Togetter

The source of the 'Miho Nakayama's 2 billion yen inheritance' - Cyber Dust

◆New products (clothing, food, shelter)
A refreshing and delicious lemonade, perfect for gulping down on a hot day and ideal for preventing heatstroke, now on sale! | News Release | Dydo Drinco

in Headline, Posted by logc_nt