Apr 27, 2026 19:42:00

Headline news for April 27, 2026

' Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway's Flash - The Witch of Circe, ' which has been showing in theaters since January 30, 2026 (Friday), is finally coming to an end to its first run. As a final gift for moviegoers, starting May 1, 2026 (Friday), an illustration card designed by director Shuko Murase will be distributed.

The cards feature designs created by director Murase using excerpts and selections from the film's storyboards, and are L-size (89mm x 127mm). Distribution will end once supplies run out.

The final week's admission gift: 'Shuko Murase-designed illustration card' will be distributed starting May 1st! | Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway's Flash: Circe's Witch Official Website
https://gundam-official.com/hathaway/news/ec2b6zo3mec1oa80ugl9h79s/
©サンライズ

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

A panel that mimics photosynthesis to produce hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide has been developed, recreating photosynthesis with inorganic materials - GIGAZINE

Experts point out that the destruction of the natural environment poses a significant risk to national security - GIGAZINE

Netflix's crackdown on password sharing and 'freeloading' resulted in a drop of over 1 million users and a threefold increase in cancellations compared to the same period last year - GIGAZINE

The story of an engineer who installed a blazing-fast 25Gbps internet connection at home - GIGAZINE

Why do worms that live on the ocean floor have metallic fangs? - GIGAZINE

A new technique called 'rolling,' born in the NES version of Tetris, has resulted in a world record - GIGAZINE

Earthworms with unusually superior physical abilities, known as 'jumping worms,' are rapidly expanding and depleting soil nutrients - GIGAZINE

Nishikawaguchi's 'New Chinatown' presented an undeniable reality - GIGAZINE

◆ Ideas (notes, miscellaneous things)

Jump into the negative! Game
⚠Sound will play pic.twitter.com/ulrex0TtU1
— Lu (@lu_sun_ch) April 26, 2026

A video posted by a foreigner showing them 'trying out a simple Japanese recipe' has been met with a flood of comments from Japanese people like 'I've never heard of it... what is that... scary' - Togetter

◆Science (Science, Academics, Technology)
Clean flies for pollination offer advantages over bees... Their use is expanding in strawberry farms: 'They are easy to handle and don't sting people': Yomiuri Shimbun

Study published in 2025 suggests that limiting coffee consumption to specific times of day can reduce the risk of premature death - CNN.co.jp

◆Society, Politics, and Economy (Events, World News, Business)
The rank titles of Self-Defense Forces officers will be changed; the Chief of Staff will become 'General,' and Colonels will become 'Colonel'... The ranks of 'Sergeant' and 'Private' will not be changed due to negative associations with the former Japanese military: Yomiuri Shimbun

[Statement] Regarding the fatal accident during a school trip at Doshisha International High School | All Japan Teachers' Union (Zenkyo)

Defense Minister Koizumi responds, 'The Communist Party loves missiles,' to which Foreign Minister Motegi laughs... Yamazoe Taku fiercely criticizes the mocking attitude: Tokyo Shimbun Digital

[Breaking News] Prime Minister Takaichi instructs cabinet ministers to explore new sources of crude oil and petroleum products during overseas trips over Golden Week | TBS NEWS DIG

The yen's strength continues its decline, falling below what it was 56 years ago, as purchasing power declines: Jiji.com

US-Iran talks postponed; Trump says 'I don't know who's in charge' - Nikkei

Shooting at dinner attended by President Trump; suspect arrested and investigation underway | NHK News | President Trump, America

Mexico's 'Mayan Railway,' which cost 4 trillion yen, is struggling to attract visitors, failing to benefit indigenous people - YouTube

[Earthquake Information] Magnitude 5+ earthquake in southern Tokachi, Hokkaido; no tsunami | NHK News | Earthquake, Hokkaido, Aomori Prefecture

44% of companies already experiencing impact from naphtha supply concerns, according to a survey by the Japan Consumers' Union | NHK News | Naphtha, Iran situation

JERA: 'Electricity prices feared to surge around summer' due to situation in Iran | NHK News | Iran situation: Impact on Japan and response, Iran situation, resources and energy

JAL department heads raise salaries by 30%, reaching executive levels: A move away from the 'punishment game' of management - Nikkei

Naphtha crisis has already hit 40% of food companies; pudding sales suspended due to container shortages - Nikkei

The result of entering an art high school where almost 90% of the class are otaku (1/3) pic.twitter.com/0x59lHnKwK
— Yamase Chika 💎Volume 8 on sale 4/23💎The Jeweler's Maid (@yamasetubuyaki) April 26, 2026

Trump's erratic behavior leads to 'everyone for themselves' mentality as the US-led security myth crumbles - Nikkei

A woman with visual impairment has filed a lawsuit after a dog approached her guide dog without a leash, causing her to fall and get injured. She says, 'I want people to know more about the dangers of letting dogs get close to guide dogs.' - Yomiuri Shimbun

Gunfire at dinner in US capital; world leaders 'shocked' (3 photos) International News: AFPBB News

Alternative US crude oil arrives in Japan, first shipment since the attack on Iran, initial shipment of 910,000 barrels: Jiji.com

'I've studied assassinations,' Trump says, discussing the cause of the shooting. (2 photos) International News: AFPBB News

Residents say, 'This town is a disgrace to Korea'... 'Public electricity, gas, and water are not available' - The 'terrifying situation' that occurred in Seoul's 'last slum' | Bunshun Online

The National Diet Building to undergo its first major renovation: 90-year-old building to be strengthened for earthquake resistance | NEWSjp

Economy Minister Akazawa expects impact on electricity and gas prices to begin around June - Middle East situation - Bloomberg

◆Lifestyle (Life, Living, Health)

I thought the Ministry of Finance's claim that the Hokkaido Shinkansen's B/C ratio was below 1.0 was due to increased construction costs and extended construction periods, but it turns out that's not the case at all. They haven't even recalculated the B (business-to-cost) ratio.
This is just a flimsy excuse to extort Shinkansen lease fees from JR. They've faced strong opposition from JR so far, so this is their counterattack. https://t.co/rTxKwH0nob https://t.co/3jxVp4N9V4 pic.twitter.com/j76HWyTHjh
— Uepon (@kaorurmpom) April 24, 2026

I ordered miso ramen at a ramen shop and was told, 'Sorry, we're out of it today.' → Then, when someone came in after me, they said, 'It's okay, I'll make you some miso,' and started making it. It left me in a terrible mood. - Togetter

Kanagawa Prefectural Police's lecture: 'This is a large vehicle zone! A large vehicle zone!!'
'If you can't follow the rules, don't come to PA!'
(With a devilish flash of headlights) pic.twitter.com/5ofPxuScYJ
— Takumi (@Takumi__Cars) April 25, 2026

Amazon...
I received a delivery at 3 PM today!
It wasn't my package; it belonged to someone whose address and name I didn't know.
I'll contact Amazon and explain that it was a misdelivery and that this person will be in trouble if it's not returned, and ask them to take it back...
It's still there at 5 PM!
I'll contact you again...
It's still 7 PM!
What are you going to do?
Amazon...😑 pic.twitter.com/ih8BCAXT27
— Kon (@Kon99851624) April 25, 2026

I told Mr. Horie this directly, and he got furious, but it's just not good. It's all show and no substance, the quality of the food is low, and on top of that, it's expensive.

Recently, they've been scattering edible chrysanthemums. They're delicious when blanched, but surely they're not throwing away the ones that have fallen, right? The taste is one thing, but have they lost their sense of propriety too? https://t.co/Fgn2UxkWGJ
— Ryuji @The Cooking Uncle Buzz Recipe (@ore825) April 23, 2026

I went to see Kashiwara Minamiguchi Station.
It is the only intermediate station on the Kintetsu Domyoji Line, a mini-line that connects two major trunk lines, the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line and the JR Yamatoji Line, in a way that resembles a lottery.
It's a single-track station with only the bare minimum facilities, including no gate-style ticket machines, giving it the feel of a remote, secluded station. However, when I went there, I was surprised to see more passengers than I expected. #TravelPavilion pic.twitter.com/VPpT5XfpTc
— Yota Tsujono | Pencil artist (@yota_tsukino) April 26, 2026

🎉Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Toyo Rapid Railway Line!🎉

Today, April 27th, marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Toyo Rapid Railway Line!
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you for your continued patronage.

And today is the birthday of #RailwayGirl ' #MurakamiToyoka '!
Please continue to support the Toyo Rapid Railway♪ #ToyoRapidRailway pic.twitter.com/mx5Tl9lVun
— Toyo Rapid Railway Public Relations [Official] (@toyorapid_info) April 27, 2026

In response to inquiries from residents of the prefecture, we are publishing various information regarding the business environment surrounding Nankai Ferry Co., Ltd. All data was provided by Nankai Ferry Co., Ltd.

Regarding the 'withdrawal of Nankai Ferry operations,' the relevant local governments in Wakayama Prefecture, Wakayama City, Tokushima Prefecture, and Tokushima City have so far (continued below) pic.twitter.com/0AjpyoLVBk
— Tokushima Prefecture (@preftokushima) April 27, 2026

I was laughed at when I said, 'It smells like rain, so it might rain,' but everyone knows what rain smells like, right? → 'People from Tokyo didn't understand it at all,' 'I lost that sense after moving to the city' - Togetter

I send my child to elementary school in Canada, and after making a homemade lunchbox for them every day, I've finally experienced 'Japanese-style lunchbox bullying' - Togetter

'A house is going to be built here...' A new house is being built around my field...and a chicken coop is also scheduled to be built. I know from my prior research that I'll be bothered by dust and smells, but 'I can only see a future where I get complaints.' - Togetter

While obi sashes and kimonos by Living National Treasures (new and nearly new, priced at 20,000-30,000 yen) listed on Mercari aren't selling, machine-woven Shinnosuke Jofu fabrics (from 30,000 yen per bolt) are so popular they're being sold by lottery → The reason for the response is understandable - Togetter

My wife brought back a bottle of sake from Niigata as a souvenir, and the printing on the label was so amazing I wondered how much it cost. → The sake brewery responded, saying it's a special paper called 'Pachika' that becomes semi-transparent when pressed - Togetter

Do you think it's okay to take home a hamburger pick? A restaurant owner laments not understanding customers' 'common sense,' while a counter-argument states that 'common sense' differs from person to person - Togetter

◆IT & Gadgets (Internet, Software, Hardware, Mobile)
Hatena [3930]: Notice Regarding the Occurrence of a Fund Outflow Incident, April 24, 2026 (Timely Disclosure): Nikkei Company Information DIGITAL: Nikkei Shimbun

Don't worry, Hatena hasn't lost anything - orangestar2

[Diatec goes out of business!?] What has been happening at FILCO for the past six months - FILCO Collection / FIL Collection News N-99 - YouTube

Meet DJI Lito Series - Just Fly. - YouTube

[Fujitsu] 'AI' makes situational judgments without special sensors: Proprietary 'Physical AI' technology unveiled - YouTube

[Ubuntu Diary] [Episode 88] Even Sandy Bridge enthusiasts can rest easy!? Introducing the newly released Ubuntu 26.04 LTS - PC Watch

'Likes' can become corrupted - A blog about living a mindful life

Google Cloud Japan-sponsored AI agent development hackathon 'DevOps × AI Agent Hackathon' to be held! | Press release from Findy Co., Ltd.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications | Press Release | Publication of Dashboard on Local Government Finance (by Municipality)

Interacting with AI while reviewing code: 'difit,' an open-source software for local code reviews - Findy Media | Findy, a job search and recruitment site for IT/Web engineers – Calculates skill deviation score from GitHub

Should companies prohibit the use of 'Chosei-san' (a scheduling tool)? | Kosuke Sasaki

There's an incredibly highly-rated, competent judge on the judge map... → The judge himself analyzed dashcam footage submitted by the police at the binary level and uncovered evidence of tampering - Togetter

NTT's domestic data centers to more than triple in size due to AI demand by FY2033 | NHK News | Generative AI/Artificial Intelligence

A white man compiled a ranking of countries around the world where he felt safe walking at night, and the results were quite interesting. 'This will be helpful for overseas travel.' - Togetter

A 40-something employee laments that 'new recruits are producing documents based solely on what the AI asked them,' and someone introduces him to the concept of 'workslop' - Togetter

Kirin Holdings to introduce 'AI executives' to group companies to make decisions based on objective data - Nikkei

How to get AI to identify vulnerabilities with 100% accuracy without reading a single line of code (Theory) #Python - Qiita

Beijing bans drone sales to strengthen capital defense, creating headwinds for 'low-altitude economy' - Nikkei

'Carator,' the most uncomfortable ride in Japan, sparks a huge reaction on social media; its rattling and violent vibrations are surprisingly refreshing. Retro Romantic Journey (5) Sumaura Mountain Park - Sankei News

◆Anime, Games, and Manga (Subculture)
Pokémon Comaster 10th Anniversary Offline Event Infiltration Report [Slow-Paced Commentary] - Nico Nico Douga

[Retro Game Let's Play] A Taiwanese-made Mega Man X?! [Mega Man X3X3X3X3X3/Mega Drive] - Nico Nico Douga

[Retro Game Let's Play] Super Vulgar, Super-Potent Sex Battle RPG [Mokkori Man RPG / PC9801] - Nico Nico Douga

Good conduct, summer colors, pear #7 [Terraria] - Nico Nico Douga

Common things that happen during editing - Nico Nico Douga

Akari-chan is pressuring me to get back together - Nico Nico Douga

[VOICEROID Commentary] A hodgepodge video that I started making for rehabilitation but ended up becoming a hodgepodge - Part 5 - Nico Nico Douga

We will be participating in the event ' #KansaiComitia76 ' held at Intex Osaka Halls 1 & 2 on Sunday, May 17th, 2026, as the circle 'Creative Club Alumni Association'! Our booth number is [S-75]! pic.twitter.com/HcdGow6xw2
— [S-75] Senri High School Creative Arts Club (formerly the Journalism Club) Alumni Association / Kansai Comitia 76, May 2026 (@ins_magazine) April 24, 2026

Absent pic.twitter.com/jgo9KzL6Z7
— Rin Kaname (Perorin-sensei) (@peroperorinko01) April 26, 2026

[Important announcement for all participants of the Re:Zero x Tottori Prefecture collaboration stamp rally]

Regarding the collaboration with the TV anime 'Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World',

Since the start of the stamp rally, we have received participation from far more people than we anticipated…
— [Official] Tottori Prefecture Tourism Strategy Division 🐪🦀🍐 (Totto Real Pavilion) (@tottori_kankous) April 26, 2026

1. Landing / Amamiya-san - Keiichi Arawi | Sunday Webri

'Wistoria of the Wand and Sword' – taigaai

[Breaking News] 'Yuna First Live' Announced | April 29, 2026 (Wed) 17:00 | 'Sword Art Online the Movie -Ordinal Scale-' - YouTube

'Girls & Panzer Final Chapter' Episode 5 Special PV | Theatrical release on October 9th (Fri)! - YouTube

MF Bunko J 'No Game No Life 13' PV [Yuu Kamiya / Yoshitsugu Matsuoka] - YouTube

'Sound! Euphonium: The Final Movement' Part 2 Trailer [Roadshow September 11, 2026] - YouTube

[Official Trailer] Independent Animation Film 'Dreaming of Whales' to be Released May 1st, 2026 (Friday) - YouTube

'anemoi' Final Trailer - YouTube

[Collapse: Star Rail] A Fleeting Star Journey 'We're just having fun, so don't take it so seriously' - YouTube

'Detective Pretty Cure!' Cure Arcana Shadow Transformation Scene - YouTube

Episode 3 Ending Movie | TV Anime 'Kamiina Botan, Her Drunken Appearance is Like a Lily' - YouTube

[Now showing to great success] 'Sound! Euphonium: The Final Movement' Part 1 15-second SPOT - YouTube

'Expelled from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart' Fourth Teaser PV | 30-second theatrical trailer [Released November 13th] - YouTube

[Official PV] TV anime 'Skeleton Knight, Currently on an Adventure in Another World II' begins airing on TOKYO MX, BS11, and AT-X from July 2026! - YouTube

My Hero Academia No. 170+1 'More' PV / Airing Saturday, May 2nd at 5:30 PM / My Hero Academia More - YouTube

[Making-of Video ①] 'The Final Movement: Sound! Euphonium' Part 1 - YouTube

[HYKE: Northern Light(s)] Free Update 'A Witch's Chill Time' Introduction Trailer - YouTube

'OCTOPinbs' Release Date Announcement Trailer - YouTube

TV Anime 'Killuao' Non-Credit Ending Video | RIIZE 'KILL SHOT' - YouTube

[Akane Banashi] Character PV: Aragawa Kyoji (CV: Azakami Yohei) | Airing every Saturday at 11:30 PM! - YouTube

TV anime 'Akane Banashi' Aragawa Kyoji's 'Sanpo Ichiryo Son' rakugo scene | Airing every Saturday at 11:30 PM! - YouTube

TV anime 'Akane Banashi' Akane's 'Praising the Child' rakugo scene | Airing every Saturday at 11:30 PM! - YouTube

Aiobahn +81 'Tsukikochou (Anime version)' Official Music Video │ TV Anime 'NEEDY GIRL OVERDOSE' MV - YouTube

【#KirioFanClub】Tear-Licking Song_Recollection - YouTube

Sincere 'Sedum' Lyric Video | In-game song from the game 'HUNDRED LINE - Final Defense Academy -' - YouTube

'Rascal Does Not Dream of Dear Friends' Concludes -- Memorial Visual Movie [Kaede Azusagawa Ver.] | Theatrical Anime 'Rascal Does Not Dream of Dear Friends' [Released October 16, 2026 (Fri)] - YouTube

[Live Clip Ep4] Mashu Lulu singing 'Little singing bird' / TV anime 'Magical Sisters Lulu Lily' #LuluLily #Rururiri - YouTube

The illusion of safety - YouTube

Annecy Animation Showcase | Cannes Animation 2026 - YouTube

'PUKEY GODDESS SHOT TRICK' 1st Trailer - YouTube

'OMEGA PHENEX' Open Beta Launch PV - YouTube

3rd Anniversary | Aha Choice that will make the stars tingle - YouTube

CRYMELIGHT - Announcement Trailer - YouTube

CRYMELIGHT - Special Soundtrack Preview PV (Bonus for 'Tea Party Box' and 'Deluxe Edition') - YouTube

BrokenLore: DON'T PLAY | First Trailer - YouTube

FINAL FANTASY XIV - Dancing Mad (Ultimate) - YouTube

FINAL FANTASY XIV: EVANGELION - Ghosts of Desire - YouTube

FINAL FANTASY XIV: EVERCOLD Teaser Trailer - YouTube

Infinity Nikki Ver. 2.5 'Spirits on the Journey Home' Major Update! New Area and New Chapter of Main Quest Unlocked! - YouTube

'Two Point Museum: Artifacts' | Streaming starts May 7th! - YouTube

SAROS - Launch Trailer - YouTube

Ver.2.8 PV 'New Ellie's Sunset' | Zenless Zone Zero - YouTube

[Official Anime] Magistus I: “Aleister the Invoker” - YouTube

Persona 5: The Phantom X Opening Movie (Show Stealer ver.) | Main Story Chapter 4 Begins! - YouTube

'Honokurashi no Niwa' Soundtrack Preview Video - YouTube

Agency for Cultural Affairs to establish collection center for manga 'original drawings' to prevent outflow overseas and use for research - Nikkei

End-of-Life Planning for Manga Artists: What to Do with Paper Manuscripts | Nobuyuki Hori

Manga artist Mikio Yoshimori, creator of 'Raipachi-kun' and other works for the Yomiuri Shimbun Sunday edition, has died: Yomiuri Shimbun