Headline news for August 20, 2026
Following the overwhelming response to the overnight Shinkansen ' Tokaido Lumiere Express ' that ran for one day only on August 8, 2026 (Saturday), JR Central has announced that it will operate the 'Tokaido Lumiere Express' again on September 22 (Tuesday) during the Silver Week holiday period, this time from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo.
The special Tokaido Shinkansen train, 'Tokaido Lumiere Express,' will operate on the northbound line during the Silver Week period! - JR Central
(PDF file) https://jr-central.co.jp/news/release/_pdf/000045900.pdf
The train departs Shin-Osaka at 10:03 PM, followed by Kyoto at 10:18 PM and Nagoya at 10:54 PM. It stops at Shin-Fuji Station from midnight until 6:00 AM the next morning, arriving at Shin-Yokohama at 6:35 AM, Shinagawa at 6:47 AM, and Tokyo at 6:54 AM. At Shin-Fuji Station, the doors will be open for approximately 30 minutes after arrival and before departure, allowing access to vending machines and smoking areas inside the ticket gates.
Prices range from 13,500 yen to 17,000 yen for standard class seats and 19,000 yen to 23,000 yen for Green Car seats. Tickets can be purchased through JR Tokai Tours' special website.
Tokaido Lumiere Express [JR Tokai Tours]
https://travel.jr-central.co.jp/plan/tokushu/shinkansen/lumiere/
Incidentally, on the same day of the same month in the past, we published the following article.
The strategy of deliberately acting 'shameless' is proving effective in business and elections - GIGAZINE
German court overturns ruling that ad blockers are not illegal; Mozilla also warns that 'extensions may become inconvenient' - GIGAZINE
OpenMower: An open-source, DIY smart lawnmower anyone can use - GIGAZINE
Scientists discover clue to preventing a 'banana apocalypse' caused by infectious diseases - GIGAZINE
5 Bizarre Treatments That Were Actually Used in the Past, Including 'Mummy Powder' and 'Fart Inhalation' - GIGAZINE
Saying 'You're talented' is a no-no; when praising children, you should acknowledge their effort, not their talent - GIGAZINE
Why do corals that live in the ocean where little light reaches glow? - GIGAZINE
Rattlesnakes can deceive their prey by changing the sounds they make, causing them to misjudge distance - GIGAZINE
'Happy Pets,' an app that uses AI to read pets' emotions, has been created - GIGAZINE
What is the 'Batman Effect' that helps children concentrate? - GIGAZINE
Data shows a declining trend in men's hardcore and fetishistic sexual preferences - GIGAZINE
◆ Ideas (notes, miscellaneous things)
Sankaku 'jcjc' - Nico Nico Douga
— mugimeshi (@6gime4) August 19, 2026
[An unexploded ordnance has been discovered on the riverbed of the Gun River in Omura City] https://t.co/SziWAs1vkY #OmuraCity #UnexplodedOdnance #SafetyFirst #DisasterPreventionInformation #NagasakiPrefecture pic.twitter.com/VRTIBhGw5Y
— Nagasaki Prefecture Official (@nagasakipmaster) August 18, 2026
It's like, you can see the producer's face, and it's harvested every year. https://t.co/deGcOsdJkd
— Miyazaki Prefecture, Hyuga City, Survival Game Field Kisaburo! @Official (@pontasan387957) August 18, 2026
Is the chicken in Chicken Nanban supposed to be crispy...?
— Miyazaki Prefecture Resident with a Tropical Vibe bot (@Miyazakipre_bot) August 19, 2026
That's strange... https://t.co/lNiSr1K5CA
I watch a lot of Spiki's videos.
— Ran☆Gatarou@Vtuber (@rangatarou) August 20, 2026
I think YouTube's algorithm is probably based on Spiky, so I wish they'd stop mixing in spiritual videos . pic.twitter.com/L649S0XVFG
While cleaning out my grandparents' house, I found a wooden box labeled 'Imperial Rescript on Education.' When I opened it, I found a scroll inside titled 'Imperial Rescript Concerning Sex Education,' with the name 'Lecherous Minister, Tatsunosuke Maehara' written on it. When I asked my dad, 'What's this?', he said my grandfather had written it as a joke (lol)! A side of my grandfather I never knew was here... pic.twitter.com/JlOBGk3YrX
— BoGGGeY (@BoGGGeY) August 19, 2026
Sex education direct words〈Mankosho〉｜ChinhoMankosho
There's an employee who brings their cat to the office, and to be honest, I don't really like it.
— IAN (@IAN866666) August 18, 2026
It meows all day long, it's really noisy.
Incidentally, the cat never meowed even once.
I want to play a game where I give about 20 thousand-yen bills to someone who's never been to Comiket before, tell them 'Use this to buy any books you like,' and send them off to Comiket, then when they come back I drink alcohol with the books they bought as a snack (I'm a loser (and I don't drink alcohol)).
— Interrogation 🍁🍶@Next time at the venue: K Arena 11/28,29? (@access6354) August 18, 2026
◆Science (Science, Academics, Technology)
[Video] First evidence that beluga whales can recognize their reflection in a mirror | National Geographic Japan website
Document from former Unit 731 member, which conducted human experiments, submitted to Nagoya University, states it 'deserves to be evaluated' | Mainichi Shimbun
Did the Tang Dynasty never exist? A strange claim spreading on some parts of the Chinese internet (1/3) - CNN.co.jp
Hakata University (tentative name)
Notice and Apology Regarding the Abandonment of the Plan to Establish Hakata University (Provisional Name)
◆Society, Politics, and Economy (Events, World News, Business)
Four workers were struck and killed by a Tobu Railway limited express train, the 'Spacia X'.
[Breaking News] Tobu Railway to hold press conference after four workers killed in Spacia X express train strike.
Four workers killed after colliding with express train at Shin-Kanuma Station on the Tobu Nikko Line in Tochigi Prefecture [Tochigi Prefecture]: Asahi Shimbun
Tobu Shin-Kanuma Station accident: Watchman signaled to train, train crew also blew their horn - Sankei News
Lookout gives signal, driver confirms with horn: Four people die in Tobu Nikko Line accident | Mainichi Shimbun
I took a picture of the previous generation Spacia entering the northbound track at Shin-Kanuma Station in January, but it doesn't seem like it was coming from a particularly blind spot.
— Satopi (@_3_10_4) August 20, 2026
Considering that it was entering the area at a speed that would allow it to stop, I'm left with nothing but sadness and questions as to why this happened. pic.twitter.com/O4XIBwGl6e
ICC Director Akane targeted for sanctions, Trump administration accuses of 'malicious abuse of power' [Trump's return]: Asahi Shimbun
'Cut off ICC support,' US officials hope Japan will do | NEWSjp
Trump administration targets International Criminal Court officials with sanctions, including Director Akane - BBC News
US ICC sanctions shock Japanese government struggling to respond: Jiji.com
US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) (Statement by the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson) | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
LDP's Nakatani and others issue emergency condemnation of ICC sanctions; Prime Minister calls for immediate protest
Prime Minister Takaichi says US sanctions against ICC Director Akane are 'very regrettable,' but did not comment on whether she would call for their withdrawal - Sankei News
US administration sanctions ICC Director Akane and others as efforts to dismantle the organization intensify - CNN.co.jp
[Editorial] The U.S. should stop pressuring the ICC - Nikkei
EU 'firmly supports' ICC director, urging him to 'continue without external pressure' despite US sanctions: Jiji.com
UN and EU condemn US sanctions against ICC Director Akane (3 photos) International News: AFPBB News
Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after blocking road at railroad crossing and causing collision with train in Saitama | Mainichi Shimbun
JAF employee arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after blocking the path of a following car at a level crossing and causing a collision with a train...denies charges: Yomiuri Shimbun
Man arrested for attempted murder after allegedly trapping other party in a railroad crossing during a traffic dispute in Saitama | NHK News | Crimes and Accidents, Saitama Prefecture
JAF employee arrested for alleged attempted murder after stopping a following car on railroad crossing; suspect's mother tells reporters, 'He said he got out of his car because he was being tailgated.' https://t.co/u7LNYQpxLw
— NTV NEWS NNN (@news24ntv) August 19, 2026
This level crossing accident just feels wrong.
— shesuta (@shesuta) August 20, 2026
The general rule at a level crossing is that you must stop only if the vehicle in front has completely passed and there is no space for your own vehicle to cross the tracks.
Also, what about the driver's actions of leaving their car on the level crossing after the barrier came down???
Furthermore, how did he get arrested for attempted murder even though he was outside the car???
At the time, the 'Doctor Yellow' inspection train was stopped at the platform, attracting many onlookers. When the emergency button was pressed, a total of 14 trains, both northbound and southbound, were delayed by up to 12 minutes, affecting approximately 9,000 people.
↓Scenes from that day
Today, when I went to Kyoto Station, the DY train arrived, but immediately after it stopped, someone pressed the emergency button near the last car → Station staff made an announcement asking 'Who pressed it?' but there was no response → Both lines were stopped and an inspection was conducted down to the platform → Both lines were delayed by 15 minutes. There were a lot of families with children, so maybe a child pressed it by mistake, but I was surprised by the thorough inspection → pic.twitter.com/LrNG8lfefm
— Heian Express (@heian_ex) August 2, 2026
First, JR decided to run extra trains, and then changed the Phoenix and other programs. The reason for changing the Phoenix schedule is...
— Tetsuchan Niigata [TRAIN ch] (@tettyannNiigata) August 19, 2026
People from outside Phoenix return home ↓
Sponsors are angry after Phoenix ↓
Fireworks can't be launched without sponsors, so the Phoenix fireworks display will be held later... https://t.co/3c6dCpsnzI
https://t.co/VwgZsEjxUc
— Setotaka@C103 Thank you (@setotaka5746) August 19, 2026
Regarding JR East, the question is whether they should increase the number of trains, or...
The negotiating partner is different. East Japan Railway Company should have set up the maximum number of trains 'within the limits of what is permissible.'
[Exclusive Article #6] Ground Self-Defense Force's Ideological Investigations are 'Within the Scope of Commercialized Missions,' Ground Staff Office Responds to Whistleblower in Writing | Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun
Israeli soldier marks Palestinian's forehead with identification number using permanent marker (Photo 1) International News: AFPBB News
Human rights groups express concern over the rise of xenophobia due to 'influx of foreign beggars' in Senegal (1 photo) International News: AFPBB News
'Ghana was a crime scene': African nation leading demands for compensation for slave trade - BBC News
Severely disabled person left unattended for 2.5 hours while caregiver plays pachinko; caregiver found guilty of abuse in Kyoto | Mainichi Shimbun
Record-breaking heavy rains hit southern South Korea, causing widespread damage to homes and other areas | NHK News | South Korea, Weather
A group armed with guns and machetes attacked a village, killing at least 24 people in Nigeria. (Photo 1) International News: AFPBB News
[Exclusive] A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including the centrist Isa, head of the public relations committee, will visit China next week at the invitation of the Chinese side; this will be the first visit since the Prime Minister's remarks on a Taiwan crisis (Published August 19, 2026) | NTV NEWS NNN
Prime Minister Takaichi expresses willingness to ease regulations and open a consultation service, revising the uniform limit of '45 hours of overtime per month': Yomiuri Shimbun
I won't name the funeral home, but they quoted a price of 55,000 yen per day just for playing the deceased's favorite music (CD).
— Kishino-san @The one who cuts through the darkness of disability (@coco_ruuchan) August 17, 2026
They persistently urge you to 'make the deceased happy since it's their last day,' which makes me convinced that funeral homes are a business that takes advantage of grieving relatives. https://t.co/LjrSlHOcx0
Governor Saito brings smartphone into assembly hall and receives warning from speaker: 'I didn't know' [Hyogo Prefecture]: Asahi Shimbun
[Breaking News] According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the Pyongyang area: Jiji.com
It is presumed that the ballistic missile launched from North Korea a short while ago has already fallen to Earth. https://t.co/N1JakjO31k
— Ministry of Defense/Self-Defense Forces (@ModJapan_jp) August 20, 2026
Kanagawa Prefectural Police present letter of appreciation for rescuing driver trapped in burning car - YouTube
Giant steel pipe rises in Osaka, frictional force reduced due to lack of filler material; insufficient consideration by the contractor | Nikkei CrossTech (xTECH)
A man claiming to be the 'Executive Committee Chairman' visited the Shiga Prefectural Government in April, but has since been unreachable by phone; simultaneous fireworks displays in three cities around Lake Biwa cancelled - Sankei News
[Background] Following Putin's visit to the Northern Territories, Russia has continued to take steps to emphasize its effective control over the territories.
Women arrested in Southeast Asia on suspicion of transporting job interview applicants abroad - Hiroshima Prefectural Police: Jiji.com
High school teacher mixed urine into student's water bottle; student suffers emotional distress and is unable to attend school on some days... Teacher dismissed: Yomiuri Shimbun
Did the ring on the Expo roof cause 13.7 million yen in damages to Takenaka Corporation? | Mainichi Shimbun
Bilanoa allergy medication to be sold over-the-counter; prescription version likely to be classified as 'OTC-like drug' - Nikkei
[Breaking News] Japanese and British leaders confirm they will promote cooperation, including a joint development plan for the next-generation fighter jet: Jiji.com
Trump's new approach to war with Iran: 'tightening the screws' over time - CNN.co.jp
Review of uniform guidance on overtime work: 'No more than 45 hours per month' to be implemented - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Jiji.com
Nord Stream bombings: Ukrainian man arrested in Croatia by German prosecutors (1 photo) International News: AFPBB News
'Give us back our sons!' Heartbreaking cries of victimized families as young Africans are tricked into being sent to Russia. (5 photos) International News: AFPBB News
Drones infiltrate Russian airspace under the cover of darkness; pilots aim at their targets and wave goodbye... Women and young people support the mission: Yomiuri Shimbun
Natalie Harp, who is attracting attention in the United States, is an overly enthusiastic aide who even climbs into the trunk of Trump's SUV (1/2) - CNN.co.jp
Israeli far-right minister calls for mass killings in Gaza: 'We should kill 30 to 40 people every night' (4 photos) International News: AFPBB News
Akaho City to terminate employment of 130 non-regular employees; employees transferred from the municipal hospital to city hall, resulting in an unusual situation of being 'pushed out' | Society | Kobe Shimbun NEXT
4,000 people stranded at Soga Station due to heavy rain unable to return home... Children's cries echo, women's restrooms have a 1.5-hour wait: Yomiuri Shimbun
Seven boys from a 'trainspotting' group referred to police for allegedly 'competing to see who could cause the biggest delay' - Chiba Central Police Station confirms nine incidents involving tampering with emergency door cocks and obstructing train operations | Chiba Nippo Online
I won't be able to make this joke for a while!!! I hate reality!!! https://t.co/8nWAyYVgoS https://t.co/vYpZig5PiH
— Dokusai Switch Project (@dsatwalle) August 20, 2026
◆Lifestyle (Life, Living, Health)
Tamura Bookstore goes bankrupt; operated mainly in the northern Osaka area; poor book sales and declining magazine sales cited as reasons; to undergo special liquidation - Sankei News
The 50th Sobetsu Apple Festival will be held! | Sobetsu Town News
To celebrate its milestone 50th anniversary, the Sobetsu Apple Festival will feature a stamp rally at orchards ('Sobetsu Apple Tour') and a local products market ('Sobetsu Local Products Market'), as well as special events to commemorate the 50th anniversary. We hope you'll come and join us!
During the festival, Hinata Kinoshita from the popular game 'THE IDOLM@STER Million Live!' will once again be serving as the 'Sobetsu Town Apple Ambassador,' adding to the excitement of the event. An inauguration ceremony is also planned for the first day, October 2nd (Friday). (Please note that the cast and idols themselves will not be appearing.)
The Northern Alps are terrified of the presence of Japanese deer. I read somewhere that if you see one, please report it. They're not allowed in the high mountains 🦌 https://t.co/PfNQezJYyw
— Otsukisama (@Fp7Cve) August 19, 2026
When you get off the bus, seriously press the 'next stop' button - a delicious-looking cake
'My annual income seems to have dropped by 2 million yen': A woman who moved from Tokyo to Chiba experiences a disparity: Asahi Shimbun
'Price, convenience, and solid interior': Toyoko Inn, a popular choice as a reliable option, has only one drawback: 'You can easily lose track of where you are.' - Togetter
Speaking of Toyoko Inn, they've abolished the requirement to take photos on their membership cards, so the joke about 'having your tired face photographed at the front desk and then getting your card made' is no longer funny. https://t.co/Rn54Sk5huM
— Shudo-san @8/23 Comitia 157 X43a (@0622shud) August 19, 2026
Please, for the love of God, put an end to the practice of placing Humboldt penguins and African penguins of the Sphenyx genus in cold regions with the Heisei era! https://t.co/wjrF18yuWv pic.twitter.com/XVftEuAFCI
— Anonymous Adelie Penguin 🐧 Animal/Zoo/Aquarium Introduction Vtuber (@nanashi_adelie) August 19, 2026
Tokyo buses don't have a 'change exchange' system; instead, they automatically deduct the fare and give you change, which is a real trap for first-timers 🥲
— Miu (@MiuTravels) August 19, 2026
I'm a country bumpkin who, thinking like a local, put in a bill and tried to pay with more money, but the driver got furious and kept yelling 'No change! 💢' at me, and I was so confused I almost cried.
My younger sister works part-time at a certain famous family restaurant, and when she went there in the morning as usual, she saw a man she didn't know shouting at customers. She wondered who he was, was he a new part-timer, but she was busy so she didn't pay him any attention and continued working.
— Shiki☻ (@mosaoka0403) August 19, 2026
Time apparently stopped when he introduced himself saying, 'I'll help with the bashing! Thank you! I'm the president!'
I wish movie theaters would sell popcorn in small portions, like just one paper cup...
— Hiiragi Ichiha @I want to increase the number of unfortunate characters I like 💫 (@ichihahiiragi) August 19, 2026
Is it a sales issue? Does it have to be big?
I kind of want to eat just a little bit, but that size is impossible, so I give up.
There was a time when I found pebbles lined up in front of my parents' house, and I immediately kicked them away when I saw them, but when I told my care manager about it,
— Natsuno Aoi @ The Road to Divorce from an Abusive Husband (@natsu_no_aoi) August 19, 2026
'This is happening frequently at the homes I'm in charge of. There are some homes where the items keep reappearing no matter how many times I move them. It seems to indicate the number of residents and the times they're away.'
That's what they said. Scary.
A long time ago, my car was submerged and totaled in a torrential downpour during a typhoon. The insurance company representative called and said, 'I'm going to ask you an important question now,' and then carefully asked, 'Did you drive into the puddle yourself?' I was completely confused. It felt like the way they explained it could make all the difference, so I was really nervous. Does the order in which you explain things affect the interpretation?
— Yuji Kaneko (@yujikaneko) August 18, 2026
The handle of my Yoshida bag, which I got as a gift when I started high school, had become worn out, so I had it repaired, but the handle replacement cost 25,000 yen. I couldn't help but say, 'The bag itself was only about 15,000 yen. It's gotten quite expensive, hasn't it?'
— Toshin Tsubu Clinic Director (@toshintsubudayo) , August 18, 2026
If you say,
'This bag costs 40,000 yen right now.'
Seriously? Aren't Yoshida bags getting way too expensive?
I watched the NHK documentary about the Yamato pilots, and I'm almost certain the film crew didn't read the vast amount of personal notes left behind, nor did they research any background materials. Otherwise, they wouldn't have created the impression that only the Yamato-class battleships were equipped with spotting aircraft. 1/2
— Joji Hayashi (@J_kaliy) August 20, 2026
Former Reiwa Shinsengumi members are all saying that there isn't enough food being provided, but I've put together a summary of why that's a misguided criticism, so I hope that at least one more person will read it and understand.
— Ebisu - Web marketing, production, customer acquisition, writing, and design (POP displays, flyers, posters). (@ebyan2013) August 20, 2026
————
Why isn't 'communal soup kitchens' the main method of food supply during disasters?
Niigata Airport to feature booth where you can pour sake from a tap; local cuisine also available / Japan Agricultural News
Local residents want restaurants, but all we get are places like this... → 'Everywhere you look, it's buyback shops, pharmacies, and chiropractic clinics' - posfie
After my night shift, I got a call from my supervisor saying that a junior colleague hadn't shown up for work three hours after the shift started and asked me to go to their house... When I arrived, I rang the doorbell and knocked on the door, and my junior colleague, with messy bed hair, came out - Togetter
[Update] In a car accident, the other party called my husband and started banging on the window, so I filed a police report. He was then referred to the prosecutor's office on assault charges and tried to apologize while crying. 'If you get emotional, you lose.' - Togetter
The Yunnan White Medicine, which is used in Chinese historical dramas to treat injuries, was something my family also used regularly when we bled, but I realized that to Japanese people it might just look like 'What's that white powder?' - Togetter
I want to forever remember the Go To Travel campaign, a preferential policy specifically for unconventional travelers who act independently without considering the social norms → 'A divine policy,' 'That was great,' positive comments pour in - Togetter
I was looking forward to making and eating waterless curry, but my family added water and curry roux without asking. 'When things like this happen, it suddenly becomes impossible to eat.' - Togetter
Shocking photos of someone who thought their stomach was getting bigger but it turned out to be cancer: 'Cancer!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?' 'In my case, it was ovarian cancer and the tumor weighed 8 kg' - Togetter
'What are those coin symbols often found on supermarket floors for?' I always thought they meant good luck, but I was disappointed to learn they were just patterns → They indicate the boundaries between sales areas and aisles, as well as the locations of fire doors and fire shutters - Togetter
'What's so unacceptable about showing off tattoos?' 'Isn't it normal to walk around showing off things you like?' A man with tattoos garners various opinions - Togetter
Occasionally, you find people in the food and beverage industry who possess incredible special abilities. For example, one person went back to a restaurant they'd only been to once, two years later, and the staff remembered them, leaving them thinking, 'How can they remember the faces of so many customers...?' - Togetter
For those of you planning to buy a used car, beware of 'bargains' that are flood-damaged cars that have been re-registered in other prefectures to launder their value; they often have electrical problems. - Togetter
My mother suddenly said something that sounded like the beginning of a J-horror story: 'There's a grave for a human sacrifice that was offered for generations on the site of our family home, which has since died out. I want to go and see what happened to it.' - Togetter
No need to hand over supplies! Kumamoto-made 'Anywhere Conveyor' proves invaluable at disaster sites. Portable and plays a vital role in collecting relief supplies. 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake | TBS NEWS DIG
Despite being told over 100 million times by people with common sense not to count urinals as one unit, they continue to ignore it and push forward with their madness. https://t.co/f0NN2ZMuvA
— Shiro Manju (Kei Mitadera / Light-attribute Vtuber / Virtual Twitter user) (@terrakei07) August 20, 2026
◆IT & Gadgets (Internet, Software, Hardware, Mobile)
Regarding the termination of the food delivery service 'menu' and the dissolution and liquidation of menu Co., Ltd. | KDDI Newsroom
The coupon for memu that was being distributed at TOHO,
— Tamaki (@p_lost) August 19, 2026
Just when I wanted to focus solely on the movie I was about to see, they momentarily raised my expectations, freed my hands, and then I was forced to endure the backlash of that feeling—the realization that it was garbage—without any opportunity to release it on the way to my seat until the movie started. https://t.co/5SE8LjqFUW
My online shopping site was hacked a little while ago, and they placed orders for products without my permission.
— Tohru (@Tohru_tohru) August 19, 2026
I noticed it right away, so I stopped shipping the product and there was no actual loss, but they thoughtfully left my provider's raw IP address, shipping address, and even a contact phone number, so I reported it using a system called E-GOV, which generates electronic documents.
to be continued
Then, the next day, I got a call from the police saying that the documents I had submitted were only for reference as they were, and that if I wanted to sue, I should go to my local police station.
— Tohru (@Tohru_tohru) August 19, 2026
What's the point of digitization then?
Also, is this a crime that requires a complaint from the victim?
The actual amount of damage is zero, so what should I do?
The reality of malicious bots... Used for resale purposes: 'Manual entry takes several minutes' - online ticket purchases take only 5 seconds, the dark side of tickets selling out in 1 minute: Yomiuri Shimbun
[Newsletter] Joint Development! 'Electric-Assisted Stroller' to Solve Problems in Childcare Operations - Topics | Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Integrating Strands Agents with Bedrock Guardrails to apply guardrails to AI agents - Taste of Tech Topics
Standardization of Characters in Local Government Information Systems | Digital Agency
A summary of the exploitation of a malfunction in the AI agent-based gym reservation system - piyolog
How do P2P connections work? Implementing hole punching - Asial Tech Blog
Notice Regarding Unauthorized Access to Our Systems (Second Report) (Updated August 19, 2026, 18:40) | Sakura Internet
A summary of unauthorized access to Sakura Internet - piyolog
Over 30% of people's moral judgments are overturned by counterarguments from generated AI | Kobe University News Site
Regarding the reports on social media that our mobile batteries are being dumped into rivers and other bodies of water,
— CHARGESPOT (Official) (@CHARGESPOT_JP) August 19, 2026
We are already working with the police and other relevant parties to confirm the scene, recover the items, and investigate the facts.
We will respond promptly while giving due consideration to the safety and environment of the community.
More than 10 companies attempted to create a 'fully scratch-built domestic LLM.' Why is PFN able to continue producing 'PLaMo'? - Levatech LAB
Artemis: A life logging and thought support environment using AR glasses, Apple Watch, and Qwen 3.8 | shi3z
LLM-jp has released the 'LLM-jp-4 33B' model, a Dense-type LLM with approximately 33.2 billion parameters.
Let's revive the 'Java Ring,' the dream machine developed 30 years ago! - YouTube
Java in the Box Annex: Behind the Scenes of the Detective! Night Scoop Java Ring Episode
Why does LLM seem like thinking, even though it's just about 'guessing the next word'? | Satoshi Nakajima
Despite 1.5 million downloads, Pioneer's 'COCCHi' app is shutting down after approximately 3 years: The real story behind its demise | Response (Response.jp)
Itochu to enter data center market, investing hundreds of billions of yen to develop 10 buildings, with JR East in mind - Nikkei
I had given up on mathematics, but now I'm writing papers with AI.
A week ago, an AI created a note account on its own at my command and automatically posted its first article.
— Masato Matsuura (@maxmatsuuratwit) August 19, 2026
It sounds like a joke, but it's true. All I did was enter my password.
Four bottles were released within a week.
The first topic is money. Whether it's 1 million yen or 10 billion yen, it can all disappear in an instant. ...
Hatena officially releases new service 'Hatena Parks' to commemorate its 25th anniversary - Press Release - Hatena Co., Ltd.
Hatena Parks Development Blog
◆Anime, Games, and Manga (Subculture)
— Gudenguden (@gudenx2) August 19, 2026
Grim Reaper [VOICEROID Theater] - Nico Nico Douga
A mysterious black shadow that only appears on surveillance cameras at 3 AM - Nico Nico Douga
How should we think about the biggest shock yet: Hiroshi Mori's 'complete retirement'?
— Ryusui Seiryoin (@Catholic_Ryusui) August 19, 2026
This is a topic I also wrote about in the original post on April 5th of this year, the 30th anniversary of Hiroshi Mori's debut, but the day I feared has finally arrived. ... https://t.co/qltcz18J3d pic.twitter.com/m6tLl6NhFc
'Comitia N' was held on June 21, 2026, as an event within the venue of the 'Farewell Ceremony for Chairman Kimihiko Nakamura'.
— COMITIA Executive Committee (@COMITIAofficial) August 19, 2026
We have published the feedback (Push & Review) received on the submitted works on the Comitia official website.
●Comitia N Push & Review All Comments https://t.co/XP0uzN80Er … https://t.co/6U2DzrN2PL
Pixel Arcadia show All I can say is that I can't say anything!
— Fujiwara Kamui (@kamuif) August 18, 2026
Work pic.twitter.com/R4svLMmcAj
— ka92 (@ka92) August 19, 2026
New graduate Slowpoke pic.twitter.com/OEFfyu8wA3
— tenten (@tentenchan2525) August 20, 2026
Regarding Pokémon Sleep, with the most recent update, development has been transferred from SELECT BUTTON. Consequently, I will be stepping down from my role as director and will be involved as an advisor going forward.
— Nakahata Koya (@kouya1024) August 19, 2026
Poison-type Pokémon from the first generation of Pokémon pic.twitter.com/XfQGEJX6KW
— Taikutsu Ken (@sentakubasami1) August 18, 2026
Shinozawa Math vs. Kotonui pic.twitter.com/hNwnN8Ak6n
— amorfas @ ComiTre F19b (@mathamorphous) August 18, 2026
A super-fast robot at a yakiniku restaurant pic.twitter.com/WSrzvGDUVS
— Kawajiri Kodama (@kakeakami) August 18, 2026
While unpacking my husband's belongings, I came across a cute rabbit plushie that seemed out of place...
— Chaneri@7y-g (@a5SdIu6xOPK96c0) August 20, 2026
The ribbon says 'Yukari'... Hmm? ? A woman's shadow...? ?
I thought, and stretched out the ribbon and read it,
'Thank you so much for coming today, by Yukari'
...Ah!! Princess Yukari!?
I went to a Yukari Tamura concert without even realizing it!! pic.twitter.com/pRbucIbEHr
Introducing the new Precure figure series 'STAR GALLERY' - Bandai Candy Staff Blog
Um... [Hayate the Combat Butler! Doujinshi...
— Kenjiro Hata (@hatakenjiro) August 20, 2026
I drew a picture that's completely useless as a reference, part 139 #4panel #definition pic.twitter.com/p0HRpKMoDu
— Omiso Soup (@sirumisomiso) August 19, 2026
[Regarding the waiting lines for general attendees at #COMITIA157 on August 23rd, and movement between halls after the venue opens]
— COMITIA Executive Committee (@COMITIAofficial) August 20, 2026
• The waiting lines before the venue opens will be divided into two: one for 'West Halls 1 & 2' and the other for 'West Halls 3 & 4'. Please line up in the line for the hall you wish to go to first.
South Hall 3 (Traveling Manga Editorial Department) is free to enter all day. … pic.twitter.com/iiDVozwQQV
TV Anime 'Tempal ~The Power of Items~' 2nd PV | On Air October 2, 2026 - YouTube
[Taiari Deshita. ~Ojou-sama wa Kakutou Game Nante Shinai~] Character PV | Fujimiya Arisa (CV. Naganawa Maria) TV Anime 'Taiari Deshita. ~Ojou-sama wa Kakutou Game Nante Shinai~' - YouTube
Special anime 'Haikyu!! Where the Monsters Go' action PV | Matches begin in 2027! - YouTube
TV anime 'Ghost in the Shell' special promotional video directed by MOKOCHAN - YouTube
Onimusha Kirokucho 'Sasaki Ganryu' 'Onimusha Way of the Sword' - YouTube
Crystal of Atlantis x KOF '98 Collaboration Event Announcement - YouTube
'NTE: Neverness to Everness' Ver.1.3 Exclusive Character 'Zankou' Appears! | PS5® Games - YouTube
Nioh 3 DLC Part 1 'Keian Hell Transformation' Launch Trailer - YouTube
Everything you need to know about 'The Blood of Dawnwalker' - YouTube
Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days Teaser Trailer [PS5/Nintendo Switch 2] - YouTube
TEKKEN 8 - 'Bob' Starter Guide - YouTube
Dungeon Antiqua 2 Launch Trailer - YouTube
'Taxi Chaos 2' Trailer - YouTube
Gran Turismo 7 August 2026 Update Trailer - YouTube
'The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 2nd' Opening Movie - YouTube
'The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 2nd' TV Commercial - Part 2 - YouTube
Today's joy pic.twitter.com/ez83iPFMe6
— Central Dokuma (@4RewJJOmWiLzR7L) August 19, 2026
[Information] Opinion paper regarding the anime adaptation of 'Mii-chan and Yamada-san' (National Federation of Associations for the Development of Children with Disabilities - 08/19) https://t.co/MqyVANSEhL pic.twitter.com/gzHt121uUn
— Japan Association of Psychiatric Social Workers (@jamhsw) August 20, 2026
This is extremely sudden,
— Yoppy/Hisanori Yoshida (@yoshidahisanori) August 20, 2026
I'll be hosting a show on Radio Osaka tonight!!! It's been a while since I've done a pure anime song special!!
It's a live broadcast! Please post using the hashtag #vstation .
For email inquiries, please contact [email protected]! https://t.co/SRawhB4Mjv
The most touching thing about this year's Comiket was when a man I'd always considered one of the top five perverts, who I thought had gotten married 10 years ago and broken away from his past and sexual fetishes, suddenly showed up at my booth and handed me his new book, saying, 'I drew an erotic manga and decided to participate for the first time.' I almost cried for no reason.
— Sukumizumi C108 New Book Available for Mail Order (@suku_mizumi) August 18, 2026
I was standing in front of the priority seats on the Rinkai Line heading to Comiket, and there were two men, probably in their late 60s or early 70s, chatting in their seats.
— Fuji Aya TGS 9/19 a! Ikebukuro 9/22 (@fujikawa_aya) August 19, 2026
I was vaguely thinking, 'They must be good friends, going out together,' as I looked outside, when I heard the announcement, 'Next stop, International Exhibition Center,' and then the two of them started putting on their Comiket wristbands...
The Tone Assistant Market is Experiencing a Price Collapse | Enishi Yume.
Harry Potter, I know absolutely nothing about it. pic.twitter.com/1uCDyd4r92
— Koshisanpo 🚶 Essay Manga (@koshisanpo) August 17, 2026
The problem of AI-generated novels being submitted in large quantities to open calls for submissions, overwhelming the selection process, is, I think, solved by 'returning all submissions to postal mail.' 🏣
— Haruka Ono @Eunuch Master and Disciple now on sale! (@_haruka_manda_o) August 19, 2026
Most people who use AI are looking to make easy money, so I think they'd hate buying things like Letter Packs (a type of postal service).
About three times a year, I bring a huge collection of manga to the local community center and create a free-to-read reading space. 'I want little kids who love manga to come!' - Togetter
◆Sports, Entertainment, Music, and Film (Entertainment)
In the fourth game of the Osho title match, Ito, who holds two titles, defeats Fujii, the reigning Osho, tying the series at 2 wins and 2 losses. | [Nishinippon Shimbun me]
It's always a joy to see the younger generation discover our music. It's one of the best things about continuing to work in this field. But I've never seen anything like what Ado did before. 'Enter Sandman' at the beginning and end of the Summer Sonic stage?!... https://t.co/ArXcSDvHRS
— Metallica (@Metallica) August 18, 2026
My hobby is checking out grand piano auction listings from government agencies, but it seems like no government agency knows the correct way to open a piano → A story about how to open a piano, something even experienced people don't know - Togetter
The Future Changed by 'Perfume ~Complete Best~': A Look Back at This Important Work, Where Yasutaka Nakata's Skills and the 'Near-Future Trilogy' Intersect, on its 20th Anniversary | Mikiki by TOWER RECORDS
I was reminded of the Toho executives who, when Shin Godzilla was a huge hit, tweeted, 'If we had included more human drama and romance, it would have been an even bigger hit.' https://t.co/u9UXqkwYwL
— Gandou (@gundovd) August 19, 2026
However, on the other hand, I think we should face the reality that 'Godzilla-1.0, which properly incorporated the human drama and romance that were excluded from Shin Godzilla, was a huge hit and even won an Academy Award.' https://t.co/djJbOS3R92
— SONE (@SONE_99) August 20, 2026
What Disney should be doing isn't saying, 'Watch at least these 15 movies before Doomsday comes out,' but rather, 'Understand the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 30 Minutes! It's Not Too Late!', which would be a video compilation of the main heroes from the MCU so far and some of the most important scenes.
— Bunjiro (@toucan510) August 20, 2026
There's been an increase in Tommy John surgeries in professional baseball players lately, hasn't there?
— Chiaki Tone (@aparente1017) August 19, 2026
Of course, there's no definitive answer as to what the cause is.
But there are a few things that bother me.
The most obvious example is the inflation of pitching speed.
Back in the day, throwing 150 km/h was considered quite fast.
Nowadays, pitches in the 150km/h range are not uncommon, and some pitchers are aiming for 155-160km/h. … https://t.co/YUzJvoDWeG
Nationwide release on September 4th (Friday) | Message from director Kane Parsons of the film 'Backrooms' - YouTube
Official trailer for the movie 'The Man Who Fell into a Whale' | Opening in theaters October 16th (Fri)! - YouTube
Trailer for the film 'Battlefield Zero' | Releasing nationwide sequentially from September 4th, 2026 (Fri) - YouTube
What would happen if I were on the battlefield? – A record of a 'real battlefield,' not a staged or recreated scene | Film 'Battlefield Zero' - YouTube
◆New products (clothing, food, shelter)
A rich miso sauce will hit your appetite hard during moon viewing! Osaka Ohsho's 'Ironclad Chicken Miso Cutlet Fried Rice' | Press release from Eat & Holdings Co., Ltd.
(PDF file) Information on train operations touring remote stations on the Iida Line in autumn - JR Central
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in Headline, Posted by logc_nt