In this week’s news roundup we report on the trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of assassinating Shinzo Abe. Sanae Takaichi’s “work, work, work, work and work,” comment is named Japan’s buzzword of the year. The ramifications of her statement about Taiwan, though, continue to be felt as several Japanese artists are forced to cancel shows in China. In sport, Japan learn their opponents for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and Ao Tanaka scores his first Premier League goal.
Akie Abe Makes First Appearance at Trial of Tetsuya Yamagami
Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of killing Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, apologized to the family of the victim for the first time on Thursday. Speaking during the 14th hearing of his trial in Nara District Court, he said, “It’s undeniable that I caused Akie Abe and Abe’s family members pain for the past three and a half years because of the murder, even though I didn’t hold a grudge against them.”
He added, “I’ve lost family members myself, so there is no excuse. I’m deeply sorry for what I did.” Akie Abe was not in court to hear the apology, but she had been there the previous day. Bereaved family members are allowed to pose questions to the accused. However, she remained silent. The former first lady looked on as Yamagami told prosecutors that her husband was not his primary target. A verdict is scheduled for January 21, 2026.
‘Okinawa Is Our Territory’: Japan Dismisses China’s Ryukyu Islands Claims
At a press conference on Monday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara was asked about claims made in a Chinese newspaper that questioned Japan’s sovereignty over the southern island prefecture of Okinawa. “What is the government’s stance and response?” asked the journalist. Kihara responded by not responding. It was unnecessary to speak about it, he said, “as there is no doubt Okinawa is our nation’s territory.” He added that Japan will continue to refute claims that contradict facts.
Earlier this month, the state-run Global Times in China ran an option piece calling for further studies to be done on the Ryukyu island chain, arguing that “historical and legal disputes over the sovereignty of the islands “have never ceased.” It added that, “The geopolitical position, strategic choices and future trajectory of the Ryukyu Islands not only determine their own fate but also profoundly affect the security concerns of neighboring countries and regions.”
Maki Otsuki was performing the One Piece track “Memories” when the concert in Shanghai was suddenly stopped | Images: Shutterstock
Japanese Concerts Continue To Be Canceled in China as Tensions Simmer
Maki Otsuki was just coming to the end of her One Piece track “Memories” when the music suddenly cut and the stage lights dropped. Performing in Shanghai at the Bandai Namco Festival 2025 last Friday, the Japanese performer was then ushered off the stage by crew at the venue. The following day, her management posted on her website that she “had to abruptly halt her performance due to unavoidable circumstances even though she was in the middle of performing.”
As she left the stage, the audience looked completely bewildered and some started swearing. Following the incident, the whole festival, which was scheduled through Sunday, was abruptly canceled. Organizers wrote on WeChat that the decision had been made after “comprehensively taking into consideration various factors.” Otsuki and the popular all-female idol group Momoiro Clover Z were due to perform on Saturday. One person posted on X stating that it was, “just so barbaric and astonishing.”
Japanese singer Ayumi Hamasaki performing in Ningbo, China in 2024 | Wikimedia
Ayumi Hamasaki Performs Without an Audience in Shanghai
It’s the latest in a spate of Japan-related concerts and cultural events being canceled in China. Last Friday, it was announced that Ayumi Hamasaki’s live show, slated to be held in Shanghai on Saturday, wouldn’t be taking place. Force majeure was cited as the reason. Despite this, she still performed without an audience. Even with the 14,000 empty seats, she said she “felt so much love,” describing it as “one of the most unforgettable shows ever.”
Other Japanese artists forced to cancel their shows in China include Hiromi Uehara and the pop rock duo Yuzu. The Sailor Moon musical was also axed and Japanese films such as Cells at Work and Crayon Shin-chan have had their releases postponed as the fallout from Sanae Takaichi’s comment about Taiwan continues. Earlier this month, the Japanese prime minister asserted that a Chinese naval blockade on Taiwan would likely constitute a “survival-threatening situation” that could force Japan to respond.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi | Wikimedia
Takaichi’s ‘Work’ Phrase Wins Japan’s Buzzword of 2025
Another controversial comment by Takaichi this year came shortly before she was officially confirmed as Japan’s first ever female prime minister. She said that she would “work, work, work, work and work,” as the country’s leader. On Monday, T&D Holdings announced that it was Japan’s top catchphrase for 2025. Speaking at the award ceremony, she said,” I had no intention of encouraging overwork or to suggest that working long hours was a virtue.”
Takaichi’s words on October 4 were criticized by many, including a group of lawyers representing victims of karoshi. They urged her to retract the statement. Despite the controversy, it was chosen as this year’s buzzword, alongside the term, “Female Prime Minister.” Other phrases making the top 10 included “Trump’s tariffs,” “Bear attacks” and “Old, old, old rice.” There was also a nod to Myaku-Myaku, the mascot for Expo 2025 Osaka, and the movie Kokuho, which is now the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film of all time.
Former Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones | Image courtesy of the JRFU
Japan To Face France, Samoa and the US at Rugby World Cup
The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup was made on Wednesday. Japan were placed in Group E alongside France, Samoa and the US. For the first time, the tournament features 24 teams competing across six pools of four. The top two teams from each pool advance to the second round along with the four best third-place sides. Speaking after the draw, Japan coach Eddie Jones said the Brave Blossoms are aiming for the semifinals.
In soccer news, Ao Tanaka scored his first Premier League goal on Wednesday as Leeds United defeated Chelsea 3-1. Other Japanese players on target this week included Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda, who struck for the 14th time this season. Takumi Minamino grabbed the winner in Monaco’s 1-0 win over PSG. Koki Ogawa bagged a brace for NEC Nijmegen. And Daizen Maeda scored in successive games for Celtic. In the J-League, Kashiwa Reysol are one point behind Kashima Antlers with a game to play.
