AGP Executive Report

Manga & Anime: Japan plans to use manga and anime more in soft-power diplomacy, as pioneering shōjo manga creator Masako Watanabe, known for The Castle of Glass, has died at 97. Karaoke: Nippon Columbia says malware exposed 8.7 million records, putting customer data at risk. Cultural Traditions: A Tokyo shrine honored treasured dolls, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine’s Autumn Grand Festival is set for Oct. 16–17. Shogi: Nishiyama has secured the right to become Japan’s first female professional “kishi,” a milestone in the traditionally male-dominated game. Language Learning: A study by UCL and Tohoku University found that Japanese learners with a sharper ear for unfamiliar sounds picked up English pronunciation faster and more accurately.

Living Traditions: At a Tokyo shrine, families are honoring treasured dolls with prayers and paper talismans, a ritual that helps owners part with toys while preserving their memories. Manga Legacy: Shōjo manga pioneer Masako Watanabe has died at 97. Her stories about girls’ inner lives and family bonds helped shape the genre; The Castle of Glass remains her best-known work. Anime Milestone: After 28 years, Detective Conan’s Heiji and Kazuha have become a couple, prompting celebrations across Osaka, including ad trucks and a promotional boat. Manga on the World Stage: Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki’s Billy Bat won Best Manga at the 2026 Harvey Awards. Cultural Exchange: Tacoma’s Japanese Garden has installed a hand-carved Shinto shrine from Japan, replacing a weather-damaged landmark gifted by sister city Kitakyushu in 1961.

Workforce & Immigration: Japan is considering changes to its specified-skilled-worker program to keep hiring in nursing care and food service without increasing the overall cap. Cultural Ties: A Japanese master shrine builder has crafted a wooden replacement for Tacoma’s aging Shinto shrine, continuing a sister-city tradition dating to 1961. Contested History: An NHK documentary on Yasukuni Shrine’s wartime history has drawn criticism and renewed debate over its enshrinement of convicted war criminals. Education: As enrollment shrinks, some Japanese women’s universities are going co-ed. Cultural Heritage: Traditional wagashi shops are closing at a record pace, putting attention on the future of Japan’s confectionery craft. Manga & Identity: A rediscovered Osamu Tezuka manga tackles discrimination against Korean residents in Japan.

Anime & Games: Awaji Island’s Dragon Quest Island will run a “New Year Monster Fortune” event from Dec. 26 to Feb. 14, adding a seasonal quest to its game-inspired attraction. Japanese Cuisine: Tokyo-born chefs Hisao Ueda and Takashi Namekata are bringing Japanese cooking to Dubai; Ueda now sources ingredients directly from Toyosu Market, with supplies flown in daily. Japanese Music: SiM’s frontman says the band nearly gave up on the U.S. before “The Rumbling,” its hit tied to Attack on Titan, changed its prospects. Film & Identity: Miki Tanaka’s debut Silver Express follows an asexual, aromantic woman facing pressure to conform, offering a rare screen portrait of those experiences. Manga Abroad: PEN America reports that popular series including One Piece, Attack on Titan and Fire Force are among Japanese works facing school bans in the U.S. Travel: Lake Yamanaka offers a quieter Fuji Five Lakes escape, with lakeside villages, outdoor activities and views of the mountain reflected in the water.

Entertainment: Nippon Columbia is investigating a malware incident that may have exposed personal details of about 8.72 million customers and employees linked to karaoke operator Daiichi Kosho; passwords and payment data were reportedly unaffected. Anime and Manga: A new Naruto anime and manga by creator Masashi Kishimoto are planned under PROJECT RASENGAN, with more details due in December. Film: Hirokazu Koreeda’s live-action take on manga Look Back won three awards at the 2026 Venice Film Festival, bringing its story of two aspiring artists to the screen. Gender and Society: Debate over Japan’s male-only imperial succession continues as public support grows for Princess Aiko to become empress. A government survey also found women in their 30s and 40s are less physically active than other groups. Okinawa: Residents voiced anger and fear after a woman’s killing was linked to a U.S. Marine, renewing calls for accountability over the U.S. military presence. Travel and Culture: Japan is courting younger cruise passengers with shorter, cheaper trips, while the OC Japan Fair returns to California Oct. 16–18 with performances, crafts, anime merchandise and a live tuna-cutting show.

Health & Lifestyle: Japanese women in their 30s and 40s have seen physical fitness decline over roughly 25 years, a government survey found. Researchers point to time and cost pressures that can make exercise hard to fit around work and family life. Travel: Japanese cruise operators are rolling out shorter, cheaper trips to attract younger travelers; one new ship can offer domestic itineraries of just one to three nights. Culture: Hyderabad’s Japan Festival opened with ikebana, tea, anime, martial arts and robotics, bringing traditional arts and pop culture together. Okinawa: Anger is growing after a woman’s killing linked to a U.S. Marine, with the governor pressing Tokyo for action and stronger discipline for U.S. forces.

Japan-Korea Culture: The 22nd Korea-Japan Festival in Seoul promoted cultural exchange as a path to reconciliation, with South Korea’s culture minister pointing to record-high positive views of each other in both countries. Manga: Marvel and Kadokawa launched five titles on the KadoComi platform, including new Japan-set Spider-Man and Deadpool stories. Regional Craft: In Fukushima, artisan Mina Kataoka is turning hides from culled wild animals into leather bags and wallets, making use of local materials and her community’s traditions. Faith and Well-being: A nationwide forum where Buddhist monks answer people’s personal worries offers a human alternative to turning to AI for advice. Education: Egypt plans to expand its Japan-inspired public schools from 69 to 500 within five years, with Hiroshima University helping train teachers. Shogi: Nishiyama is set to become the first woman to qualify as a professional “kishi” player, a milestone in the traditionally male-dominated game.

Child Safety: Japan’s cram-school association has introduced a voluntary certification to help protect children from sexual violence. Schools must install classroom cameras, train staff and set up a consultation desk; applications open Nov. 16. Changing Households: Dual-income homes in Japan reached 13 million in 2024, as more women seek to stay employed after marriage and childbirth, even as pregnancy and childcare continue to interrupt careers. Anime Fandom: A new survey finds anime accounts for at least half of viewing for 82% of surveyed fans aged 13 to 17. Many also read manga and listen to anime music, though the findings reflect existing fans, not teens overall. Japan Abroad: Rutland and Hanamaki marked 40 years as sister cities, celebrating a student exchange that has brought more than 200 Rutland students to Japan and welcomed Hanamaki students in return. Tourism: Kyoto’s Higashiyama Kyoto Tokyu Hotel has become the first Tokyu Hotels property to earn international sustainability certification.

Manga & Identity: A rediscovered Osamu Tezuka manga about discrimination against Korean residents in Japan has reached a seventh printing, as its publisher says readers are seeking ways to confront rising xenophobia. Foreign Residents: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says Japan will set a policy on accepting foreign residents by March 2027, balancing workforce needs with social concerns amid calls for tighter limits. Relationships: A national survey found more young Japanese have never had a romantic relationship; among people aged 20 to 34, the share is especially high for men. Animation: Nine films have been selected for the Aichi Nagoya International Animation Film Festival’s feature competition, including two Japanese titles. Education: Some women’s universities are going co-ed as enrollment shrinks, reshaping a longstanding part of Japan’s higher-education landscape. Autumn in Tokyo: October brings cooler days suited to walks and picnics, but rain remains common; layers and an eye on the forecast are advised.

Anime & Events: Awaji Island’s Nijigen no Mori is celebrating Naruto’s birthday with eight fan-focused projects, including character greetings and park-wide activities on October 10. Food & Travel: Michelin has selected Kobe and Awaji Island for a new guide, spotlighting the region’s distinctive culinary traditions. Japan was also named the world’s top travel destination for a fourth straight year in Condé Nast Traveller’s reader awards. Living Heritage: Okinawa’s rebuilt Shurijo Castle main hall is set to open November 23, restoring a landmark of Ryukyu history. Traditional Arts: Japan’s sumo association plans its first exhibition tour in Thailand in June 2027, marking 140 years of diplomatic ties with bouts and ring-entering ceremonies. Japanese Cuisine: A pufferfish exporters’ group is working to promote the delicacy and address safety concerns around its preparation.

Imperial Succession: Princess Aiko’s popularity is renewing calls to let women inherit Japan’s throne. A recent poll found 72% support a woman becoming emperor, as the royal family shrinks to 16 members. Changing Japan: The foreign-resident population has reached a record 3.84 million. Vietnamese nationals now outnumber Koreans as Japan’s second-largest foreign community, behind Chinese residents. Okinawa: The arrest of a U.S. Marine in the alleged killing of a Japanese woman has reignited anger over the U.S. military presence; Okinawa’s governor is pressing Tokyo for action. Food Traditions: Japan’s traditional wagashi shops are closing at a record pace, putting the future of the country’s heritage sweets in focus. Eating Out: New guides point visitors to Japan’s train-station dining and Tokyo’s basement-level food halls for a taste of local favorites.

Nightlife: Hong Kong’s Bar Leone tops the 2026 World’s 50 Best Bars list, with Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich at No. 44 and Virtù at No. 48; Asia claims 14 places overall. Okinawa: An alleged murder by a U.S. Marine has prompted a 30-day curfew and alcohol ban for U.S. forces, while Okinawa’s governor urges stronger discipline and preventive action from Tokyo. Anime: Sony has launched Crunchyroll Storyworks to adapt stories from around the world into anime and Japanese anime into live action, aiming to reach global audiences while working with Japanese creators. Tokyo: Thousands joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. Travel: Seoul has overtaken Tokyo as Condé Nast Traveler readers’ top big city for 2026, praised for its mix of heritage, technology and pop culture.

Okinawa: A U.S. Marine’s arrest over the alleged killing of a Japanese woman has prompted the governor to demand action from Tokyo and renewed scrutiny of the U.S. military presence. U.S. forces on the island face a curfew and alcohol ban. Cost of Living: Rising food prices are pushing more people to eat at home: 62.1% of respondents in a Japan survey said they dine out less, most often to save money. Immigration: Japan plans to sharply raise residency application fees and tighten permanent-residency requirements, a major change for foreign residents and families. Anime Industry: Japan’s animation boom is not benefiting every studio; many report weaker profits, while creator shortages are pressing companies to improve working conditions. Food Culture: From Tokyo’s shops offering hundreds of salt varieties to Kyoto’s regional miso specialists, Japan’s single-ingredient stores offer a window into the depth of its food traditions.

Okinawa and U.S. Bases: After a Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a local woman, Okinawa’s governor urged stronger discipline and action to reduce the prefecture’s burden of hosting U.S. bases. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan would discuss preventive measures with Washington. Anime Events: Tokyo Anime Next has announced an October 30–November 2 program, including a live orchestra performance featuring Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan and Detective Conan. At Nijigen no Mori, eight new family-themed Naruto collectible cards will debut October 31 as part of the park’s birthday festival. Anime’s Global Reach: Japan’s animation industry faces a balancing act: reaching international audiences without losing the creative freedom and distinctive style that make its work resonate. Classic Returns: Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno will direct a new Space Battleship Yamato anime film, now in production, with no release date announced. Travel: A newly opened 350-kilometer walking trail connects six Japanese cities and towns, adding a long-distance route for visitors and local hikers.

Okinawa Security Shake-Up: The U.S. military in Okinawa is pausing operations for two days and restricting troops from leaving base after a Marine was arrested in the killing of a local woman, renewing anger over the U.S. presence and raising pressure on Japan’s Okinawa policy. Korean Community in Japan: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung will meet Korean residents in Japan at Mindan’s 80th anniversary at the Blue House, thanking the community for decades of education, cultural exchange, and support for South Korea. Japan Education & AI: Japan finalized revised national curriculum guidelines, putting “information literacy” and AI use guidance into every subject, with an emphasis on building consensus with schools, parents, and local communities. Anime Goes Global, Rules Get Complicated: Japan’s anime industry is debating how far creators should adjust content for overseas laws and social media backlash, after a Hong Kong streaming halt over repeated tobacco brand depictions. Setouchi Cycling Tourism: A renovated warehouse complex in Onomichi, Hiroshima—ONOMICHI U2—has become a foreign-tourist magnet thanks to the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. Personal AI Agents Standard: Sierra and Meta announced an open “Personal Agent Protocol,” with Genesys and others backing how consumer AI agents interact with businesses—an industry shift that will shape customer service experiences. Food Waste Meets Climate Reality: A new push highlights how rescuing and reducing wasted food can cut methane and slow warming, framing food waste as an immediate climate lever.

Anime & Pop Culture: “Attack on Titan” teams up with Awaji’s Nijigen no Mori for Armin’s birthday sticker giveaways, while “Dragon Ball Super: Beerus” heads to Crunchyroll on Oct. 11. Lifestyle & Wellness: ASICS launches a 10-minute documentary (narrated by Sigourney Weaver) warning how digital life can trap people into less movement. Culture Calendar (Japan): Tokyo’s Grand Tea Ceremony returns in late October and early November, with matcha sessions in English at major venues. Food & Travel: A Japanese grocery chain, Hashi Market, opens its first Seattle store in Aurora, bringing Japanese-style groceries and lifestyle goods. Sports & Society: South Korea’s military exemption debate spills into defense reform talk, with athletes and artists potentially losing special service routes. Immigration & Rules: Japan tightens permanent residency requirements and raises fees sharply, sparking worries about fairness and xenophobia. Global Science Diplomacy: Bulgaria joins 16 countries endorsing Kyoto Vision for a Golden Age of Science, pushing AI-backed research and support for young scientists. Arts & Industry: Veteran animator Kenichirō Katsura (Macross 7, Synduality: Noir) dies at 59.