Oct 20, 2025 20:15:00

Headline news for October 20, 2025

The Seven Cafe Smoothie was so popular that over 1,000 cups were sold every day at the Seven-Eleven West Gate and Water Plaza stores at the Osaka Kansai Expo. The No. 1 menu item, the 'Fragrant Matcha Smoothie,' has been made even more delicious and will be available at Seven-Eleven stores nationwide from October 24, 2025. It will cost 400 yen (tax included) and will be available in limited quantities.

The popular smoothie that was a hot topic at the Osaka Kansai Expo! Enjoy the elegant aroma and rich flavor of the 'Uji Matcha Smoothie' now available in limited quantities at stores nationwide! | Press release from Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd.
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000436.000155396.html

By the way, the following article was published on the same day in the same month in the past.

It turns out that brain-melting 'ASMR' movies have a positive effect not only on the mind but also on the body - GIGAZINE

Why does the 9,500-year-old 'Old Tjikko' never die? - GIGAZINE

People with depression may not be pessimistic, but may have a correct understanding of the world - GIGAZINE

It turns out that people with high IQs are more likely to get sick, and here's why

A 'dog-sized giant scorpion' was discovered walking in the ancient ocean more than 400 million years ago - GIGAZINE

A review of the 'Municipal Changes Parapara Map' that shows how the scope and names of municipalities have changed due to repeated municipal mergers - GIGAZINE

Study finds that exposure to artificial light at night increases risk of mental illness - GIGAZINE

I took a trip on the 'Shikoku Green Journey' by taking full advantage of express trains and riding all JR Shikoku lines - Day 4 - GIGAZINE

'Real Corporate Slave Episodes' from Readers: Game Designers and Creators Edition - GIGAZINE

◆ Material (notes and other miscellaneous items)

When I checked with Nauru, they said there was no charge for use✌😄, so...
I don't know if there's a demand for it, but I'll post it.

Download the network print app, register your image, and select sticker printing at FamilyMart or Lawson to print.
(Sealed 2L: 300 yen)
There are no cuts, so please cut them yourself 🙇 pic.twitter.com/QKDJRtuPlo
— Tamako (@gyokuyo_fusyo18) October 18, 2025

I'm building what is probably the first ever Nauru Republic N-gauge diorama, but it's so much fun to run that I just can't seem to make any progress... What should I do? pic.twitter.com/n5G2kVX0yl
— HIROYUKI A Choshi Electric Railway Marketing Office (Type A) (@HIROYUKIMKDCDK) October 19, 2025

A large amount of white powder manufactured in Japan is being sold in Thailand, and most Thai people are taking excessive amounts of this powder every day, making it impossible to live without it and becoming a social problem 😆 pic.twitter.com/IVGJVIGFyI
— Lieutenant MOTO @🇯 Thailand-based current affairs commentary motorcycle YouTuber 🇹 (@JGSDF_YTS_X7) October 19, 2025

◆Science (science, learning, technology)
Science for intervening in the future, not predicting the future: 'Why mathematical models can't describe the real world': You're probably reading this amazing book that I don't know about

How to maintain an insurance market that is likely to collapse due to a 'choice problem' if no measures are taken? - 'The Economics of Insurance' - Basic Reading

◆ Society, politics, and economy (incidents, world news, business)
LDP President Sanae Takaichi to Become Prime Minister; Agreement to Form LDP-Japan Ishin Party Coalition to Be Formed on the 20th; Ishin Party to Provide Outside Support, Not Join the Cabinet - Sankei News

I will now head to Tokyo to reach an agreement on the formation of a coalition government. Together with the new President Takaichi, we will move politics forward towards Japan's future. I am aware that there are risks from the party's perspective. However, unless someone takes risks, Japan will remain closed and no path will open up. For the sake of Japan, to realize our promises, and to move society forward, I will take a step forward.
— Hirofumi Yoshimura (Governor of Osaka Prefecture) (@hiroyoshimura) October 20, 2025

All policy discussions with the Liberal Democratic Party have been completed, and a formal coalition agreement was reached today.
It was also approved at the joint meeting of both houses of parliament that the name will be written as 'Takaichi Sanae' from the first round in tomorrow's prime minister nomination election.
After this, at 6:00 p.m., a signing ceremony for the agreement between President Sanae Takaichi and Representative Hirofumi Yoshimura will be held.
↓

Monday, October 20, 2025 Co-representative Fumitake Fujita…
— Fumitake Fujita (Co-leader of the Japan Restoration Party) (@fumi_fuji) October 20, 2025

LDP and Ishin Party formally agree to form coalition government; LDP President Takaichi and Chairman Yoshimura sign document | NHK News | Prime Ministerial Election, Diet, Elections

On that day, Ishin's Yoshimura was not at the Expo site...Kokumin's Tamaki: 'I wonder if he was in discussions with the LDP?' - Sankei News

Sanae Takaichi, a freshman in the Diet, confronted Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, saying, 'You can't just apologise for the war.' - Sankei News

BBC sanctioned over 'misleading' Gaza documentary - 1 photo International News: AFPBB News

Trump demands Ukraine cede territory, lashes out at Zelensky during meeting [Trump returns]: Asahi Shimbun

International Honey Award: Rampant Honey Laundering - Nikkei

'NHK ONE is a product of compromise': Why did such a retrograde service come into being? 'The motivation of journalists on the ground is declining' | Daily Shincho

Putting an end to the policy of 'bowing to resource-rich countries': Takaichi's thoughts on energy | Mainichi Shimbun

US President pressures Zelensky to cede territory, refuses to provide Tomahawk missiles - sources | Reuters

Osaka Minami to build arena at former Kubota headquarters - Nihon Keizai Shimbun

Trump pressured to accept Russian demands, reports: Jiji.com

In preparation for Mount Fuji's eruption, excavation work begins on houses buried in the Hoei eruption 300 years ago... Investigation to determine damage: Yomiuri Shimbun

'National University Students Are Largely Foreign Investors': Leader of the House of Councillors Questions Tax Money | NEWSjp

Akane Himazora won the defamation lawsuit against attorney Keiko Ota - Musashi-Kosugi Joint Law Office

27 cities, towns, and villages across Japan see foreign residents make up over 10% of their population, with Hakone and other areas seeing an increase of 7% in one year. The highest rate is 36% in Shimukappu Village, Hokkaido. 'Immigrants' and Japanese people - Sankei News

Junior colleges that train childcare workers halt recruitment, nurseries say they can't support society: Asahi Shimbun

◆ Lifestyle (life, living, health)

[Regarding the issue of celebratory flowers (flower stands) not being placed at the 5th Project Sekai Thanksgiving Festival]
We sent flower stands to an event held on Saturday, October 18th and Sunday, October 19th, but on the first day they were not delivered, and on the second day they were delivered but in a condition that was clearly different from what was requested.
I will explain the process, including our response. (Continued in the reply section) pic.twitter.com/zcADXqDVl9
— Mattaki (@mattk_108) October 19, 2025

The Uma Musume flower stand I drew that was ordered from Flosta has not been set up at the venue. I'm sorry to everyone who looked for it. As of yesterday, they said they would be able to set it up, but it's so hard I can't put it into words right now. I'm so sorry #UmaMusume6th https://t.co/nE5on2vbCJ
— Yagyu Moppy | Uma Musume Drawing (@tyoroi) October 19, 2025

Amazing, they explained the missed delivery of Uma Musume as an 'accident,' but with Project Sekai, they explained that 'confusion on-site caused the missed delivery,' and delivered something completely different from the specifications. Furthermore, they are vague about refunds. It turns out that the missed delivery of Project Sekai on the same day as Uma Musume was not an 'accident.' https://t.co/WEoK6NfpSR
— Pon. (Pon. Lennon) (@Uma_pong) October 19, 2025

This is an update regarding the flower stands that were planned to be displayed at this live show.

I apologize for saying something that ruined the fun atmosphere of the live show.
However, this is too big a problem for me to handle alone, so let me tell you about it. pic.twitter.com/lOCsoQy391
— Mu (@mayapilove) October 19, 2025

The Uma Musume 6th flower stand controversy... I'm sure they tried their best to repair it, but it wasn't ready in time for the opening day, and on top of that the design was changed so carelessly, isn't it a bit much?

#6thVirtualFlowerStageVenuepic.twitter.com /YinqfkOOmD
— Tori (@putyourhandup0) October 19, 2025

As someone who personally makes panels as doujin goods, I think there's a high probability that what Flosta is saying is a lie... There probably aren't any transportation accidents. Panels are made of foam material with a sheet attached, so they're prone to dents and scratches if hit by something, and sharp objects can easily make holes. But the panels from the flower stand that caused the problem this time were all in good condition. Huh? https://t.co/Jy2tLGUSxL
— Toryunishikino (@Toryunishikino) October 19, 2025

If you look at the official Flosta website, you'll see that the flower stands that have been reported on Twitter cost 70,000 to 100,000 yen, and what's actually delivered is just a frame and a panel with a little more artificial flowers. This is the kind of thing that's officially recommended by the company, and the fact that it's in such a state is proof that otaku are being looked down upon as customers.pic.twitter.com/jH82EVmE6b
— Peripatos (@peripatosu) October 20, 2025

Even though ProSeka can't send flower stands without going through Flosta, they haven't even sent out emails to those who requested the venue without paying...
I don't understand the point of only contacting Uma Musume.
Both official companies are responsible for acting as recommended companies and should have their certification revoked.
I'm afraid this will lead to refusal to accept flowers in the future. pic.twitter.com/6ckVYiZGDU
— Aoi Tosho (@kimyo1557) October 18, 2025

How I became an adult doujin voice actor

If you watch a pornographic video, you'll be scammed out of 2.3 million yen
(Bank transfer fraud)

↓

While visiting his hometown, a relative stole his credit card and bankbook, stealing 1 million yen.

↓…
— Ayame Hina ʚ🐣ɞ🍼 (@Hina_ayame_vo) October 17, 2025

To avoid getting sick in your hotel room, always check the air conditioner filter for dirt. 'If you turn on the air conditioner like this, you'll get pneumonia' - Togetter

The nails of a girl attending a memorial service were so cute that I said, 'They're lovely,' and the mother of the girl next to me apologized, saying, 'I'm sorry! I'll be more careful next time!' - Togetter

I found an unfamiliar coffee shop in an unfamiliar town, ordered a daily lunch without knowing what it was, and waited with excitement - Togetter

I think Japan's sanitation environment and concepts are abnormal not only in Asia but also on a global level... And Japanese people don't know this. 'I think it's because the concept of 'impurity' is strong.' - Togetter

'Can adults drink milk from a baby bottle?' I was curious, so I tried it → Wait, wait, wait!!! It's too difficult!!! - Togetter

An interview with our company president was published in the Hidaka edition of the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper this morning!
I'm very pleased that the TV adaptation of The Royal Family will not only highlight horse racing in a broad sense, but also breeding and rearing farms. 🐎✨ #Hidaka #HorseBreedingArea #Thoroughbred #RaceHorse #RandomLife # MonbetsuRandompic.twitter.com /08fvDMKgmt
— Mombetsu Ranch (@team_mombetsu) October 18, 2025

'Apparently I had a natural talent for selling prepared foods' The incident that occurred was extraordinary and 'there must be some unconscious ingenuity' - Togetter

Credit card perks benefit the upper class, but who's really behind it? - CNN.co.jp

After watching the video from 2010, I finally realized that around 2010 was a long time ago. 'People's clothes and facial features somehow feel like a long time ago.' - Togetter

'I don't want to use this again' transfer station, please explain why → Shibuya Station, Akitsu Station, Ashigara Station... 'No, you guys are at a different station, right?' Stations that make you want to say 'No, you're at a different station, right?' are gathered with resentment - Togetter

The reason why a wife couldn't adapt to Tokyo: 'Announce her husband's occupation and car model at a lunch meeting, and adjust her clothes so they don't overlap with her mom friends' clothes' → 'Tokyo is difficult' 'Maybe it's not Tokyo, but the community itself that's special?' - Togetter

Everyone who writes should keep this in mindpic.twitter.com/zXV8ssfWnB
— Yuki Ishikawa (Yupi) #RelaxedTime Techniques on sale now! (@milkprincess17) October 19, 2025

◆IT/Gadgets (Internet, software, hardware, mobile)

#Machiasobi #lemonolis
The LED we used this time is Le・monolis.

Can be carried outdoors!
It stands on its own without the need for a truss!
Clear color even in bright places!
If it has casters, you can move it around during the event!
Large LED screen that allows characters to stand upright up to 2m! ... https://t.co/DC3KwIIa2t pic.twitter.com/gHx6wxbdfG
— Tomoe Tamiyasu (Vtuber Tammy) 🐰🌙 New Live2D & True 3D unveiling LIVE & Machi Asobi, great work! (@tammy_now) October 20, 2025

[Full Japanese Translation] Kent Beck Keynote: The Trade-Off of Developer Productivity Measurement: 'Goodhart's Law' Should Have Been Taken More Pessimistically - Part 1 - Findy Tech Blog

[Feature] Is Intel NPU just a decoration? Is it actually used? We tried out various AI functions/software - PC Watch

Mercari Executive Shunsuke Sako: 'Nintendo Switch 2 should have been banned from sale' - Nikkei

Muji's e-commerce site goes down due to Askul system failure - Nikkei

System failure at Axle, MUJI and Loft also halt online sales due to ransomware attacks | NHK News | Cyberattacks, IT/Internet, Retail

Windows 11 becomes an AI agent: The competition between keyboards, mice, AI, and beyond [Munechika Nishida's Now and the Future] - Impress Watch

[Conclusion] Why you should use interface over type for TypeScript type definition

OneDrive 'I'll automatically back up everything! Oh, the free limit is 5GB, so please pay!' Me 'No, I don't need it... Delete it' OneDrive 'The original data has disappeared' - Togetter

◆Anime, games, manga (subculture)

#Masako Nozawa

[News]
We are pleased to announce that Masako Nozawa, an actress affiliated with our company, has been selected as a Person of Cultural Merit for 2025.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the people involved who have always supported us, and to all the fans who support us.

◼ Masako Nozawa's comment... pic.twitter.com/l972Ml8EIc
— Aoni Production [Official] (@aoni_official) October 18, 2025

Preparing for Halloween pic.twitter.com/EjgDN39WVX
— Metako @ Fixed Outsourcing (@metakobot) October 19, 2025

Arrived at Tokushima Airport!

Tokushima was fun!! pic.twitter.com/oZDO06Jei9
— Toshinori Yano @ [10/18, 19 Machi Asobi Exhibitor] (@hosimaki) October 20, 2025

I was asked to draw the five characters from Gundam W, so I did! Great (sort of) pic.twitter.com/flrnBGMsob
— Mamoru Yokota half-dead half-life (@yokotamamoru) October 19, 2025