Cover & Interview: Pro Wrestler Yuma Anzai / Feature Article "Let 'Solo' Have a Say" / AERA to be released on July 6 (Mon)

Yuma Anzai, a professional wrestler, makes his first appearance on the cover of AERA's July 13th special issue, released on July 6. Anzai, who gained attention for his appearance on a reality dating show, speaks candidly in an interview about his unwavering passion for professional wrestling, his views on love, and his philosophy on life. The cover and gravure photos were taken by AERA's cover photographer, Mika Ninagawa. Please pay attention to the series of powerful and dignified photographs. The main feature is "Let 'Solo' Have a Say." As the lifetime unmarried rate rises and single-person households are projected to reach 44.3% by 2050, this feature delves into the prevailing notion that "it's natural to have a family or partner." Additionally, a new essay series by actor and model Kohei Shoji, titled "To Write or Not to Write," begins. The popular series "Koji Mukai's Passionate Camera Lesson" welcomes Fuuga Onishi of Kansai Johnny's Jr. as a new guest, with a photoshoot on the summer sea. The issue also includes an interview with Kentaro Kawaibe, former chairman of LINE Yahoo, and the popular series "The ALFEE's Miraculous Trajectory," making it a packed issue. Please take a look!

Cover + Gravure Long Interview: Pro Wrestler Yuma Anzai

Pro wrestler Yuma Anzai, who gained attention for participating in the reality dating show "Bachelorette Japan" Season 4, appears on the cover of AERA! In his interview, he discusses professional wrestling and his current position with a sincere gaze at times and a bright smile at others. What is Anzai's surprising side...? Behind-the-scenes interview anecdotes that couldn't fit in the magazine will be available via QR code for loyal readers, along with a lottery for signed colored paper. The photoshoot was by AERA cover photographer Mika Ninagawa. Please take a look.

Main Feature: "Let 'Solo' Have a Say" / The Walls of Living Alone

The lifetime unmarried rate is on the rise, and the number of "solos" who do not have a spouse or a partner to live with is increasing. This feature focuses on the difficulties faced by such individuals in a "partner-centric society." An AERA editorial department survey revealed that approximately 70% of the 288 respondents felt "the societal atmosphere that assumes one has a family or partner." The report highlights the "walls" that solos face, such as the unfairness of being overlooked at work in favor of those with families, and the anxiety of not having someone to rely on as a guarantor for hospital stays or rental contracts. A roundtable discussion with three "solo" individuals in their 30s to 50s offers a glimpse into the diversity of solo living. What are the anxieties and disadvantages faced by solos? We explore ways to build a society that respects each other while listening to the voices of those directly affected.

Kohei Shoji Essay Series "To Write or Not to Write" Begins

A new essay series by actor, model, and writer Kohei Shoji starts with this issue! The title is "To Write or Not to Write." In this series, Shoji aims to be "as honest as possible, without pretense or trying to look cool," and will "burn away" past failures. He will also present haiku once a month. Shoji's "now" captured in photographs is also a must-see. The first installment spans two pages to commemorate the start of the series and includes a voice message!

"New Adult" Interview: Kentaro Kawaibe, Former Chairman of LINE Yahoo

An interview with Kentaro Kawaibe, who stepped down as chairman of LINE Yahoo in June and is embarking on a new path as an "AI Solopreneur" at the age of 51. Kawaibe, who rose from a student entrepreneur to the head of Japan's largest internet company, discusses his motivations for choosing to start a business alone with AI at this time. He reflects on his 14 years involved in Yahoo's management and shares an anecdote about deciding to resign without consulting Masayoshi Son. Kawaibe's new challenge, in which he believes the AI revolution is "a huge oil field," is noteworthy!

THE ALFEE Series "Miraculous Trajectory"

This series, which explores the history of THE ALFEE, delivers the first part of 1986, a major turning point for the band. In this year, they released the well-known song "SWEAT & TEARS," and their artist name changed from "ALFEE" to "THE ALFEE." Enjoy the talk with THE ALFEE, along with precious episodes.

Also included:

・Koji Mukai's Passionate Camera Lesson New Guest: Fuuga Onishi (Kansai Johnny's Jr.)

・The Reality of "Stock Harassment" Where Pranks Run Rampant

・Is It Okay to Tease "Old Men"? The Unfunny Reality Beyond Casual Jabs

・Who Drove the Girl to Her Death? -- Voices of the bereaved family of a 16-year-old girl who died of malnutrition after being detained by the Hyogo Prefectural Police and the Kobe District Public Prosecutors Office.

・Miu Sakamoto: "In a Wavering World"

・Conflicts Shared Across Borders and Languages: A Japanese adoptee woman and Japanese adoptees talk.

・[Wanting to Be Kind] Portraits of Uniqueness by Herabonnny -- Ryo Nakao

・[Women x Work] Return to Office Society: "Relocation Without Changing Jobs"

・[Roots of the Top] Sumitomo Corporation Chairman Masakazu Hyodo -- Part 2

・Opening Column [eyes] Nan Zhong Jiang, Hiroki Azuma

・Tadahira Suzuki [Okinawa's Heroes: Koshien for the Island People]

・Asami Akiya: Living with "Clothes I Can Love"

・Susumu Shimoyama [Media in 2050]

・Sato Masaru's Practical News Seminar

・Saburo Takeda [This Week's Lingering Doubts]

・Manabu Tauchi's Economic Perspective

・Jane Sue: "The Other Day, I Had the Pleasure of Meeting You"

・Masayuki Oki: "This Week's Cats"

・Kayleen Matsuzaki [Good Things and Cute Things in Japan]

・Atashin'chi

And more.

Please take a look!

*From 5:00 PM on the release date, July 6 (Mon), for approximately 30 minutes, we will hold "#Aeralive" on our official Instagram (@aera_net) to introduce the latest issue's features and content. Please check it out.

AERA July 13, 2026 Special Issue

Special Price: 700 yen (636 yen + 10% tax)

Release Date: July 6, 2026 (Monday)

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0H3YZSM96/