Lead Feature: 'How Apple Changed Our Lives' / AERA June 8 Issue Released

The cover of the AERA June 8 issue, on sale June 1, features the mood-kayo group Junretsu. Now a three-member group with strengthened unity, they candidly discussed their thoughts, feelings for fans, and future dreams. The photos were taken by AERA cover photographer Mika Ninagawa. Pay attention to these celebratory photos.

The lead feature is 'How Apple Changed Our Lives.' Why has Apple, now in its 50th year, become so deeply embedded in people's lives? Through testimonials from writer Nami Kishida, comedian Kosaka Daimaou, who produced the global hit 'PPAP,' and others, we explore the evolution and essence of Apple products. 'Contemporary Portrait' explores the current life of Ayaka Wada, who is expanding her activities as a musician and writer. The popular series 'THE ALFEE: The Miracle Track' reflects on their memories of their first concert at the Nippon Budokan. The issue is also packed with articles covering social issues such as the 'First-Year Middle School English Crisis' and 'Caring for Toxic Parents.' Please take a look!

Cover & Gravure + Interview: Junretsu

Mood-kayo group Junretsu makes their first appearance on the AERA cover. Leader Kazuyoshi Sakai describes the current state of the group as having a 'good balance after stripping away various things.' In the interview, he candidly spoke about their tumultuous 16-year history, turning points, and the Junretsu mindset. The glamorous gravure photos taken by Mika Ninagawa are a must-see!

Lead Feature: How Apple Changed Our Lives / Evolution of a 'Partner' Beyond Mere Tools

Apple celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. While it once had an image of being used only by core fans, the emergence of the iPod and iPhone has expanded its user base, and it has now become an essential presence in many people's lives. We share stories of Apple product users ranging from celebrities to ordinary people. Writer Nami Kishida introduces an episode where her younger brother with Down syndrome enriched communication with her family by mastering the iPhone. Comedian Kosaka Daimaou reflects, 'Without Apple, PPAP would not have been born.' We unravel the evolution and future of Apple as a 'partner' that goes beyond being a simple tool through diverse testimonials.

First-Year Middle School English Crisis

Six years have passed since English was made a formal subject in elementary schools, and we report on the challenge of students increasingly 'hating English' in junior high schools. According to a survey by a group of English teachers, about one-third of students feel they 'hate' English as early as the first year of junior high school. Factors contributing to student confusion include the lack of retention of the approximately 700 words supposedly mastered in elementary school, and the composition of junior high school textbooks that handle be-verbs, general verbs, auxiliary verbs, and question words all at once in the early stages. We highlight the problems in English education by introducing the desperate voices of students and teachers.

Contemporary Portrait: Ayaka Wada

This personality report focuses on Ayaka Wada, the former leader of the Hello! Project idol group 'ANGERME,' now active as a 'poet and word artist.' Triggered by the discomfort she felt during her idol days, Wada has been learning about and advocating for feminism and gender issues. We explore her ongoing quest to always be herself, including her studies in France, the formation of her new band 'LOLOET,' and the public disclosure of her depression.

THE ALFEE Series: 'The Miracle Track'

In this series tracing the history of THE ALFEE, this installment is the second part of 1983. What memories do the members have of their first Nippon Budokan performance? Also, this was the year they made their first appearance on the 'Kohaku Uta Gassen.' Enjoy the valuable episodes from that time and THE ALFEE talk!