Last time I could send money without recipient verification. Why is it required this time?

Transfers under ¥1,000,000 can be sent without recipient verification.

Due to system requirements, transfers of ¥1,000,000 or more cannot be sent without recipient verification. This means your previous transfer was likely under ¥1,000,000, or you are sending ¥1,000,000 or more to a new recipient this time.