China: Winter Rescue After Car Falls Into Frozen Water in Shandong

On January 21, 2026, in Shandong, located in eastern China, a video recorded a car that had fallen into icy water surrounded by floating ice. The temperature was visibly cold, and the water surface was partially frozen. A rescuer from the Zheng’an rescue team jumped directly into the freezing water to reach the trapped person. Another team member broke the ice from above to assist. Despite the harsh conditions, the rescuers worked quickly to save the driver. The scene highlighted an urgent winter rescue effort.

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei head to a giant panda conservation and research center in the Chinese city of Yaan, Sichuan Province, after arriving at an airport in Chengdu from Japan on Jan. 28, 2026. The twin pandas left Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens, where they were born and raised, the previous day.

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Female giant panda Lei Lei is loaded into a truck after arriving at an airport in Chengdu in China's Sichuan Province from Japan on Jan. 28, 2026, with her twin brother Xiao Xiao. The twin pandas left the previous day Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens where they were born and raised.

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Female giant panda Lei Lei is loaded into a truck after arriving at an airport in Chengdu in China's Sichuan Province from Japan on Jan. 28, 2026, with her twin brother Xiao Xiao. The twin pandas left the previous day Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens where they were born and raised.

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

Twin giant pandas' arrival in China from Japan

An airplane carrying male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei arrives at an airport in Chengdu in China's Sichuan Province from Japan on Jan. 28, 2026. The twin pandas left the previous day Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens where they were born and raised.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

People bid farewell to male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens as an airplane carrying them left for China from Narita airport near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

Male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens are loaded into an airplane at Narita airport near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, to depart to China.

Military exercise in Taiwan

Military exercise in Taiwan

The Taiwanese military conducts an exercise in Taichung, Taiwan, on Jan. 27, 2026.

[Breaking News]Icefall festival in Hokkaido

KAMIKAWA, Japan, Jan. 25 Kyodo - An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8. (Kyodo)

Fire drill at Horyu-ji temple

IKARUGA, Japan, Jan. 26 Kyodo - Monks and firefighters participate in an annual fire drill at the World Heritage-listed Horyu-ji temple in Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026. The date was designated in 1955 as a day for raising awareness about protecting cultural assets from fire after one of Horyu-ji temple buildings burned down on the same day in 1949. (Kyodo)

China: Injured Dog Walks Into Pet Hospital Alone for Treatment

On January 14, 2025, in Shenzhen, China, a security video showed an injured dog wearing a cone walking into a pet hospital, straight to its regular vet for treatment, and then calmly leaving the clinic on its own.

China: “Shepherd Pig” Follows Flock of Sheep in Inner Mongolia

On January 6, 2026, in Inner Mongolia, located in northern China, a video captured an unusual sight on a prairie road. A flock of sheep ran ahead while a small pig trotted behind them at a steady pace. Its determined steps made it look as though it were acting as a shepherd dog, keeping pace with the flock.

US: Massive Storm System Brings Arctic Blast and Heavy Snow to Oklahoma 2

A major winter storm threatened half of the US on Friday, January 23, prompting 16 states and Washington, D.C. to declare states of emergency as regions braced for power failures and supply shortages. The massive storm system brought an Arctic blast, heavy snow, and ice to Oklahoma. This video shows snow swirl captured on Norman, Oklahoma

World Baseball Classic Japan squad members

World Baseball Classic Japan squad members

Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata speaks to journalists in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, after announcing an additional 10 members for defending champion Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, including Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

World Baseball Classic Japan squad members

World Baseball Classic Japan squad members

Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata poses for a photo in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, after announcing an additional 10 members for defending champion Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, including Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

World Baseball Classic Japan squad members

World Baseball Classic Japan squad members

Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata speaks to journalists in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, after announcing an additional 10 members for defending champion Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, including Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

World Baseball Classic Japan squad members

World Baseball Classic Japan squad members

Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata poses for a photo in Tokyo on Jan. 26, 2026, after announcing an additional 10 members for defending champion Japan's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, including Los Angeles Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Fire drill at Horyu-ji temple

Fire drill at Horyu-ji temple

Monks and firefighters participate in an annual fire drill at the World Heritage-listed Horyu-ji temple in Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026. The date was designated in 1955 as a day for raising awareness about protecting cultural assets from fire after one of Horyu-ji temple buildings burned down on the same day in 1949.

Fire drill at Horyu-ji temple

Fire drill at Horyu-ji temple

Monks and firefighters participate in an annual fire drill at the World Heritage-listed Horyu-ji temple in Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026. The date was designated in 1955 as a day for raising awareness about protecting cultural assets from fire after one of Horyu-ji temple buildings burned down on the same day in 1949.

Fire drill at Horyu-ji temple

Fire drill at Horyu-ji temple

Monks and firefighters participate in an annual fire drill at the World Heritage-listed Horyu-ji temple in Ikaruga in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026. The date was designated in 1955 as a day for raising awareness about protecting cultural assets from fire after one of Horyu-ji temple buildings burned down on the same day in 1949.

Baseball: Swallows vs. Lions

Baseball: Swallows vs. Lions

Tyler Nevin of the Seibu Lions hits an RBI single in the first inning of an interleague baseball game against the Yakult Swallows at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on June 4, 2025.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda gives an interview in Tokyo on Jan. 25, 2026, ahead of the general election on Feb. 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Football: Premier League

Football: Premier League

Kaoru Mitoma (L) of Brighton and Joachim Andersen of Fulham vie for the ball during an English Premier League football match in London on Jan. 24, 2026.

Football: Premier League

Football: Premier League

Kaoru Mitoma (L) of Brighton and Joachim Andersen of Fulham vie for the ball during an English Premier League football match in London on Jan. 24, 2026.

Football: Premier League

Football: Premier League

Kaoru Mitoma (R) of Brighton vies for the ball during an English Premier League football match against Fulham in London on Jan. 24, 2026.

Football: Premier League

Football: Premier League

Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton dribbles the ball during an English Premier League football match against Fulham in London on Jan. 24, 2026.

US: Massive Storm System Brings Arctic Blast and Heavy Snow to Oklahoma

A major winter storm threatened half of the US on Friday, January 23, prompting 16 states and Washington, D.C. to declare states of emergency as regions braced for power failures and supply shortages. The massive storm system brought an Arctic blast, heavy snow, and ice to Oklahoma.

Buddhist monks seek donations

Buddhist monks seek donations

Buddhist monks from the Koyasan Shingon Sect visit houses in Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 23, 2026, for an annual event to collect donations.

Buddhist monks seek donations

Buddhist monks seek donations

Buddhist monks from the Koyasan Shingon Sect gather at their temple before visiting houses in Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 23, 2026, for an annual event to collect donations.

Ruling on shooter of ex-Japan PM Abe

NARA, Japan, Jan. 21 Kyodo - A vehicle carrying Tetsuya Yamagami, the man who fatally shot former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, enters the Nara District Court in Nara for a ruling on Jan. 21, 2026. The court sentenced him to life in prison for killing Abe during an election stump speech in the western Japan city in July 2022. (Kyodo)

China: Monkey Walks Into Convenience Store and Steals Bread in Guiyang

On Wednesday, January 14, a monkey walked into a convenience store in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, and helped itself to a packaged bun from the bread section. Appearing familiar with the layout, the monkey was captured on footage eating inside the shop while an employee watched helplessly, seemingly unsure how to deal with the unexpected customer.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex in Niigata Prefecture is pictured on Jan. 21, 2026, the day Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. restarted its No. 6 reactor. TEPCO, however, said two days later that it had shut down the reactor after an alarm was triggered during control rod withdrawal operations.

US: Extreme Cold Watch in Effect in Iowa as Strong Gusts Create Dangerous Conditions

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Iowa, warning of high winds, snow, and an extended period of low temperatures. A wind advisory remained in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, for several counties. In northern and northeastern Iowa, strong gusts caused blowing snow and reduced visibility, potentially triggering blizzard conditions.

Volvo Cars CEO Samuelsson

Volvo Cars CEO Samuelsson

Volvo Cars Corp. CEO Hakan Samuelsson gives an interview in Stockholm on Jan. 21, 2026.

Volvo Cars CEO Samuelsson

Volvo Cars CEO Samuelsson

Volvo Cars Corp. CEO Hakan Samuelsson gives an interview in Stockholm on Jan. 21, 2026.

Volvo Cars CEO Samuelsson

Volvo Cars CEO Samuelsson

Volvo Cars Corp. CEO Hakan Samuelsson gives an interview in Stockholm on Jan. 21, 2026.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Aso Helicopter missing

Aso Helicopter missing

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired shogi player Hifumi Kato dies at 86

Retired pro shogi player Hifumi Kato gives an interview in Tokyo in November 2018. The former holder of the most prestigious Meijin title, Kato died of pneumonia on Jan. 22, 2026, aged 86. He had held the record for becoming the youngest pro shogi player at 14 years and seven months in 1954 until Sota Fujii broke it at 14 years and two months in 2016, while he played to the age of 77 years and five months, the oldest on record.

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Inauguration of Japan's new centrist opposition party

Japan's new centrist opposition party, called the Centrist Reform Alliance, holds an inaugural convention in Tokyo on Jan. 22, 2026. Over 160 lawmakers joined the party formed following a deal between the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Komeito party ahead of a general election set for Feb. 8.

Snow in central Japan

Snow in central Japan

Gates are closed at an interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway in the central Japan city of Toyama to prevent accidents given expected heavy snowfall on Jan. 21, 2026.

Snow in central Japan

Snow in central Japan

Gates are closed at an interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway in the central Japan city of Toyama to prevent accidents given expected heavy snowfall on Jan. 21, 2026.

Snow in central Japan

Snow in central Japan

An electronic signboard at an interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway in the central Japan city of Toyama informs drivers of the closure of a section to prevent accidents given expected heavy snowfall on Jan. 21, 2026.

Baseball: Padres vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Padres vs. Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on June 16, 2025. Ohtani pitched in an MLB game for the first time since August 2023 and made his first mound appearance in Dodger blue, following right elbow surgery in September 2023.