10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Ten-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi poses for a photo after receiving the People's Honor Award from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a ceremony in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026.

Football: J-League kickoff event

Football: J-League kickoff event

Players from J-League football teams pose for a photo at an event in Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2026, ahead of the start of the new season on Aug. 7. The J-League switched to an August-to-June season from the conventional February-to-December schedule, corresponding with the schedule of major European leagues.

Football: J-League kickoff event

Football: J-League kickoff event

Players from J-League football teams pose for a photo at an event in Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2026, ahead of the start of the new season on Aug. 7. The J-League switched to an August-to-June season from the conventional February-to-December schedule, corresponding with the schedule of major European leagues.

Nissan logs 1st net profit in 2 yrs in April-June

Nissan logs 1st net profit in 2 yrs in April-June

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2026. Nissan returned to profitability for the first time in two years, posting a net profit of 3.76 billion yen in the April-June quarter with restructuring measures.

Football: J-League kickoff event

Football: J-League kickoff event

Players from J-League football teams pose for a photo at an event in Tokyo on Aug. 3, 2026, ahead of the start of the new season on Aug. 7. The J-League switched to an August-to-June season from the conventional February-to-December schedule, corresponding with the schedule of major European leagues.

US: Storm Triggers Flash Flood Warning in Northern Virginia

On Sunday, August 2, a flash flood warning was issued for parts of Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, as a storm moved through the area.

Train featuring World Heritage-listed ancient sites

OSAKA, Japan, Aug. 2 Kyodo - A departure ceremony is held at Kintetsu Railway's Osaka Abenobashi Station in Osaka on Aug. 1, 2026, for a train with liveries based on a group of ancient sites in the Asuka-Fujiwara area in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, that were recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage list. (Kyodo)

Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy 3

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

American Football: Raiders' Matsuzawa

American Football: Raiders' Matsuzawa

Japanese-born kicker Kansei Matsuzawa (R) works out during training camp for NFL's Las Vegas Raiders in Henderson, Nevada, on Aug. 2, 2026. Matsuzawa earlier signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent following an impressive college season for the University of Hawaii.

American Football: Raiders' Matsuzawa

American Football: Raiders' Matsuzawa

Japanese-born kicker Kansei Matsuzawa (38) is pictured during training camp for the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders in Henderson, Nevada, on Aug. 2, 2026. Matsuzawa earlier signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent following an impressive college season for the University of Hawaii.

American Football: Raiders' Matsuzawa

American Football: Raiders' Matsuzawa

Japanese-born kicker Kansei Matsuzawa meets the press during training camp for NFL's Las Vegas Raiders in Henderson, Nevada, on Aug. 2, 2026. Matsuzawa earlier signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent following an impressive college season for the University of Hawaii.

American Football: Raiders' Matsuzawa

American Football: Raiders' Matsuzawa

Japanese-born kicker Kansei Matsuzawa meets the press during training camp for NFL's Las Vegas Raiders in Henderson, Nevada, on Aug. 2, 2026. Matsuzawa earlier signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent following an impressive college season for the University of Hawaii.

Golf: Women's British Open

Golf: Women's British Open

Japan's Shiho Kuwaki (C) poses for a photo with her father Masatoshi (3rd from R) and mother Hiroko (4th from R) after winning the Women's British Open golf tournament on Aug. 2, 2026, at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lytham St Annes, England.

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) joins others in pulling a rope to move a sacred tree trunk during a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026, as part of the rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, conducted every 20 years. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) joins others in pulling a rope to move a sacred tree trunk during a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026, as part of the rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, conducted every 20 years. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) joins others in pulling a rope to move a sacred tree trunk during a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026, as part of the rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, conducted every 20 years. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) joins others in pulling a rope to move a sacred tree trunk during a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026, as part of the rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, conducted every 20 years. (Pool photo)

Streetcar that survived Hiroshima A-bomb operates for guided tours

Streetcar that survived Hiroshima A-bomb operates for guided tours

A streetcar that survived the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima is used for guided tours in the western Japan city on Aug. 2, 2026, ahead of the 81st anniversary on Aug. 6 of the World War II tragedy. Passengers taking part in the tour, available through the end of October mainly on Saturdays and Sundays, are given tablets that display the city's landscape immediately after the attack.

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto reacts after allowing a solo home run to Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox for the second consecutive at-bat in the third inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2026.

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto reacts after allowing a solo home run to Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox for the second consecutive at-bat in the third inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2026.

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto (back) reacts after allowing a solo home run to Ceddanne Rafaela (front) of the Boston Red Sox for the second consecutive at-bat in the third inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2026.

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto reacts after allowing a solo home run to Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox for the second consecutive at-bat in the third inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2026.

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Baseball: Red Sox vs. Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto reacts after allowing a solo home run to Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox for the second consecutive at-bat in the third inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, 2026.

Train featuring World Heritage-listed ancient sites

Train featuring World Heritage-listed ancient sites

A departure ceremony is held at Kintetsu Railway's Osaka Abenobashi Station in Osaka on Aug. 1, 2026, for a train with liveries based on a group of ancient sites in the Asuka-Fujiwara area in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, that were recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko visits a lumbermill in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. The princess will visit Ise Jingu shrine the following day to watch a rite for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, which is conducted every 20 years. The rite will be performed using trees processed at the workshop. (Pool photo)

China: Motorcyclist Rides Into Sudden Hailstorm on Highway 219 in Xinjiang

A motorcyclist riding Highway 219 toward Hongliutan in Hotan, Xinjiang, on July 22, 2026, rode into what he mistook for a clear patch of sky, only to find himself in the middle of a sudden, painful hailstorm.

China: Mudslide Blocks Mountain Road in Yunnan, Stranding Vehicles

A mudslide blocked the mountain road from Shangri-La to Wudi Lake in Yunnan on July 16, 2026, burying vehicles in thick mud and debris and leaving a long line of cars stranded as travelers waited for help.

Selection for next U.N. chief

Selection for next U.N. chief

Photo taken on April 22, 2026, shows U.N. Conference on Trade and Development Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan speaking to reporters at the United Nations' headquarters in New York. The former Costa Rican vice president topped the first round of poll to select the next U.N. secretary general.

Japan: Severe Storm Batters Tokyo With Torrential Rain and Hail 5

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning for several areas of Tokyo around 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, warning residents of possible flooding in low-lying areas and rising rivers.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Citizens wait to apply for a document certifying damage done to their property at the Uki city government office in Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 31, 2026, three days after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture. The certificate is required to receive such support as temporary housing and tax reduction or exemption.

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

The Bank of Japan's Policy Board meets at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on July 31, 2026, for the second day of its two-day monetary policy meeting, with Governor Kazuo Ueda seated in the center. (Pool photo)

BOJ policy-setting meeting

BOJ policy-setting meeting

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda enters the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on July 31, 2026, for the second day of a two-day monetary policy meeting. (Pool photo)

Switzerland: Rooftop Fire Erupts in Central Geneva

A large fire broke out in the roof of a building on Rue du Cendrier near the Pont de la Machine in central Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, July 30, sending thick black smoke visible for miles. No injuries were reported and no forced evacuations were needed, and firefighters brought the blaze under control while police cordoned off the surrounding area.

Switzerland: Rooftop Fire Erupts in Central Geneva 2

A large fire broke out in the roof of a building on Rue du Cendrier near the Pont de la Machine in central Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, July 30, sending thick black smoke visible for miles. No injuries were reported and no forced evacuations were needed, and firefighters brought the blaze under control while police cordoned off the surrounding area.

Japan: Severe Storm Batters Tokyo With Torrential Rain and Hail 4

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning for several areas of Tokyo around 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, warning residents of possible flooding in low-lying areas and rising rivers.

Japan: Severe Storm Batters Tokyo With Torrential Rain and Hail 2

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning for several areas of Tokyo around 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, warning residents of possible flooding in low-lying areas and rising rivers.

Japan: Severe Storm Batters Tokyo With Torrential Rain and Hail 3

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning for several areas of Tokyo around 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, warning residents of possible flooding in low-lying areas and rising rivers.

Japan: Severe Storm Batters Tokyo With Torrential Rain and Hail

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning for several areas of Tokyo around 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, warning residents of possible flooding in low-lying areas and rising rivers.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows search and rescue operations continuing for a missing person at a partially destroyed Nippon Paper Industries Co. plant in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 30, 2026, two days after a powerful earthquake hit the southwestern Japan prefecture.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows search and rescue operations continuing for a missing person at a partially destroyed Nippon Paper Industries Co. plant in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 30, 2026, two days after a powerful earthquake hit the southwestern Japan prefecture.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows search and rescue operations continuing for a missing person at a partially destroyed Nippon Paper Industries Co. plant in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 30, 2026, two days after a powerful earthquake hit the southwestern Japan prefecture.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows search and rescue operations continuing for a missing person at a partially destroyed Nippon Paper Industries Co. plant in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 30, 2026, two days after a powerful earthquake hit the southwestern Japan prefecture.