Massive tree trunk for pagoda renovation at Yakushiji

Massive tree trunk for pagoda renovation at Yakushiji

NARA, Japan - Hundreds of people take part in a ceremony to transport a 4-ton Japanese cypress log to the East Pagoda at Yakushiji, a Buddhist temple in Nara in western Japan, on April 8, 2014, where it will be used to fill vacuums in the central pillar known as "shimbashira." The pagoda, a national treasure that dates back to the Nara period (710-784), is undergoing major renovation work for the first time in about 110 years.

Ataturk statue unveiled in western Japan town

Ataturk statue unveiled in western Japan town

WAKAYAMA, Japan - A bronze statue of modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is unveiled during a ceremony in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, on June 3, 2010, as part of events to mark the 120th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Turkey. The 4.2-meter-high, 4-ton statue was installed on May 20 near a lighthouse overlooking the wreck site of the Ertugrul, a Turkish warship that sank near the Pacific coast town in western Japan in 1890.

2 dead in boat accident off Yamaguchi

2 dead in boat accident off Yamaguchi

YAMAGUCHI, Japan - Two people were found dead in an overturned fishing boat in the sea off Yamaguchi Prefecture on Nov. 22, the Japan Coast Guard said. Photo shows the 4-ton Kazuyoshi-Maru No. 3 (bottom), found some 20 kilometers off Hofu in the same prefecture, being towed. As the boat had damage marks on it, the coast guard is investigating the possibility of a hit-and-run incident.

2 dead in boat accident off Yamaguchi

2 dead in boat accident off Yamaguchi

YAMAGUCHI, Japan - Two people were found dead in an overturned fishing boat in the sea off Yamaguchi Prefecture on Nov. 22, the Japan Coast Guard said. Photo shows the 4-ton Kazuyoshi-Maru No. 3 (bottom), found some 20 kilometers off Hofu in the same prefecture, being towed. As the boat had damage marks on it, the coast guard is investigating the possibility of a hit-and-run incident. (Kyodo)

Ataturk statue unveiled in western Japan town

Ataturk statue unveiled in western Japan town

WAKAYAMA, Japan - A bronze statue of modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is unveiled during a ceremony in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, on June 3, 2010, as part of events to mark the 120th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Turkey. The 4.2-meter-high, 4-ton statue was installed on May 20 near a lighthouse overlooking the wreck site of the Ertugrul, a Turkish warship that sank near the Pacific coast town in western Japan in 1890. (Kyodo)