Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

A pine torch about eight meters long is hung at World Heritage-listed Todaiji Temple's Nigatsu-do hall in Nara, western Japan, on March 12, 2025, for an annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

A pine torch about eight meters long is hung at World Heritage-listed Todaiji Temple's Nigatsu-do hall in Nara, western Japan, on March 12, 2025, for an annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

An annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, dating back to 752, is held at Todai-ji temple's Nigatsudo hall in Nara, western Japan, on March 1, 2025.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

An annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, dating back to 752, is held at Todai-ji temple's Nigatsudo hall in Nara, western Japan, on March 1, 2025.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

An annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, dating back to 752, is held at Todai-ji temple's Nigatsudo hall in Nara, western Japan, on March 1, 2025.

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves the stage after speaking during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves the stage after speaking during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves the stage after speaking during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walks onto the stage to speak during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks on stage during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks on stage during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with a bereaved family member during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Justin Trudeau Commemorates Flight 752 Tragedy in Richmond Hil

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with a bereaved family member during an event to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, in Richmond Hill, Ont., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Nathan Denette/Canadian Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, is held at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 12, 2024.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, is held at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 12, 2024.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, is held at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 12, 2024.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, is held at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 12, 2024.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, is held at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 12, 2024.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, begins at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 1, 2024.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, begins at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 1, 2024.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, begins at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 1, 2024.

CHINA-TIANJIN-ETHIOPIA-DJIBOUTI-RAILWAY-TRAINING PROGRAM-GRADUATION (CN)

CHINA-TIANJIN-ETHIOPIA-DJIBOUTI-RAILWAY-TRAINING PROGRAM-GRADUATION (CN)

(231108) -- TIANJIN, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Graduates of a senior management training program for the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company receive their certificates at Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College in north China's Tianjin, Nov. 7, 2023. A graduation ceremony of senior management training program for the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company was held at Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College on Tuesday. In total 35 senior executives attended the ceremony after finishing their two-month training here in Tianjin. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. The project officially started commercial operations in January of 2018. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

CHINA-TIANJIN-ETHIOPIA-DJIBOUTI-RAILWAY-TRAINING PROGRAM-GRADUATION (CN)

CHINA-TIANJIN-ETHIOPIA-DJIBOUTI-RAILWAY-TRAINING PROGRAM-GRADUATION (CN)

(231108) -- TIANJIN, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2023 shows a graduation ceremony of senior management training program for the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company at Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College in north China's Tianjin. A graduation ceremony of senior management training program for the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company was held at Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College on Tuesday. In total 35 senior executives attended the ceremony after finishing their two-month training here in Tianjin. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. The project officially started commercial operations in January of 2018. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

CHINA-TIANJIN-ETHIOPIA-DJIBOUTI-RAILWAY-TRAINING PROGRAM-GRADUATION (CN)

CHINA-TIANJIN-ETHIOPIA-DJIBOUTI-RAILWAY-TRAINING PROGRAM-GRADUATION (CN)

(231108) -- TIANJIN, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Senior executives communicate within a simulated high-speed train at Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College in north China's Tianjin, Nov. 7, 2023. A graduation ceremony of senior management training program for the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company was held at Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College on Tuesday. In total 35 senior executives attended the ceremony after finishing their two-month training here in Tianjin. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. The project officially started commercial operations in January of 2018. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

CHINA-TIANJIN-ETHIOPIA-DJIBOUTI-RAILWAY-TRAINING PROGRAM-GRADUATION (CN)

CHINA-TIANJIN-ETHIOPIA-DJIBOUTI-RAILWAY-TRAINING PROGRAM-GRADUATION (CN)

(231108) -- TIANJIN, Nov. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Trainees of a senior management training program for the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company pose for a group photo at Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College in north China's Tianjin, Nov. 7, 2023. A graduation ceremony of senior management training program for the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company was held at Tianjin Railway Technical and Vocational College on Tuesday. In total 35 senior executives attended the ceremony after finishing their two-month training here in Tianjin. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. The project officially started commercial operations in January of 2018. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Cross-border passenger traffic resumed at major China-Nepal land port

STORY: Cross-border passenger traffic resumed at major China-Nepal land port DATELINE: Sept. 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:01 LOCATION: LHASA, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of inauguration ceremony 2. various of passengers of both sides 3. SOUNDBITE (English): KUMAR SHRESTHA, Nepali official STORYLINE: The Zham port in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, a major land port between China and Nepal, resumed two-way passenger traffic on Friday after being closed for eight years. According to local authorities, 752 people passed through the border during the first day of the resumption. The Zham port in the city of Xigaze was a major gateway between China and Nepal for political, economic and cultural exchanges before 2015. However, a mega-earthquake hit Nepal in May, 2015, destroying roads, bridges and facilities at the port, and forcing it to stop service. SOUNDBITE (English): KUMAR SHRESTHA, Nepali official "This border is open, that (brings) so many benefits to our Nepali side people. They

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

(230902) -- XIGAZE, Sept. 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Sept. 1, 2023 shows Chinese and Nepalese passengers walking across the China-Nepal Friendship Bridge at Zham port in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The Zham port in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, a major land port between China and Nepal, resumed two-way passenger traffic on Friday after being closed for eight years. According to local authorities, 752 people passed through the border during the first day of the resumption. Xinhua reporters saw long queues at the exit and entry reception hall at about 11 a.m. The Zham port in the city of Xigaze was a major gateway between China and Nepal for political, economic and cultural exchanges before 2015, when a mega-earthquake hit Nepal, destroying roads, bridges and facilities at the port, and forcing it to stop service. (Xinhua/Nie Yi)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

(230902) -- XIGAZE, Sept. 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- An inbound passenger from Nepal goes through the immigration inspection procedures at Zham port in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Sept. 1, 2023. The Zham port in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, a major land port between China and Nepal, resumed two-way passenger traffic on Friday after being closed for eight years. According to local authorities, 752 people passed through the border during the first day of the resumption. Xinhua reporters saw long queues at the exit and entry reception hall at about 11 a.m. The Zham port in the city of Xigaze was a major gateway between China and Nepal for political, economic and cultural exchanges before 2015, when a mega-earthquake hit Nepal, destroying roads, bridges and facilities at the port, and forcing it to stop service. (Xinhua/Nie Yi)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

(230902) -- XIGAZE, Sept. 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Sept. 1, 2023 shows Chinese and Nepalese passengers walking across the China-Nepal Friendship Bridge at Zham port in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The Zham port in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, a major land port between China and Nepal, resumed two-way passenger traffic on Friday after being closed for eight years. According to local authorities, 752 people passed through the border during the first day of the resumption. Xinhua reporters saw long queues at the exit and entry reception hall at about 11 a.m. The Zham port in the city of Xigaze was a major gateway between China and Nepal for political, economic and cultural exchanges before 2015, when a mega-earthquake hit Nepal, destroying roads, bridges and facilities at the port, and forcing it to stop service. (Xinhua/Li Jian)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

(230902) -- XIGAZE, Sept. 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on Sept. 1, 2023 shows a view of Zham Town in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The Zham port in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, a major land port between China and Nepal, resumed two-way passenger traffic on Friday after being closed for eight years. According to local authorities, 752 people passed through the border during the first day of the resumption. Xinhua reporters saw long queues at the exit and entry reception hall at about 11 a.m. The Zham port in the city of Xigaze was a major gateway between China and Nepal for political, economic and cultural exchanges before 2015, when a mega-earthquake hit Nepal, destroying roads, bridges and facilities at the port, and forcing it to stop service. (Xinhua/Nie Yi)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

CHINA-TIBET-NEPAL-ZHAM-LAND PORT (CN)

(230902) -- XIGAZE, Sept. 2, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A police officer checks the documents of the inbound passengers from Nepal at Zham port in Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Sept. 1, 2023. The Zham port in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, a major land port between China and Nepal, resumed two-way passenger traffic on Friday after being closed for eight years. According to local authorities, 752 people passed through the border during the first day of the resumption. Xinhua reporters saw long queues at the exit and entry reception hall at about 11 a.m. The Zham port in the city of Xigaze was a major gateway between China and Nepal for political, economic and cultural exchanges before 2015, when a mega-earthquake hit Nepal, destroying roads, bridges and facilities at the port, and forcing it to stop service. (Xinhua/Chen Zepeng)

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

(230718) -- ADDIS ABABA, July 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Dejen Gezu, one of the first licensed drivers for electrified trains in Ethiopia, works inside a locomotive at Indode Station of Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 13, 2023. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Gezu described himself as an example of China's successful knowledge and experience transfer endeavor toward helping Ethiopia's quest for development and modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: China-sponsored training program empowers young drivers in Ethiopia" (Photo by Michael Tewelde/Xinhua)

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

(230718) -- ADDIS ABABA, July 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Dejen Gezu, one of the first licensed drivers for electrified trains in Ethiopia, works inside a locomotive at Indode Station of Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 13, 2023. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Gezu described himself as an example of China's successful knowledge and experience transfer endeavor toward helping Ethiopia's quest for development and modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: China-sponsored training program empowers young drivers in Ethiopia" (Photo by Michael Tewelde/Xinhua)

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

(230718) -- ADDIS ABABA, July 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Dejen Gezu, one of the first licensed drivers for electrified trains in Ethiopia, is seen at Indode Station of Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 13, 2023. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Gezu described himself as an example of China's successful knowledge and experience transfer endeavor toward helping Ethiopia's quest for development and modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: China-sponsored training program empowers young drivers in Ethiopia" (Photo by Michael Tewelde/Xinhua)

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

(230718) -- ADDIS ABABA, July 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Yidnekachew Alemu, a team leader of railway captains, speaks during an interview with Xinhua at Indode Station of Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 13, 2023. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. TO GO WITH "Feature: China-sponsored training program empowers young drivers in Ethiopia" (Photo by Michael Tewelde/Xinhua)

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

(230718) -- ADDIS ABABA, July 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Dejen Gezu, one of the first licensed drivers for electrified trains in Ethiopia, is seen at Indode Station of Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 13, 2023. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Gezu described himself as an example of China's successful knowledge and experience transfer endeavor toward helping Ethiopia's quest for development and modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: China-sponsored training program empowers young drivers in Ethiopia" (Photo by Michael Tewelde/Xinhua)

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

ETHIOPIA-CHINA-SPONSORED TRAINING PROGRAM-DRIVERS

(230718) -- ADDIS ABABA, July 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Dejen Gezu, one of the first licensed drivers for electrified trains in Ethiopia, is seen at Indode Station of Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 13, 2023. The 752-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, is the first electrified trans-boundary railway in Africa, a flagship project under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Gezu described himself as an example of China's successful knowledge and experience transfer endeavor toward helping Ethiopia's quest for development and modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: China-sponsored training program empowers young drivers in Ethiopia" (Photo by Michael Tewelde/Xinhua)

Smart bus garage put into use in China's Shenzhen

STORY: Smart bus garage put into use in China's Shenzhen DATELINE: April 21, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:27 LOCATION: SHENZHEN, China CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a three-dimensional bus garage in South China's Shenzhen STORYLINE: A three-dimensional steel structure bus garage has been officially put into operation in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. Built by CIMC IoT, a subsidiary of China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd. (CIMC), the Xiasha three-dimensional steel structure bus garage is located in the west of the intersection of Furong Road and Binhai Avenue in Futian District. Divided into two storage and retrieval halls, the 11-story garage covers an area of approximately 752 square meters and uses two sets of vertical lifting equipment. Each parking space covers an area of about 9 square meters, while a traditional flat parking space for buses covers an area of about 100 square meters, increasing land utilization rate by more than 10 times. Xinhua News Agency correspo

Japanese animation film "Suzume" breaks China box office records

Japanese animation film "Suzume" breaks China box office records

A promotional display for the Japanese animation film "Suzume" is erected in a movie house in Beijing on April 13, 2023. The fantasy film directed by Makoto Shinkai has set a new Chinese box office record in the category of Japanese cartoon works, raking in over 752 million yuan ($109 million) as of April 17 since its release on March 24.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, begins at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 1, 2023.

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

Annual fire festival at Todai-ji temple

The annual "omizutori" water-drawing fire ceremony, which dates back to 752, begins at the Nigatsudo hall of Todai-ji temple in Nara, western Japan, on March 1, 2023.

Spring ritual at Todaiji temple

Spring ritual at Todaiji temple

NARA, Japan - Torches light up Nigatsudo hall of Todaiji temple in the ancient Japanese capital of Nara as the ''Omizutori'' (water drawing) ritual began on March 1, 2011. The spring event to pray for peace and good harvest was the 1,260th of its kind as it was first held at the temple in 752.

Spring ritual at Todaiji temple

Spring ritual at Todaiji temple

NARA, Japan - Torches light up Nigatsudo hall of Todaiji temple in this multiple exposure photo in the ancient Japanese capital of Nara as the ''Omizutori'' (water drawing) ritual began on March 1, 2011. The spring event to pray for peace and good harvest was the 1,260th of its kind as it was first held at the temple in 752.

Todaiji Temple lit up with torches in annual rite

Todaiji Temple lit up with torches in annual rite

NARA, Japan - Nigatsudo Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara is lit up with torches as part of the annual ''omizutori'' (water drawing) rite on March 12. The rite symbolizes the arrival of spring. Shuni-e, or the ceremony of the second month, as omizutori is formally known, has been performed without interruption since 752 A.D., the year the Great Buddha at Todaiji was cast.

Big Pine torches ablaze at Todaiji as herald to spring

Big Pine torches ablaze at Todaiji as herald to spring

NARA, Japan - Big Pine torches are ablaze outside the Nigatsu-do of Todaiji temple in Nara on March 1, the start of the Omizutori (taking sacred water) ceremony heralding the arrival of spring in Japan's ancient capital. Shuni-e, or ceremony of the second month, as Omizutori is formally known, has been performed without interruption since 752 A.D., the year when the Great Buddha in Todaiji was built. Nigatsu-do is home to the eleven-headed Kannon, the symbol for the nation's prosperity and world peace.

'Omizutori' rite heralds the arrival of spring

'Omizutori' rite heralds the arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - Monks wave a large torch from the verandah, sprinkling sparks over the crow below in the annual ''Omizutori (water-drawing)'' rite at the Nigatsudo Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara on March 1. The monks come down afterwards to draw water from a nearby well and offer it to the image of the 11-faced Kannon at the Hall. Said to date from AD 752, the rite symbolizes the arrival of spring.

Monks dust Great Buddha statue

Monks dust Great Buddha statue

NARA, Japan - Some 240 monks and lay Buddhist followers dust the Great Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple in Nara, on Aug. 7. The bronze statue, completed in 752, is dusted once a year. According to legend, those who get dust from the Great Buddha will be able to avoid misfortune in the next year.

Local elections held largely peacefully in Nepal

STORY: Local elections held largely peacefully in Nepal DATELINE: May 14, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:53 LOCATION: Kathmandu CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: various of voting STORYLINE: Local elections were held on Friday in Nepal largely peacefully, despite clashes and tension at some polling stations. More than 17 million voters were eligible to cast their votes in the polls held to elect 35,221 representatives to 753 local units from some 145,000 candidates. The voting was completed for 752 local units on the day, as the death of a deputy mayoral candidate forced the polls in one municipality to be deferred till Tuesday, the Election Commission said in a statement. "The voting was largely peaceful though there were incidents of clashes among party cadres in some polling centers," Tulasi Bahadur Shrestha, a joint secretary at the Election Commission, told Xinhua. "The voting was canceled in some of the polling centers," he added. The commission set up 10,756 polling stations and 21,955 voting boo