"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and her ministers are pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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.

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

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

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a plaque to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi at a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title. The four-time Olympian, 32, won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

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

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

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

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

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

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

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

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

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

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 (L) poses with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as she receives a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

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 (L) receives a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

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 (L) receives a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

China: Sleeping Toddler Nearly Strangled by Mother’s Hair

Night-vision security footage from Qingdao, Shandong on April 26, 2026 shows a toddler becoming entangled in his sleeping mother's hair, which wrapped around his neck. The mother wakes and frees him just in time, and he is heard crying immediately after.

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.

Tesla mulls China business separation

Tesla mulls China business separation

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai. The U.S. electric vehicle maker is considering separating its China operations.

Tesla mulls China business separation

Tesla mulls China business separation

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai. The U.S. electric vehicle maker is considering separating its China operations.

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 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.

TEPCO's earnings for April-June 2026

TEPCO's earnings for April-June 2026

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. Executive Vice President Hiroyuki Yamaguchi speaks at a press conference on the utility's earnings result for the April-June 2026 period. TEPCO incurred a group net loss of 9.7 billion yen for the quarter.

Tennis: Nishikori

Tennis: Nishikori

Kei Nishikori of Japan practices in Washington on July 26, 2026, a day before his first-round match at the Mubadala DC Open. The Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 announced on social media in April that he will retire at the end of the season.

Tennis: Nishikori and Osaka

Tennis: Nishikori and Osaka

Kei Nishikori (L) and Naomi Osaka of Japan pose for photos in Washington on July 26, 2026. Nishikori, a Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4, held a press conference the same day for the first time he announced on social media in April that he will retire at the end of the season.

Tennis: Nishikori

Tennis: Nishikori

Kei Nishikori of Japan speaks at a press conference in Washington on July 26, 2026. It is his first press conference since the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 announced on social media in April that he will retire at the end of the season.

China: Corgi Dives and Plays in Water at Guangxi Campsite

On April 26, at a campsite in Tian'e County, Hechi, Guangxi, a corgi named Bingan dove and splashed joyfully in the water alongside a human companion. A second corgi later joined in, and the two dogs played together happily in the water.

High-rise buildings in China

High-rise buildings in China

High-rise condominium buildings are seen in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, on April 15, 2026.

Baseball: Lions vs. Fighters

Baseball: Lions vs. Fighters

Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions pitches in a Pacific League baseball game against the Nippon Ham Fighters at Es Con Field Hokkaido in Kitahiroshima in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on April 19, 2026.

US: Super Typhoon Bavi Slams Guam, Northern Marianas 2

Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall Monday, July 6, passing directly over Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands around 8 a.m. local time, with sustained winds over 150 mph. Guam and nearby islands also reported major damage from the storm.

China: Crayfish Fights Desperately to Survive Boiling Pot

On April 30, 2026, inside a restaurant kitchen in Shangqiu, Henan, a lone crayfish was filmed gripping the edge of a pot of boiling red oil with its pincers, tail raised high to avoid the scalding liquid. When the chef added a large plate of other crayfish into the pot, the oil churned and steamed furiously, yet the solitary crayfish continued twisting and arching its body in a desperate fight to stay alive.

Rugby: Jones announces Brave Blossoms' training squad

Rugby: Jones announces Brave Blossoms' training squad

Japan rugby head coach Eddie Jones speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on June 10, 2026. Jones apologized for his "verbal abuse" of local match officials during an April tour of Australia, while announcing the Brave Blossoms' training squad for test matches against Italy, Ireland and others.

China: Lost Owl Hides Under Exercise Equipment in Henan

On April 29, 2026, in Henan, central China, a small owl was filmed hiding under outdoor exercise equipment after apparently losing its way. The owl gazed around with wide eyes, visibly disoriented. Since owls have limited daytime vision, onlookers worried for its safety. Staff later arrived to assist, but found the owl had already flown off on its own — likely after dark.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites

File photo taken on April 19, 2026, shows the Fujiwara Palace site (front) in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, western Japan. A UNESCO advisory body has recommended adding Asuka-Fujiwara archaeological sites to the World Cultural Heritage list.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites

File photo taken on April 20, 2026, shows the Asuka Palace site in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, western Japan. A UNESCO advisory body has recommended adding Asuka-Fujiwara archaeological sites to the World Cultural Heritage list.

China: Cyclist Thrown to Ground as Bicycle Front Wheel Detaches in Hubei

On April 7, 2026, in Hubei, central China, a video captured a young man riding a bicycle in a plaza outside a shopping mall. As he rode in circles, the front wheel suddenly detached and rolled away, sending him crashing heavily to the ground. The loose wheel struck a nearby pedestrian, and the cyclist appeared to be in significant pain.

Dollar hits 160 yen

Dollar hits 160 yen

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the dollar rising to 160.00 yen on June 3, 2026. The U.S. currency hit the psychologically important threshold for the first time since late April.