Arashi's final concert tour begins in Sapporo

Arashi's final concert tour begins in Sapporo

People head to Daiwa House Premist Dome in Sapporo, northern Japan, on March 13, 2026, as the popular Japanese all-male idol group Arashi's final concert tour begins. The five-member idol group will disband after the tour that continues through late May, covering five cities for 15 performances.

Arashi's final concert tour begins in Sapporo

Arashi's final concert tour begins in Sapporo

People head to Daiwa House Premist Dome in Sapporo, northern Japan, on March 13, 2026, as the popular Japanese all-male idol group Arashi's final concert tour begins. The five-member idol group will disband after the tour that continues through late May, covering five cities for 15 performances.

US: Dramatic Temperature Swing Hits Mid-Atlantic as Cold Front Brings Snow 2

A powerful cold front struck the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, March 12, delivering one of the most dramatic temperature swings on record. Cities across the region plunged from record-breaking warmth to freezing temperatures within just 24 hours, with snow falling from Washington, D.C., through southwestern Virginia and into the mountains of North Carolina — and as far north as New York City.

Japan: Okinawa Hit by Intense Hail as Strong Cold Front Moves Through

A strong cold front brought intense hail to Okinawa, the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, in the early hours of Wednesday, March 13.

Italy: Violent Thunderstorm Strikes Rome, Triggering Roof Leaks at Fiumicino Airport

A yellow weather alert was issued as a violent thunderstorm struck Rome on Thursday, March 12, causing widespread flooding and severe traffic disruption across several neighborhoods. Torrential rain turned streets into rivers and caused leaks inside terminals at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport.

US: Rising Temperatures Cause Steam to Billow From Snow Piles New York

Rising temperatures caused steam to billow from snow piles in Chester, New York, on Wednesday, March 11, as the region experienced warmer-than-usual weather.

US: Large Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois 5

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

China: Puppy Falls Into Dog Food Bucket, Gets Cleaned by Other Dogs

On March 9, 2026, in Guangdong, southern China, a video captured a puppy falling into a bucket of dog food. Rather than panicking, it stayed inside and kept eating as if nothing was wrong. The owner eventually lifted the puppy out, and the moment it was set down, several other dogs rushed over and began licking food crumbs off its body and fur, even around its ears, while the puppy lay still and let them carry on.

US: Dramatic Temperature Swing Hits Mid-Atlantic as Cold Front Brings Snow

A powerful cold front struck the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, March 12, delivering one of the most dramatic temperature swings on record. Cities across the region plunged from record-breaking warmth to freezing temperatures within just 24 hours, with snow falling from Washington, D.C., through southwestern Virginia and into the mountains of North Carolina — and as far north as New York City.

US: Lightning Illuminates Sky Over Paulsboro as Severe Thunderstorm Hits Part of NJ

Some areas of New Jersey were under severe thunderstorm warnings Wednesday night, March 11, as strong storm cells swept across the region. Forecasters said the storms could produce small hail and wind gusts of up to 60 mph. The video captures lightning lighting up the night sky in Paulsboro.

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

Security officers stand guard at Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, as a passenger train bound for Pyongyang awaits departure, marking the resumption of a train service between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

US: Large Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois 4

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

A motorist fills gasoline at a gas station in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward on March 12, 2026, as retail gasoline prices are surging amid the Middle East crisis.

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

A motorist fills gasoline at a gas station in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward on March 12, 2026, as retail gasoline prices are surging amid the Middle East crisis.

China: Whirlwind Sends Unsecured Tent Spinning Into Sky at Hangzhou Park

On March 7, 2026, a camping tent was swept into the air by a whirlwind at Dayunhe Hanggang Park in Hangzhou, China. The unsecured tent spun like a kite as onlookers watched. Park staff recovered it and no injuries were reported.

China: Bystanders Unite to Lift Car and Free Trapped Cyclist in Jiaxing

On December 9, 2025, in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China, bystanders rushed to lift a car and free a cyclist trapped underneath after being struck by a vehicle. The driver stood nearby in shock as the crowd coordinated efforts, successfully pulling the rider free within about two minutes.

Nissan ties up with Uber, Wayve on robotaxi

Nissan ties up with Uber, Wayve on robotaxi

Nissan Motor Co. CEO Ivan Espinosa (L) poses for a photo in Tokyo on March 12, 2026, as the Japanese automaker announces a tie-up with U.S. ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc. and British startup Wayve Technologies Ltd. on a robotaxi project using Nissan's Leaf electric vehicle (back).

US: Late-Season Snow Sweeps Through Chicago as Cold Front Moves In

Chicago experienced snowfall on Wednesday, March 11, as a cold front swept through the region, bringing wintry conditions to the city.

Japan: Long Lines Form at Gas Stations Ahead of Price Hike

Long lines of vehicles formed at gas stations across Japan on Wednesday, March 11, as drivers rushed to fill up before an expected sharp rise in fuel prices. Major oil wholesalers announced plans to raise gasoline wholesale prices by an average of 26 yen per liter starting March 12, prompting a surge in last-minute refueling.

US: Large Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois 3

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

US: Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois 2

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

US: Hail Pounds Chicago Area as Severe Storm Sweeps Through Northern Illinois

Large hail struck the Chicago area on March 10, 2026, pelting parts of the region as a severe storm system moved through northern Illinois. A supercell thunderstorm moved across the southern and western Chicago suburbs, dropping hail ranging from 2 to locally 4 inches in diameter across the area. The storm also brought tornado warnings, damaging winds, and flash flooding threats across the region.

China: Two Villagers Haul Monster 100kg Grouper Through Hainan Village

On October 27, 2025, in Hainan, located in southern China, two villagers were seen walking into town carrying a massive grouper tied to a wooden pole. The fish swung heavily between them as villagers gathered to watch. People marveled at the size of the catch, estimating it weighed more than one hundred kilograms. Such a giant grouper was extremely rare in the area. No one knew exactly how they managed to haul it in, but the impressive scene quickly drew admiration from the entire village.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Police officers search around the tsunami-hit coastal area in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for clues as to the whereabouts of people still missing.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Police officers search around the tsunami-hit coastal area in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for clues as to the whereabouts of people still missing.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Police officers search around the tsunami-hit coastal area in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for clues as to the whereabouts of people still missing.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Police officers search around the tsunami-hit coastal area in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for clues as to the whereabouts of people still missing.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Police officers search around the tsunami-hit coastal area in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for clues as to the whereabouts of people still missing.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Police officers search around the tsunami-hit coastal area in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for clues as to the whereabouts of people still missing.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Police officers search around the tsunami-hit coastal area in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for clues as to the whereabouts of people still missing.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Japan Coast Guard officers search around the tsunami-hit coastal area in Yamada, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, for clues as to the whereabouts of people still missing.

US: Kilauea’s Eruption Causes Highway Closures as Tephra Falls on Nearby Communities 2

Hawaiʻi's Kīlauea volcano erupted for the 43rd time on Tuesday, March 10, with lava fountains reaching 1,000 feet high, prompting temporary closures of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's summit and a portion of Highway 11. Tephra up to 5 inches in diameter was reported falling around surrounding communities due to the volcanic fragments and ash.

US: Kilauea’s Eruption Causes Highway Closures as Tephra Falls on Nearby Communities

Hawaiʻi's Kīlauea volcano erupted for the 43rd time on Tuesday, March 10, with lava fountains reaching 1,000 feet high, prompting temporary closures of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's summit and a portion of Highway 11. Tephra up to 5 inches in diameter was reported falling around surrounding communities due to the volcanic fragments and ash.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A former local government-run facility in the Miyagi Prefecture town of Minamisanriku is pictured in the morning sun on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The building has been preserved as an architectural relic to commemorate the victims and teach future generations about the disaster.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A former local government-run facility in the Miyagi Prefecture town of Minamisanriku is pictured in the morning sun on March 11, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The building has been preserved as an architectural relic to commemorate the victims and teach future generations about the disaster.

Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missile Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto 2

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missile launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

World Baseball Classic: Japan vs. Czech Republic

World Baseball Classic: Japan vs. Czech Republic

Shohei Ohtani (R) and Seiya Suzuki (L) of Japan smile as they watch a World Baseball Classic Pool C game against the Czech Republic at Tokyo Dome in the Japanese capital on March 10, 2026. (For editorial use only)

China: Panda Rolls and Tumbles Playfully at Zhejiang Zoo

On October 4, 2025, in Ningbo, located in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, a delightful video was filmed at the city’s wildlife park showing a chubby giant panda in action. The panda ran around the enclosure, repeatedly tumbling and rolling across the ground before climbing up to paw at the glass wall curiously. Visitors nearby laughed as the panda pressed its round face against the glass, appearing to interact with them. Its clumsy but endearing movements reminded many Chinese viewers of scenes from the movie Kung Fu Panda.

World Baseball Classic: Tokyo Dome

World Baseball Classic: Tokyo Dome

A banner showing a photo of Samurai Japan slugger and baseball star Shohei Ohtani is displayed at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 6, 2026, as the World Baseball Classic Pool C opener is held there the same day. (For editorial use only)

Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missiles Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missiles launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A financial monitor in Tokyo on March 9, 2026, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing down over 2,800 points at 52,728.72, the third-largest point drop, as crude oil futures spiked amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A financial monitor in Tokyo on March 9, 2026, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing down over 2,800 points at 52,728.72, the third-largest point drop, as crude oil futures spiked amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Tokyo stocks plunge

Tokyo stocks plunge

A financial monitor in Tokyo on March 9, 2026, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average closing down over 2,800 points at 52,728.72, the third-largest point drop, as crude oil futures spiked amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Japan: Sea of Okhotsk Covered in Drift Ice as Season Reaches Peak

Drift ice formed along the Siberian coast travels for approximately one and a half months to reach Hokkaido. The ice blankets the Sea of Okhotsk, and reaches its peak in early March.

US: Long Security Lines at Houston Airport Amid TSA Staffing Crisis

Thousands of travelers endured hours-long queues at US airports on Sunday, March 8, as spring break traffic collided with a TSA staffing crisis. With personnel working without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown, wait times at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport were warned to exceed three hours. Airport officials advised travelers via social media to arrive four to five hours before their flights.

China: Cat Gets Head Stuck in Wall Gap at Shop Entrance

On February 3, 2026, at Yongle Optical Shop in Hefei, Anhui province, a cat was filmed with its head stuck in a narrow gap between a wall and a doorframe near a building entrance. From outside, it looked as if the cat was suspended in the wall, with the hole fitting its head perfectly. According to the video description, the animal likely crawled into an air-conditioner pipe hole inside the wall and became stuck, leaving only its head visible.

Dissolution order for Unification Church

TOKYO, Japan, March 4 Kyodo - Nobuya Fukumoto, lawyer for the Unification Church, meets the press in front of the Tokyo High Court in the Japanese capital on March 4, 2026, after the court upheld a dissolution order for the religious corporation as requested by the central government on the grounds that it unlawfully solicited financially ruinous donations from its members. (Kyodo)

300th anniv. of Daimaru department store in Osaka

300th anniv. of Daimaru department store in Osaka

Staff at Daimaru department store's Shinsaibashi outlet in Osaka, western Japan, hang the store curtain at its main entrance on March 6, 2026, to commemorate the 300th anniversary since its opening as kimono store Matsuya on Nov. 1, 1726.

300th anniv. of Daimaru department store in Osaka

300th anniv. of Daimaru department store in Osaka

Photo taken on March 6, 2026, shows a booth replicating kimono store Matsuya at Daimaru department store's Shinsaibashi outlet in Osaka, western Japan. The booth was set up to commemorate the 300th anniversary since the Shinsaibashi store's opening as Matsuya on Nov. 1, 1726.

Lebanon: Death Toll Nears 400 as Israel Strikes Iranian Commanders in Beirut

Israel's military hit Iranian commanders in central Beirut early on Sunday, March 8, marking the first drone strike within the city limits since hostilities resumed last week. Lebanese authorities said nearly 400 people have been killed over the past week as Israel struck a hotel in the capital's city center.