Hokuriku Shinkansen Line stretches through Fukui Pref.

Hokuriku Shinkansen Line stretches through Fukui Pref.

Actress Ayami Nakajo (2nd from L) gestures prior to the departure of the first train bound for Tokyo at JR Tsuruga Station in Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, on March 16, 2024, as a shinkansen bullet train service between Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Tsuruga -- a new extended route of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, previously linking Tokyo with Kanazawa -- starts the same day.

4 family members believed killed in Kumamoto fire

4 family members believed killed in Kumamoto fire

KUMAMOTO, Japan - A morning fire guts the two-story house of Shinichi Saruwatari in Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Feb. 4. It allegedly killed Sakuwatari, his wife Shigeko, their 3-year-old daughter Ayami and 4-month-old son Shoji.

Japanese women's baseball team wraps up U.S. trip

Japanese women's baseball team wraps up U.S. trip

Ayami Sato pitches for Japan in a women's baseball game against the United States in Cooperstown, New York on July 11, 2015. The two teams played four games, winning two each in the build-up for the 2016 Women's Baseball World Cup in South Korea. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

4 family members believed killed in Kumamoto fire

4 family members believed killed in Kumamoto fire

KUMAMOTO, Japan - A morning fire guts the two-story house of Shinichi Saruwatari in Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Feb. 4. It allegedly killed Sakuwatari, his wife Shigeko, their 3-year-old daughter Ayami and 4-month-old son Shoji.

Baseball: Japan rolls past Canada to 5th straight World Cup crown

Baseball: Japan rolls past Canada to 5th straight World Cup crown

Ayami Sato of Japan starts the Women's Baseball World Cup final against Canada in Busan, South Korea, on Sept. 11, 2016. Japan won its fifth straight Women's Baseball World Cup, beating Canada 10-0. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo