•  
China-Russia summit

China-Russia summit

People's Liberation Army honor guards hold Chinese and Russian flags ahead of a welcoming ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 20, 2026, to be followed by a summit between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Pool photo)

  •  
Banana-based charcoal

Banana-based charcoal

Photo taken in Tokyo on April 28, 2025, shows banana-based charcoal (L) developed by fruit vendor Dole Japan Inc. for use in barbecues. As a way to reduce food waste, the Tokyo company turned bananas that could not be sold due to problems such as blemishes, bruising or size into the unique charcoal, which is lighter and easier to ignite than regular charcoal.

  •  
Kyocera parts in Russian missiles

Kyocera parts in Russian missiles

Photo taken on May 15, 2026, shows debris in Kyiv believed to be from a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile, amid reports that the missiles used in the ongoing war in Ukraine are built with parts made by a U.S. subsidiary of Japanese electronics maker Kyocera Corp.

  •  
Kyocera parts in Russian missiles

Kyocera parts in Russian missiles

Photo taken on May 15, 2026, shows debris in Kyiv believed to be from a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile, amid reports that the missiles used in the ongoing war in Ukraine are built with parts made by a U.S. subsidiary of Japanese electronics maker Kyocera Corp.

  •  

France: Nantes Game Abandoned After Ultras Storm Field 2

A Ligue 1 game between Nantes and Toulouse was abandoned Sunday, May 17, after ultras stormed the field in the 22nd minute, throwing flares and breaching security barriers at Stade de La Beaujoire. Players fled to the locker rooms as riot police intervened. Referee Stéphanie Frappart called off the match on security grounds. The incident appeared to be a protest against the club's relegation after a dismal season in which Nantes won just five of 33 league games.

  •  

France: Nantes Game Abandoned After Ultras Storm Field

A Ligue 1 game between Nantes and Toulouse was abandoned Sunday, May 17, after ultras stormed the field in the 22nd minute, throwing flares and breaching security barriers at Stade de La Beaujoire. Players fled to the locker rooms as riot police intervened. Referee Stéphanie Frappart called off the match on security grounds. The incident appeared to be a protest against the club's relegation after a dismal season in which Nantes won just five of 33 league games.

  •  
U.S. President Trump in Beijing

U.S. President Trump in Beijing

People hold up their smartphones as a car believed to be carrying U.S. President Donald Trump drives through Beijing on May 15, 2026, the second day of summit talks between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

  •  
U.S. President Trump in Beijing

U.S. President Trump in Beijing

People hold up their smartphones as a car believed to be carrying U.S. President Donald Trump drives through Beijing on May 15, 2026, the second day of summit talks between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

  •  

China: Turtle Bites Cat Drinking Water From Water Tank

On May 11, 2026, in Jilin, located in northeastern China, a video captured a turtle lying at the bottom of a water tank. A cat seemed to be thirsty and bent down to drink water from the tank. The sound may have disturbed the sleeping turtle. The turtle suddenly became angry and jumped up to bite the cat. The cat reacted very quickly, moved away from the tank, and jumped onto the table.

  •  
Private space station project

Private space station project

Former Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata meets the press in Tokyo on May 14, 2026, on U.S. firm Axiom Space's plan to develop a private space station to replace the outmoded International Space Station. Axiom Space CEO Jonathan Cirtain said at the press event that Wakata will head the Japan unit of Axiom, to be set up in July.

  •  
Private space station project

Private space station project

Axiom Space CEO Jonathan Cirtain meets the press in Tokyo on May 14, 2026, on the U.S. company's plan to develop a private space station to replace the outmoded International Space Station. Cirtain said former Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, who also attended the media event, will head the Japan unit of Axiom, to be set up in July.

  •  
Private space station project

Private space station project

Former Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata (L) shakes hands with Jonathan Cirtain, CEO of Axiom Space, in Tokyo on May 14, 2026, as they meet the media over the U.S. company's plan to develop a private space station to replace the outmoded International Space Station. Cirtain said Wakata will head the Japan unit of Axiom, to be set up in July. ==Kyodo

  •  
U.S. President Trump in Beijing

U.S. President Trump in Beijing

A car believed to be carrying U.S. President Donald Trump travels through Beijing on May 14, 2026, during his visit to China under heightened security.

  •  
U.S. President Trump in Beijing

U.S. President Trump in Beijing

A car believed to be carrying U.S. President Donald Trump travels through Beijing on May 14, 2026, during his visit to China under heightened security.

  •  
Hobby Show in Shizuoka

Hobby Show in Shizuoka

The Shizuoka Hobby Show featuring products such as plastic and radio-controlled models opens in the central Japan city of Shizuoka on May 13, 2026. The show will be open to about 4,000 students from Shizuoka Prefecture on May 15 before opening to the public on May 16 and 17.

  •  

China: Mysterious Ink-Like Shadow Filmed Expanding in Shaanxi Sky

On May 6, 2026, in Shaanxi, a video recorded a strange dark shadow appearing in the sky. After a plane flew past, the black shape gradually spread outward above the filmer. The shadow expanded through the sky like spilled ink, creating an unusual and unclear visual effect. It did not immediately resemble a common cloud shape. Chinese viewers discussed possible explanations in the comments. Some guessed it might be a swarm of flying insects, while others questioned whether the video had been made with AI.

  •  

Canada: Another Grey Whale Spotted in Vancouver’s English Bay, Drawing Large Crowds

A whale was spotted in English Bay, Vancouver, on Thursday, drawing large crowds to the shoreline. It remains unclear whether the animal is the same grey whale that made headlines earlier this week after colliding with a jet ski near Stanley Park. That whale was last seen Tuesday, swimming out to sea and reported to be unharmed.

  •  

China: Sleeping Dog Chews Treat Without Opening Eyes

On November 2, 2025, in Yunnan, located in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, a video captured a village dog lying with its eyes closed. The animal appeared to be deeply asleep. The owner quietly placed a meat strip into the dog’s mouth. The dog’s jaw closed reflexively on the treat while its eyes stayed shut, showing only slight movements around the muzzle. As the dog tasted the meat, the muscles near its mouth twitched repeatedly, but it still refused to open its eyes, as if continuing to sleep while chewing.

  •  
International Horticultural Expo 2027

International Horticultural Expo 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi poses at her office in Tokyo on April 28, 2026, with Tunku Tunku, the official mascot of the International Horticultural Expo 2027, to be held in Yokohama from March 2027 to September 2027.

  •  
ECB President Lagarde

ECB President Lagarde

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde holds a press conference in Frankfurt on April 30, 2026, following the ECB's Governing Council meeting where the benchmark deposit rate was decided to be maintained at 2 percent.

  •  

US: Apparent Tornado Caught on Video in Cleburne, Texas During Severe Storm

What appeared to be a tornado was captured on video in Cleburne, Texas on Tuesday, April 28 as severe storms prompted a tornado warning for Johnson and Hill counties.

  •  

China: Pair of Two-Headed Turtles Face Each Other Through Glass

On April 23, 2026, in Guangdong, located in southern China, a video recorded a rare scene involving two two-headed turtles. The owner held a small purple two-headed turtle in hand and brought it close to the glass enclosure of a much larger one. Inside the glass, the bigger two-headed turtle was also purple and stared directly at the smaller turtle. The size difference between them created a strong visual contrast. The larger turtle remained still while watching the small one, making the meeting look unusually intense. The small turtle stayed in the owner’s hand as the two faced each other across the glass. Chinese viewers commented that it is not easy for a two-headed turtle to grow so large. Many described it as rare and said it should be carefully raised.

  •  

Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

NAGOYA, Japan, April 23 Kyodo - Video taken in Nagoya on April 23, 2026, shows the interior of container housing to be used for athletes during the Asian Games and Asian Para Games to be held in the central Japan city in the fall. (Kyodo)

  •  

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

ISE, Japan, April 21 Kyodo - Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. (Kyodo)

  •  

Turkey: Communities Rally Against Gold Mine Project in Eskisehir

Residents, politicians, and civil society groups demonstrated in Eskisehir, Turkey, opposing a planned cyanide-based gold and silver mine in the Alpagut-Atalan region. An expert panel, appointed by the court, conducted an on-site inspection on April 20 as part of ongoing litigation challenging the project's environmental approval. Opponents warn of risks to farmland, water sources, and seismic safety. The court-appointed report is expected to be pivotal in the case's outcome.

  •  

China: Massive Sandstorm Engulfs City in Xinjiang, Turning Day Into Darkness

This is the shocking moment that a towering wall of sandstorm swept across a city in China, rapidly engulfing buildings and streets as strong winds pushed the dense dust forward. On April 17, 2026, in Xinjiang, China, the video captured a powerful sandstorm advancing toward an urban area, forming what appeared to be a massive moving wall of dust. The sky quickly darkened as the storm rolled in, with visibility dropping sharply. Buildings in the distance were gradually swallowed by the thick haze, while the fast-moving sand created an overwhelming sense of pressure and urgency. The footage showcased how the sandstorm surged forward in waves, covering roads, infrastructure, and entire neighborhoods within moments. According to the local meteorological bureau, wind speeds during the event had reached up to 25.2 meters per second, contributing to the intensity and rapid spread of the sandstorm. The video ended with the city almost completely obscured by the dust, leaving only faint outlines of buildings visible through the thick, swirling sand.

  •  
Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Photo taken in Nagoya on April 23, 2026, shows the interior of container housing to be used for athletes during the Asian Games and Asian Para Games to be held in the central Japan city in the fall.

  •  
Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Photo taken in Nagoya on April 23, 2026, shows the interior of container housing to be used for athletes during the Asian Games and Asian Para Games to be held in the central Japan city in the fall.

  •  
Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Photo taken in Nagoya on April 23, 2026, shows container housing to be used for athletes during the Asian Games and Asian Para Games to be held in the central Japan city in the fall.

  •  
Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Photo taken in Nagoya on April 23, 2026, shows container housing to be used for athletes during the Asian Games and Asian Para Games to be held in the central Japan city in the fall.

  •  
Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Photo taken in Nagoya on April 23, 2026, shows container housing to be used for athletes during the Asian Games and Asian Para Games to be held in the central Japan city in the fall.

  •  
Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Accommodation facilities for Asian Games, Asian Para Games

Photo taken in Nagoya on April 23, 2026, shows the interior of container housing to be used for athletes during the Asian Games and Asian Para Games to be held in the central Japan city in the fall.

  •  
Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Ritual at Ise Jingu shrine

Priests conduct a ritual to pray for the safety of construction at Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 21, 2026, ahead of the start of the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine hall reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. The 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years, will culminate in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  

Turkey: Teachers Rally in Ankara to Protest Deadly School Shootings

Teachers' unions gathered in Ankara's Kurtuluş Park on Thursday, April 16, to protest the school shootings that killed 10 people in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş on consecutive days. According to the filmer, teachers marching toward the Ministry of National Education were blocked by police barricades. After waiting nearly six hours for the barricades to be lifted, demonstrators began their march — but were only permitted to proceed as far as Mithatpaşa Street, where they stopped and held their ground.

  •  

[Breaking News]Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

ISE, Japan, April 13 Kyodo - Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. (Kyodo)

  •  

China: Surreal ‘Sky City’ Illusion Stuns Onlookers in Ngari, Tibet

On April 5, 2026, in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, a video captured a surreal daytime scene where what appeared to be high-rise buildings emerged above the horizon. The structures seemed to hover in mid-air, partially obscured by layers of mist and clouds, creating the illusion of a distant city suspended in the sky.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  
Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

  •  

[Breaking News]Ancient cherry tree in Japan

MIHARU, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu." (Kyodo)

  •  

US: Aerial Footage Captures Rough Surf as Storm Batters Central Florida

As Central Florida continued to be battered by heavy rain and strong winds, aerial footage captured powerful waves crashing along the shoreline in Melbourne on Thursday, April 9, amid the prolonged storm system.

  •  
Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

  •  
Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

  •  
Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

  •  
Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

  • Main
  • Top
  • Editorial
  • Creative
  • About Us
  • About ILG
  • Terms of use
  • Company
  • BEHIND
  • Price List
  • Single Plan
  • Monthly Plan
  • Services
  • Shooting
  • Rights Clearance
  • Support
  • FAQ
  • How To Buy
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Partner

© KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

All Rights Reserved.

  • Editorial
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS
  • Creative
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Popular
  • #Ukraine
  • #Thailand
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #China
  • #Russia
  • #Ukraine
  • #Thailand
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #China
  • #Russia
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS