Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Yuto Nagatomo of the Japan men's national football team poses for group photos at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of the team's departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Yuto Nagatomo of the Japan men's national football team is seen at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of their departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Members of the Japan men's national football team and manager Hajime Moriyasu (C, front) attend a ceremony at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo on June 2, 2026, marking the squad's departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Hajime Moriyasu, manager of the Japan men's national football team, is seen at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of the team's departure for pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Hajime Moriyasu, manager of the Japan men's national football team, waves at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of the team's departure for pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Yuto Nagatomo (C) of the Japan men's national football team is seen with his team members at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of the team's departure for pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Members of the Japan men's national football team and manager Hajime Moriyasu pose for photos at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of their departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Hajime Moriyasu, manager of the Japan men's national football team, speaks at a ceremony at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo on June 2, 2026, marking the squad's departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Members of the Japan men's national football team are seen at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of their departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Members of the Japan men's national football team are seen at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of their departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Members of the Japan men's national football team are seen at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of their departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Members of the Japan men's national football team are seen at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of their departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Football: Japan players departing for Mexico

Members of the Japan men's national football team are seen at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on June 2, 2026, ahead of their departure for a pre-World Cup camp in Monterrey, Mexico.

Blue carnation shipments ready

Blue carnation shipments ready

Eight varieties of rare blue carnations with different shapes and shades, airlifted from Columbia and Ecuador, are prepared for shipment at a wholesaler company in Shibayama in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on May 1, 2026, ahead of Mother's Day on May 10. The carnation named Moondust was developed by the horticulture arm of major Japanese whiskey maker Suntory using gene engineering, with sales starting in 1997.

Blue carnation shipments ready

Blue carnation shipments ready

Eight varieties of rare blue carnations with different shapes and shades, airlifted from Columbia and Ecuador, are prepared for shipment at a wholesaler company in Shibayama in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on May 1, 2026, ahead of Mother's Day on May 10. The carnation named Moondust was developed by the horticulture arm of major Japanese whiskey maker Suntory using gene engineering, with sales starting in 1997.

Blue carnation shipments ready

Blue carnation shipments ready

Preparations to ship rare blue carnations, airlifted from Columbia and Ecuador, are underway at a wholesaler company in Shibayama in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on May 1, 2026, ahead of Mother's Day on May 10. The carnation named Moondust was developed by the horticulture arm of major Japanese whiskey maker Suntory using gene engineering, with sales starting in 1997.

Blue carnation shipments ready

Blue carnation shipments ready

Preparations to ship rare blue carnations, airlifted from Columbia and Ecuador, are underway at a wholesaler company in Shibayama in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on May 1, 2026, ahead of Mother's Day on May 10. The carnation named Moondust was developed by the horticulture arm of major Japanese whiskey maker Suntory using gene engineering, with sales starting in 1997.

Narita airport crowded with travelers

Narita airport crowded with travelers

People form a long queue at a security checkpoint at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on April 25, 2026. Many head off on trips in Japan's Golden Week holiday period from late April to early May.

Narita airport crowded with travelers

Narita airport crowded with travelers

People form a long queue at a security checkpoint at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on April 25, 2026. Many head off on trips in Japan's Golden Week holiday period from late April to early May.

Speed skating: Miho Takagi

Speed skating: Miho Takagi

Japanese speed skater Miho Takagi speaks to reporters at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on March 10, 2026, after returning from the all-round world championships in the Netherlands, her final competition before retirement.

Speed skating: Miho Takagi

Speed skating: Miho Takagi

Japanese speed skater Miho Takagi speaks to reporters at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on March 10, 2026, after returning from the all-round world championships in the Netherlands, her final competition before retirement.

Speed skating: Miho Takagi

Speed skating: Miho Takagi

Japanese speed skater Miho Takagi speaks to reporters at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on March 10, 2026, after returning from the all-round world championships in the Netherlands, her final competition before retirement.

[Breaking News]Figure skating: Miura and Kihara

NARITA, Japan, Feb. 24 Kyodo - Japanese figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara arrive at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Feb. 24, 2026, after winning gold in the pairs event at the Milan Cortina Olympics. (Kyodo)

Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy 2

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

Japan team back home after Milan Cortina Olympics

Japan team back home after Milan Cortina Olympics

Japan's Ami Nakai arrives at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Feb. 24, 2026, after winning bronze in the women's figure skating at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Japan team back home after Milan Cortina Olympics

Japan team back home after Milan Cortina Olympics

Japan's Ami Nakai (front) arrives at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Feb. 24, 2026, after winning bronze in the women's figure skating at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Japan team back home after Milan Cortina Olympics

Japan team back home after Milan Cortina Olympics

Japan's Ami Nakai (front) arrives at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Feb. 24, 2026, after winning bronze in the women's figure skating at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Japan team back home after Milan Cortina Olympics

Japan team back home after Milan Cortina Olympics

Japan's Yuma Kagiyama (front) arrives at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Feb. 24, 2026, after winning silver in the men's figure skating at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

Figure skating: Miura and Kihara

Figure skating: Miura and Kihara

Japanese figure skaters Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara arrive at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Feb. 24, 2026, after winning gold in the pairs event at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Figure skating: Miura and Kihara

Figure skating: Miura and Kihara

Japanese figure skaters Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara arrive at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Feb. 24, 2026, after winning gold in the pairs event at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Japan: Anna and Elsa Bring ‘Frozen’ Magic to Tokyo Disneyland Amid Snowfall

A cold air mass brought widespread snow to much of Japan on Sunday, February 8. At Tokyo Disneyland in Chiba Prefecture, Anna and Elsa from "Frozen" delighted guests by appearing amid snowfall, effectively turning the park into a real-life "Frozen Kingdom."

Japan: Tokyo Sees Significant Snow Accumulation Amid Widespread Winter Storm 7

A cold air mass brought widespread snow to much of Japan starting Saturday, February 7, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue warnings and advisories nationwide as heavy snow continued along the Sea of Japan coast. As of Sunday, over 3 cm of snow accumulation was reported in Tokyo, covering streets throughout the capital. This video shows the Tokyo Disney Resort area around Maihama Station.

[Breaking News]Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

URAYASU, Japan, Jan. 30 Kyodo - Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda receives a bouquet as she announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Kyodo)

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda receives a bouquet as she announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026.

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda receives a bouquet as she announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026.

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Jan. 30, 2026.

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Jan. 30, 2026.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita makes a stump speech in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, on Jan. 28, 2026, as official campaigning began in Japan the previous day for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita makes a stump speech in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, on Jan. 28, 2026, as official campaigning began in Japan the previous day for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Preparation for general election

Preparation for general election

Photo taken on Jan. 25, 2026, shows a board installed in Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, that will display posters of candidates before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election begins on Jan. 27.

Preparation for general election

Preparation for general election

Photo taken on Jan. 25, 2026, shows a board installed in Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, that will display posters of candidates before official campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election begins on Jan. 27.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda makes a stump speech in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026, ahead of the general election on Feb. 8.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda makes a stump speech in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026, ahead of the general election on Feb. 8.

Main opposition party head Noda

Main opposition party head Noda

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks to the press in Narashino in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 15, 2026

Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press during a visit to a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force exercise field in Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 11, 2026.

Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi takes part in parachute jump tower training at a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force exercise field in Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 11, 2026.

Charm burning ritual at eastern Japan temple

Charm burning ritual at eastern Japan temple

A monk throws charms and amulets onto a fire in appreciation for the granting of worshippers' wishes during a year-end "otakiage" ritual at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 28, 2025.

Charm burning ritual at eastern Japan temple

Charm burning ritual at eastern Japan temple

A monk throws charms and amulets onto a fire in appreciation for the granting of worshippers' wishes during a year-end "otakiage" ritual at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 28, 2025.

Charm burning ritual at eastern Japan temple

Charm burning ritual at eastern Japan temple

A monk throws charms and amulets onto a fire in appreciation for the granting of worshippers' wishes during a year-end "otakiage" ritual at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Narita in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 28, 2025.