[Breaking News]Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

CHIBA, Japan, May 25 Kyodo - Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. (Kyodo)

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan team train for 2026 World Cup

Members of the Japanese men's national football team train in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as they entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Football: Japan train for 2026 World Cup

Football: Japan train for 2026 World Cup

Hajime Moriyasu (C), manager of the Japanese men's national football team, smiles during a training in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on May 25, 2026, as the team entered camp in preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

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: 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.

Japan: Construction Scaffolding Collapses in Chiba Amid Tornado Warning

A construction scaffolding collapsed at a shopping center in Chiba City, Japan, around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, October 31, after strong winds hit the area while a tornado warning was in effect. No injuries were reported.

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba meets the press after visiting the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on Oct. 16, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba meets the press after visiting the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on Oct. 16, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (C) inspects a "clinic car" with a nurse and medical equipment that enables patients in remote areas to consult a doctor online at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on Oct. 16, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba picks up a small robot at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on Oct. 16, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba looks at a robot at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on Oct. 16, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japan PM Ishiba at electronics show

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba tries a driving simulator at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on Oct. 16, 2025. (Pool photo)

CEATEC electronics show

CEATEC electronics show

People visit the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba on Oct. 14, 2025, the opening day of the four-day event.

CEATEC electronics show

CEATEC electronics show

People visit the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba on Oct. 14, 2025, the opening day of the four-day event.

CEATEC electronics show

CEATEC electronics show

People visit the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies electronics show, known as CEATEC, at the Makuhari Messe convention center in the eastern Japan city of Chiba on Oct. 14, 2025, the opening day of the four-day event.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

SAGA, Japan, Sept. 7 Kyodo - Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel line up on Sept. 7, 2025, during a ceremony marking the opening in July of Camp Saga, built in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to host the GSDF's fleet of Osprey transport aircraft. The 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft have already been transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo. (Kyodo)

Japan: Tornado-Like Phenomenon Spotted in Kisarazu, Chiba 2

On the afternoon of September 11, 2025, a tornado-like phenomenon was observed in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. This video was filmed in the Kaneda area along Tokyo Bay. At the time, thunderclouds were rapidly developing over the Kanto region, and the Japan Meteorological Agency had issued a “Tornado Advisory” for the Tokyo area.

Japan: Tornado-Like Phenomenon Spotted in Kisarazu, Chiba

On the afternoon of September 11, 2025, a tornado-like phenomenon was observed in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. This video was filmed in the Kaneda area along Tokyo Bay. At the time, thunderclouds were rapidly developing over the Kanto region, and the Japan Meteorological Agency had issued a “Tornado Advisory” for the Tokyo area.

RECAP: Typhoon Peipah Brings Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Tornado Damage Across Japan

Typhoon Peipah made landfall in Japan on Friday, September 5, first near Sukumo City in Kochi Prefecture before dawn and again in northern Wakayama Prefecture around 9 a.m., bringing heavy rain and flooding across western to eastern regions. In Shizuoka Prefecture, a tornado linked to the storm caused major damage in Makinohara, Yoshida, and Yaizu, toppling buildings, ripping apart greenhouses, and overturning trucks.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Sept. 7, 2025, shows the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu. A ceremony marking the opening in July of the base, built to host the GSDF's fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft, was held the same day, with the 17 aircraft already transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Sept. 7, 2025, shows the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu. A ceremony marking the opening in July of the base, built to host the GSDF's fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft, was held the same day, with the 17 aircraft already transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Sept. 7, 2025, shows V-22 Osprey transport aircraft deployed at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu. A ceremony marking the opening in July of the base, built to host the GSDF's fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft, was held the same day, with the 17 aircraft already transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Sept. 7, 2025, shows V-22 Osprey transport aircraft deployed at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu. A ceremony marking the opening in July of the base, built to host the GSDF's fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft, was held the same day, with the 17 aircraft already transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Sept. 7, 2025, shows V-22 Osprey transport aircraft (front) deployed at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu. A ceremony marking the opening in July of the base, built to host the GSDF's fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft, was held the same day, with the 17 aircraft already transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (3rd from L) inspects the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga on Sept. 7, 2025, as a ceremony was held the same day marking the opening in July of the camp, built in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to host its fleet of Osprey transport aircraft. The 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft have already been transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (front) is pictured at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga after boarding a V-22 Osprey transport aircraft on Sept. 7, 2025, as a ceremony was held the same day marking the opening in July of the camp, built in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to host its fleet of Osprey aircraft. The 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft have already been transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel line up on Sept. 7, 2025, during a ceremony marking the opening in July of Camp Saga, built in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to host the GSDF's fleet of Osprey transport aircraft. The 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft have already been transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani speaks on Sept. 7, 2025, during a ceremony marking the opening in July of the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga, built in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu for its fleet of Osprey aircraft. The 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft have already been transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Kamchatka Earthquake Tsunami Warning Issued in Japan

Kamchatka Earthquake Tsunami Warning Issued in Japan

Kamchatka earthquake, tsunami warning issued in Japan. In the city of Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, following the tsunami triggered by the magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Russia. A tsunami warning is still in effect in Japan, but the waves that hit the country's coasts were mild at this time, and no serious damage has been reported. This is a private photo posted on social media or broadcast media provided by this Agency. The Agency claims no ownership, including but not limited to copyright or licensing, in the attached material. The fees charged by this Agency are for the Agency's services only and do not convey, nor are they intended to convey to you, any copyright or licensing ownership in the material. By posting this material you expressly agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Agency and its directors, shareholders and employees from any loss, claim, damage, demand, expense (including legal fees), or any cause of action or allegation against the Agency arising out of or in any way c

Kamchatka Earthquake Tsunami Warning Issued in Japan

Kamchatka Earthquake Tsunami Warning Issued in Japan

Kamchatka earthquake, tsunami warning issued in Japan. In the city of Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, following the tsunami triggered by the magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Russia. A tsunami warning is still in effect in Japan, but the waves that hit the country's coasts were mild at this time, and no serious damage has been reported. This is a private photo posted on social media or broadcast media provided by this Agency. The Agency claims no ownership, including but not limited to copyright or licensing, in the attached material. The fees charged by this Agency are for the Agency's services only and do not convey, nor are they intended to convey to you, any copyright or licensing ownership in the material. By posting this material you expressly agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Agency and its directors, shareholders and employees from any loss, claim, damage, demand, expense (including legal fees), or any cause of action or allegation against the Agency arising out of or in any way c

Kamchatka Earthquake Tsunami Warning Issued in Japan

Kamchatka Earthquake Tsunami Warning Issued in Japan

Kamchatka earthquake, tsunami warning issued in Japan. In the city of Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, following the tsunami triggered by the magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Russia. A tsunami warning is still in effect in Japan, but the waves that hit the country's coasts were mild at this time, and no serious damage has been reported. This is a private photo posted on social media or broadcast media provided by this Agency. The Agency claims no ownership, including but not limited to copyright or licensing, in the attached material. The fees charged by this Agency are for the Agency's services only and do not convey, nor are they intended to convey to you, any copyright or licensing ownership in the material. By posting this material you expressly agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Agency and its directors, shareholders and employees from any loss, claim, damage, demand, expense (including legal fees), or any cause of action or allegation against the Agency arising out of or in any way c

Baseball: Buffaloes vs. Marines

Baseball: Buffaloes vs. Marines

Orix Buffaloes closer Yoshihisa Hirano pitches in the ninth inning of a game against the Lotte Marines at Zozo Marine Stadium in the city of Chiba, near Tokyo, on April 3, 2025, en route to earning the 250th save of his Nippon Professional Baseball career.

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Hajime Moriyasu attends a press conference in the eastern Japan city of Chiba on May 23, 2025. With a place at 2026 World Cup already secured, he announced Japan's squad for the two remaining Asian qualifying matches.

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Hajime Moriyasu attends a press conference in the eastern Japan city of Chiba on May 23, 2025. With a place at 2026 World Cup already secured, he announced Japan's squad for the two remaining Asian qualifying matches.

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Hajime Moriyasu attends a press conference in the eastern Japan city of Chiba on May 23, 2025. With a place at 2026 World Cup already secured, he announced Japan's squad for the two remaining Asian qualifying matches.

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Hajime Moriyasu attends a press conference in the eastern Japan city of Chiba on May 23, 2025. With a place at 2026 World Cup already secured, he announced Japan's squad for the two remaining Asian qualifying matches.

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Moriyasu

Japan men's football head coach Hajime Moriyasu attends a press conference in the eastern Japan city of Chiba on May 23, 2025. With a place at 2026 World Cup already secured, he announced Japan's squad for the two remaining Asian qualifying matches.

US: EF-1 Tornado Touches Down In Athens, AL, Leaving Devastating Damage

The National Weather Service in Huntsville has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in downtown Athens, Alabama, on Saturday night, December 28.

Sumo: Kotozakura

MATSUDO, Japan, Dec. 23 Kyodo - Ozeki Kotozakura holds a press conference at his stable in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 23, 2024, ahead of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament opening at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 12. Winner of the Emperor's Cup in the November Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, Kotozakura seeks promotion to sumo's highest-ranked yokozuna during the forthcoming tournament. (Kyodo)

Japan: Heavy Downpour Continues In Wide Areas 4

Localized downpours and flooding continued to hit wide areas of Japan from Monday, September 2 through Tuesday, September 3, after Typhoon Shanshan brought record rainfall last week. Weather officials called on high alert for landslides, flooding, and swollen and overflowing rivers.

Japan: Heavy Downpour Continues In Wide Areas 2

Localized downpours and flooding continued to hit wide areas of Japan from Monday, September 2 through Tuesday, September 3, after Typhoon Shanshan brought record rainfall last week. Weather officials called on high alert for landslides, flooding, and swollen and overflowing rivers.

Figure skating: Japan national championships

Figure skating: Japan national championships

Mone Chiba performs in the women's free program at the Japan national figure skating championships in the central Japan city of Nagano on Dec. 24, 2023.

Figure skating: Japan national championships

Figure skating: Japan national championships

Kaori Sakamoto (C) poses after winning the gold medal in the women's event at the Japan national figure skating championships in the central Japan city of Nagano on Dec. 24, 2023, alongside silver medalist Mone Chiba (L) and bronze medalist Mao Shimada.

Figure skating: Japan national championships

Figure skating: Japan national championships

Mone Chiba performs in the women's free program at the Japan national figure skating championships in the central Japan city of Nagano on Dec. 24, 2023.

JAPAN-CHIBA-CEATEC-DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION

JAPAN-CHIBA-CEATEC-DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION

(231017) -- CHIBA, Oct. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows an Access controller produced by Sony for people with disability to play games during the media day for the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) 2023 in the city of Chiba, Japan. The CEATEC 2023, one of the largest digital technology exhibitions in Asia, is set to run for four days from Tuesday to Friday in Chiba, east of Tokyo, with a total of 684 companies and organizations, including electronics makers and information technology firms, taking part from Japan and abroad. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)