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.

Japan Golf Tour record winner Jumbo Ozaki dies at 78

Japan Golf Tour record winner Jumbo Ozaki dies at 78

Former professional golfer Masashi Ozaki speaks to the media in Ichihara in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, in September 2020. Nicknamed Jumbo Ozaki, he died of sigmoid colon cancer aged 78 on Dec. 23, 2025, after scoring 112 wins, the most for a Japanese player, including 94 on the Japan Golf Tour.

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Staff dust off Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple during annual year-end cleaning in Narita in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 13, 2025.

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Staff dust off Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple during annual year-end cleaning in Narita in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 13, 2025.

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Staff dust off Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple during annual year-end cleaning in Narita in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 13, 2025.

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Staff dust off Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple during annual year-end cleaning in Narita in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 13, 2025.

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Year-end cleanup at eastern Japan temple

Staff dust off Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple during annual year-end cleaning in Narita in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 13, 2025.

Geminid meteor shower

Geminid meteor shower

Composite photo shows shooting stars lighting up the night sky over Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 14, 2025, as the annual Geminid meteor shower peaks.

Geminid meteor shower

Geminid meteor shower

A shooting star lights up the night sky over Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 14, 2025, as the annual Geminid meteor shower peaks.

Christmas parade at Tokyo Disneyland

Christmas parade at Tokyo Disneyland

People watch Tokyo Disneyland's Christmas parade at the theme park in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo, on Nov. 10, 2025. The annual parade has been updated this year for the first time in 10 years.

Christmas parade at Tokyo Disneyland

Christmas parade at Tokyo Disneyland

People watch Tokyo Disneyland's Christmas parade at the theme park in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo, on Nov. 10, 2025. The annual parade has been updated this year for the first time in 10 years.

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.

CEATEC 2025 Kicked Off - Japan

CEATEC 2025 Kicked Off - Japan

This photo shows an intelligent digital pet displayed at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) 2025 in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on Oct. 14, 2025. The CEATEC 2025 kicked off here on Tuesday. Photo by Jia Haocheng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

CEATEC 2025 Kicked Off - Japan

CEATEC 2025 Kicked Off - Japan

A staff member introduces intelligent driving technologies to a participant at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) 2025 in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on Oct. 14, 2025. The CEATEC 2025 kicked off here on Tuesday. Photo by Jia Haocheng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

CEATEC 2025 Kicked Off - Japan

CEATEC 2025 Kicked Off - Japan

This photo shows a view of an intelligent office space developed by Mitsubishi Electric at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) 2025 in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on Oct. 14, 2025. The CEATEC 2025 kicked off here on Tuesday. Photo by Jia Haocheng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

CEATEC 2025 Kicked Off - Japan

CEATEC 2025 Kicked Off - Japan

People communicate at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) 2025 in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on Oct. 14, 2025. The CEATEC 2025 kicked off here on Tuesday. Photo by Jia Haocheng /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Small drone to investigate interior of Fukushima plant reactor

Small drone to investigate interior of Fukushima plant reactor

Photo taken in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Oct. 1, 2025, shows a very small drone to be used to investigate the interior of the No. 3 reactor containment vessel at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The drone -- 13 centimeters by 12 CM -- weighing 95 grams was unveiled to the media the same day before its likely use from November.

Drone for crippled Fukushima nuclear plant survey

Drone for crippled Fukushima nuclear plant survey

Photo taken in Kashiwa in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Oct. 1, 2025, shows a drone flying inside a facility simulating the No. 3 reactor containment vessel at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings plans to use the drone to investigate the containment vessel from November to gather information necessary to remove melted fuel debris.

Drone for crippled Fukushima nuclear plant survey

Drone for crippled Fukushima nuclear plant survey

Photo taken in Kashiwa in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Oct. 1, 2025, shows a drone flying inside a facility simulating the No. 3 reactor containment vessel at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings plans to use the drone to investigate the containment vessel from November to gather information necessary to remove melted fuel debris.

Drone in crippled Fukushima nuclear plant

Drone in crippled Fukushima nuclear plant

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings unveils to the media in Kashiwa in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Oct. 1, 2025, a drone to be used in the No. 3 reactor at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. TEPCO plans to investigate the No. 3 reactor containment vessel with the drone from November to gather information necessary to remove melted fuel debris.

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)

Halloween parade at Tokyo DisneySea

Halloween parade at Tokyo DisneySea

A new show for the Halloween program is unveiled to the press at Tokyo DisneySea in Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, near the Japanese capital, on Sept. 16, 2025, a day ahead of its official start.

RECAP: Record Rain Batters Tokyo as Chiba Sees Tornado-Like Event

Heavy rain and thunderstorms caused extreme weather across the Kanto region on Thursday, September 11. In Tokyo, Setagaya Ward recorded 92.0 mm of rain and Ota Ward 88.5 mm in just one hour, with some central areas receiving over 100 mm. The intense downpours disrupted rail and airport services and caused rivers including the Yazawa and Tachiai to overflow. Meanwhile, in Chiba Prefecture, a tornado-like phenomenon was observed, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a “Tornado Advisory” for the Tokyo area.

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.