Japan: Large Swarm of Fish Appears in Osaka’s Dotonbori River

An unusual sight was seen in the Dotonbori River, Minami district of central Osaka, on Thursday, December 18, as a large number of fish filled the river. According to experts, "It is possible that mullet, which are sensitive to temperature changes, have escaped to a relatively warmer place in response to the drop in water temperature."

Japan: Earthquake Strikes Aomori, Tsunami Advisory Issued for Coastal Areas 2

A strong earthquake struck Aomori and other parts of northern Japan on Friday, December 12. According to the USGS, the magnitude was 6.7. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami advisory for the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, the central Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido, and Miyagi Prefecture.

High-rise condominiums in Tokyo

High-rise condominiums in Tokyo

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on April 21, 2025, shows high-rise condominium buildings (front, C) under construction in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

Japan: Fire Breaks Out at Construction Site Near Shinsaibashi Station in Osaka 4

A fire erupted at a 28-story high-rise construction site near Osaka's Shinsaibashi Station around noon on Wednesday, April 9. The flame was extinguished in about 30 minutes. All workers evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

Japan: Fire Breaks Out at Construction Site Near Shinsaibashi Station in Osaka 3

A fire erupted at a 28-story high-rise construction site near Osaka's Shinsaibashi Station around noon on Wednesday, April 9. The flame was extinguished in about 30 minutes. All workers evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

Japan: Fire Breaks Out at Construction Site Near Shinsaibashi Station in Osaka 2

A fire erupted at a 28-story high-rise construction site near Osaka's Shinsaibashi Station around noon on Wednesday, April 9. The flame was extinguished in about 30 minutes. All workers evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

Japan: Fire Breaks Out at Construction Site Near Shinsaibashi Station in Osaka

A fire erupted at a high-rise construction site near Osaka's Shinsaibashi Station around noon on Wednesday, April 9. The flame was extinguished in about 30 minutes. All workers evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

High-rise apartments in Tokyo

High-rise apartments in Tokyo

File photo taken in October 2024 shows high-rise apartment buildings in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

UK: Widespread Flooding Hits Greater Manchester Forcing Hundreds To Evacuate 4

Heavy rain caused severe flooding across Greater Manchester on New Year's Day forcing at least 13,000 people to evacuate. Emergency services declared a major incident.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors press conference. Photo shows Makoto Uchida, President of Nissan, Toshihiro Mibe, President of Honda, and Takao Kato, President of Mitsubishi Motors, at the press conference.=December 23,2024,Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors press conference. Photo shows at the press conference are (from left) Makoto Uchida, President of Nissan Motor; Toshihiro Mibe, President of Honda; and Takao Kato, President of Mitsubishi Motors.=December 23,2024,Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors press conference. Photo shows (from left) Makoto Uchida, President of Nissan, and Toshihiro Mibe, President of Honda, at the press conference.=December 23,2024,Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors press conference. Photo shows from left to right: Makoto Uchida, President of Nissan Motor; Toshihiro Mibe, President of Honda Motor; Takao Kato, President of Mitsubishi Motors.=December 23,2024,Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors press conference. Photo shows the press conference are (from left) Makoto Uchida, President of Nissan Motor; Toshihiro Mibe, President of Honda Motor; and Takao Kato, President of Mitsubishi Motors.=December 23,2024,Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Press Conference.

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors press conference. Photo shows at the press conference are (from left) Makoto Uchida, President of Nissan Motor; Toshihiro Mibe, President of Honda; and Takao Kato, President of Mitsubishi Motors.=December 23,2024,Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

A screen in Tokyo's Chuo Ward shows shares of Tokyo Metro Co., Asia's oldest subway operator, closing at 1,739 yen after opening at 1,630 yen on the first day of trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's top-tier Prime Market on Oct. 23, 2024.

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

A screen in Tokyo's Chuo Ward shows shares of Tokyo Metro Co., Asia's oldest subway operator, opening at 1,630 yen in their debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Oct. 23, 2024.

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

A screen in Tokyo's Chuo Ward shows shares of Tokyo Metro Co., Asia's oldest subway operator, opening at 1,630 yen in their debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Oct. 23, 2024.

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

A screen in Tokyo's Chuo Ward shows shares of Tokyo Metro Co., Asia's oldest subway operator, opening at 1,630 yen in their debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Oct. 23, 2024.

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

A screen in Tokyo's Chuo Ward shows shares of Tokyo Metro Co., Asia's oldest subway operator, opening at 1,630 yen in their debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Oct. 23, 2024.

CORRECTED: Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

CORRECTED: Tokyo Metro shares debut on Tokyo bourse

A woman passes a screen in Tokyo's Chuo Ward on Oct. 23, 2024, showing Tokyo Metro, Asia's oldest subway operator, remained untraded due to massive buy orders upon its debut on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Exterior of Chuo Ward Office, logo and signage

Exterior of Chuo Ward Office, logo and signage

Exterior of Chuo Ward Office, logo and signage=September 13,2024,Tokyo,Japan

Exterior of Chuo Ward Office, logo and signage

Exterior of Chuo Ward Office, logo and signage

Exterior of Chuo Ward Office, logo and signage=September 13,2024,Tokyo,Japan

10 mil. yen gold bowl stolen from Tokyo department store

10 mil. yen gold bowl stolen from Tokyo department store

Photo taken on April 11, 2024, shows Takashimaya department store's Nihombashi outlet in Tokyo's Chuo Ward. A pure gold bowl priced at over 10 million yen ($65,000) was stolen from an exhibition held at the store the same day, with police seeking a man caught on camera taking the item.

10 mil. yen gold bowl stolen from Tokyo department store

10 mil. yen gold bowl stolen from Tokyo department store

Photo taken on April 11, 2024, shows Takashimaya department store's Nihombashi outlet in Tokyo's Chuo Ward. A pure gold bowl priced at over 10 million yen ($65,000) was stolen from an exhibition held at the store the same day, with police seeking a man caught on camera taking the item.

High-rise condos in Tokyo

High-rise condos in Tokyo

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Oct. 19, 2023, shows high-rise condominium buildings in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

High-rise condos in Tokyo

High-rise condos in Tokyo

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Oct. 19, 2023, shows high-rise condominium buildings in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

High-rise condos in Tokyo

High-rise condos in Tokyo

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Oct. 19, 2023, shows high-rise condominium buildings in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

High-rise condos in Tokyo

High-rise condos in Tokyo

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Oct. 19, 2023, shows high-rise condominium buildings in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

High-rise condos in Tokyo

High-rise condos in Tokyo

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Oct. 19, 2023, shows high-rise condominium buildings in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

TURNING TWENTY

TURNING TWENTY,coming-of-age ceremony, AIKO YAMANO, Aiko Yamano Beauty Salon, haircuts, formal wear, hair and makeup, traditional culture, Japanese culture, 20 years old, skating rink, winter, film camera, commemorative photo, Chuo Ward coming-of-age ceremony, Ginza district view=Date:1994, Place:Tokyo,JAPAN

Japan Emperor, Empress

Japan Emperor, Empress

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are given a tour around Sankyu With, a company with about 70 employees with disabilities, in Tokyo's Chuo Ward on April 25, 2023. (Pool photo)

Japan Emperor, Empress

Japan Emperor, Empress

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit an office cafe at Sankyu With in Tokyo's Chuo Ward on April 25, 2023, to watch people with disabilities make and serve drinks. (Pool photo)

Japan Emperor, Empress

Japan Emperor, Empress

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit an office cafe at Sankyu With in Tokyo's Chuo Ward on April 25, 2023, to watch people with disabilities make and serve drinks. (Pool photo)

Mitsukoshi, Isetan agree to combine operations next spring

Mitsukoshi, Isetan agree to combine operations next spring

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo's Chuo Ward. Mitsukoshi Ltd. and Isetan Co. have reached a basic agreement to integrate operations next spring under a joint holding company in a move that would create Japan's largest department store, informed sources said Aug. 17.

Japan oil distributor Idemitsu mulls buying rival Showa Shell

Japan oil distributor Idemitsu mulls buying rival Showa Shell

TOKYO, Japan - Combined photo taken Dec. 20, 2014, in Tokyo's Chuo Ward shows the signboards of gas stations affiliated with Idemitsu Kosan Co. (R) and Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., respectively. Idemitsu, Japan's second-largest oil distributor, is considering acquiring fifth-ranked Showa Shell through a tender offer, sources familiar with the move said the same day.

Fans mourn actor Ken Takakura

Fans mourn actor Ken Takakura

TOKYO, Japan - Fans place flowers outside a movie theater in Tokyo's Chuo Ward on Nov. 19, 2014, mourning the death of actor Ken Takakura who died Nov. 10 aged 83.

Nikkei rises to new 7-yr high

Nikkei rises to new 7-yr high

TOKYO, Japan - An electronic signboard in Tokyo's Chuo Ward shows the Nikkei Stock Average jumping 448.71 points, or 2.73 percent, to 16,862.47 on Nov. 4, 2014, its highest finish since Nov. 1, 2007.

Financial markets react to BOJ's surprise quantitative easing

Financial markets react to BOJ's surprise quantitative easing

TOKYO, Japan - An electronic signboard in Tokyo's Chuo Ward shows the Nikkei Stock Average jumping 755.56 points, or 4.83 percent, to close at 16,413.76 on Oct. 31, 2014, its highest finish since Nov. 2, 2007, while the dollar gaining more than 2 yen to the 111 yen level, after the Bank of Japan decided to expand its massive asset purchase program.

Journalist visits whale meat shop to examine theory of food culture

Journalist visits whale meat shop to examine theory of food culture

TOKYO, Japan - Journalist Junko Sakuma visits a whale meat store in the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo's Chuo Ward for her research into the consumption trend of whale meat in Japan.

Traditional spirit-welcoming Bon dances get modern spin

Traditional spirit-welcoming Bon dances get modern spin

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken July 14, 2014 shows local children dancing during the Tsukudajima Bon dance fest in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

Restaurants in Fukuoka, Saga get Michelin stars

Restaurants in Fukuoka, Saga get Michelin stars

FUKUOKA, Japan - Kenji Gyoten (center L), the owner of Sushi restaurant Gyoten in Fukuoka's Chuo Ward, and Yuichi Uchiki (center R), the master chef of Japanese restaurant Sagano in the city's Hakata Ward, receive certificates for 3 stars from Michelin at a hotel in the southwestern Japanese city on July 7, 2014. The Michelin Guide Fukuoka & Saga 2014 goes on sale on July 10.

Movements under way to restore lost scenery around Nihombashi bridge

Movements under way to restore lost scenery around Nihombashi bridge

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in December 2011 shows an elevated part of the Metropolitan Expressway running over the Nihombashi bridge in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

Movements under way to restore lost scenery around Nihombashi bridge

Movements under way to restore lost scenery around Nihombashi bridge

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken April 24, 1963, shows the Metropolitan Expressway under construction over the Nihombashi bridge in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

Movements under way to restore lost scenery around Nihombashi bridge

Movements under way to restore lost scenery around Nihombashi bridge

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken April 24, 2014, shows Nobuo Yoshida (far L), president of Ibasen Co., and Kei Hashimoto (C), owner of Japanese restaurant Nihombashi Toyoda, standing with the Nihombashi bridge in the background in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.

Fountain pen inks inspired by colors of Kobe

Fountain pen inks inspired by colors of Kobe

KOBE, Japan - Photo taken May 19, 2014 shows some of the "Kobe Ink Story" series of fountain pen inks representing scenes of the western port city, sold by Nagasawa Stationery Center in Kobe's Chuo Ward.

Fountain pen inks inspired by colors of Kobe

Fountain pen inks inspired by colors of Kobe

KOBE, Japan - Photo taken May 19, 2014 shows Naoyuki Takeuchi, a product planner at Nagasawa Stationery Center in Kobe's Chuo Ward who developed the "Kobe Ink Story" series of fountain pen inks representing scenes of the western port city.

Documentary creator chronicles Japan immigrants' life in Brazil

Documentary creator chronicles Japan immigrants' life in Brazil

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken May 2, 2014 shows Jun Okamura, a Brazil-based documentary creator, adjusting a projector ahead of a screening of his work at the L-Osaka prefectural labor center in Osaka's Chuo Ward. (Photo by Tatsuya Hagiwara)

Osaka bourse absorbs TSE derivatives trading

Osaka bourse absorbs TSE derivatives trading

OSAKA, Japan - A sign of Osaka Exchange Inc., the new name of the former Osaka Securities Exchange Co., is unveiled in Osaka's Chuo Ward on March 24, 2014, the day when the Tokyo and Osaka stock exchanges integrated the trading of derivatives operations into the Osaka bourse.

Department stores aim to lure foreigners ahead of sales tax hike

Department stores aim to lure foreigners ahead of sales tax hike

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on Jan. 31, 2014, shows lucky grab bags on sale for the Lunar New Year season at Ginza Mitsukoshi store in Tokyo's Chuo Ward.