Japan: Clever Crows Use Passing Truck to Crack Open Walnut on Road

A crow in Japan dropped a walnut onto a road on May 22, waited for a passing truck to crush it, then flew down with another crow to eat the cracked shell — a striking display of problem-solving behavior.

Japan: Rare Red Tide Sweeps Suruga Bay Beaches for First Time in Years

Red tide has been washing ashore along multiple coastlines of Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture since May 20, in what is believed to be the bay's largest such occurrence in over a decade. The unusual bloom has left tourists puzzled at beaches across the Izu Peninsula, where the reddish-brown discoloration has spread across the shoreline.

Japan: Decomposing Whale Carcass Discovered on Hokkaido Coastline

A dead humpback whale measuring 8 to 10 metres was discovered washed ashore in Samani Town, Hokkaido, Japan, on May 26. The decomposing carcass will be buried nearby, with residents warned to keep away.

Japan: Over 20 People Sickened in Suspected Spray Attack at Ginza Six in Tokyo 3

A suspicious spray incident occurred at GINZA SIX shopping complex in Ginza, central Tokyo, around noon on Monday, May 25, leaving more than 20 people complaining of throat pain and irritation. A man believed to have sprayed an unknown substance and fled the scene has been identified through security camera footage, with police pursuing him on suspicion of assault.

Japan: Over 20 People Sickened in Suspected Spray Attack at Ginza Six in Tokyo 2

A suspicious spray incident occurred at GINZA SIX shopping complex in Ginza, central Tokyo, around noon on Monday, May 25, leaving more than 20 people complaining of throat pain and irritation. A man believed to have sprayed an unknown substance and fled the scene has been identified through security camera footage, with police pursuing him on suspicion of assault.

Japan: Over 20 People Sickened in Suspected Spray Attack at Ginza Six in Tokyo

A suspicious spray incident occurred at GINZA SIX shopping complex in Ginza, central Tokyo, around noon on Monday, May 25, leaving more than 20 people complaining of throat pain and irritation. A man believed to have sprayed an unknown substance and fled the scene has been identified through security camera footage, with police pursuing him on suspicion of assault.

Japan: Horse Breaks Loose at Traditional Soma Nomaoi Festival in Fukushima, Injuring Six 3

Six people were injured after a horse ran wild at the Soma Nomaoi traditional festival in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday, May 24. The incident occurred during an armored horseback race when a rider fell from his horse, causing the animal to bolt off the course and collide with spectators near the ticket booth. Around 40,000 people were in attendance at the Hibarigahara festival grounds. The horse was later secured near the venue.

Japan: Horse Breaks Loose at Traditional Soma Nomaoi Festival in Fukushima, Injuring Six

Six people were injured after a horse ran wild at the Soma Nomaoi traditional festival in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday, May 24. The incident occurred during an armored horseback race when a rider fell from his horse, causing the animal to bolt off the course and collide with spectators near the ticket booth. Around 40,000 people were in attendance at the Hibarigahara festival grounds. The horse was later secured near the venue.

Japan: Horse Breaks Loose at Traditional Soma Nomaoi Festival in Fukushima, Injuring Six 2

Six people were injured after a horse ran wild at the Soma Nomaoi traditional festival in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday, May 24. The incident occurred during an armored horseback race when a rider fell from his horse, causing the animal to bolt off the course and collide with spectators near the ticket booth. Around 40,000 people were in attendance at the Hibarigahara festival grounds. The horse was later secured near the venue.

Japan: Red Tide Turns Sea Surface Crimson off Aichi Coast

A rare red tide was confirmed off the coast of Aichi Prefecture on Friday, May 22, caused by a bloom of bioluminescent plankton known as Noctiluca, or sea sparkle. While the red tide turned the sea surface crimson during the day, the same plankton lit up the shoreline in glowing blue at night.

Japan: Noctiluca Lights Up Aichi Coastline in Glowing Blue After Red Tide

A rare red tide was confirmed off the coast of Aichi Prefecture on Friday, May 22, caused by a bloom of bioluminescent plankton known as Noctiluca, or sea sparkle. While the red tide turned the sea surface crimson during the day, the same plankton lit up the shoreline in glowing blue at night.

Japan: M6.4 Earthquake Strikes Off Miyagi, No Tsunami Warning Issued

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake, revised up from an initial reading of 6.3, struck off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, on Friday, May 15, at around 8:22 p.m. local time, registering up to lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, with no tsunami warning issued.

Japan: Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Hits Miyagi, Shinkansen Service Suspended

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture at 8:22 p.m. on Friday, May 15, with no tsunami threat. The Tohoku Shinkansen was suspended between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori. This video was filmed inside a suspended Shinkansen after the earthquake.

Japan: Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Hits Miyagi, Shinkansen Service Suspended 2

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture at 8:22 p.m. on Friday, May 15, with no tsunami threat. The Tohoku Shinkansen was suspended between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori. This video shows light shaking during the earthquake in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture.

Japan: Rising Temperatures Bring Surge in Bear Sightings Near Residential Areas 2

As spring temperatures rose, bears in Japan emerged from hibernation and ventured closer to human settlements in search of food, with sightings reported one after another, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert. This video was captured in Joetsu, Niigata on May 13, 2026.

Japan: Rising Temperatures Bring Surge in Bear Sightings Near Residential Areas

As spring temperatures rose, bears in Japan emerged from hibernation and ventured closer to human settlements in search of food, with sightings reported one after another, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert. This video was captured at Natsui Community Center in Iwate on Friday, May 15.

Japan: Severe Weather Strikes Across Country, Causing Widespread Disruption

Severe weather struck Japan on Thursday, May 14, with guerrilla thunderstorms causing flooding in Yokohama, hail cutting power to over 10,000 homes in Kanagawa, and graupel reported in Yamaguchi and Yamanashi prefectures.

Japan: Hailstorms Reported Across Kansai Region

Hail fell across multiple prefectures in Japan's Kansai region, including Kyoto and Hyogo, on Wednesday, May 13.

Japan: Hailstorms Reported Across Kansai Region 2

Hail fell across multiple prefectures in Japan's Kansai region, including Kyoto and Hyogo, on Wednesday, May 13.

Japan: Three Hospitalized After Suspected Spray Incident on JR Tokaido Line in Kawasaki 2

Three people, including a child, were taken to hospital after emergency report of something being sprayed inside a JR Tokaido Line train traveling through Kawasaki City on Sunday, May 10. No toxic substances were found, though some passengers reported smelling something resembling pepper.

Japan: Three Hospitalized After Suspected Spray Incident on JR Tokaido Line in Kawasaki

Three people, including a child, were taken to hospital after emergency report of something being sprayed inside a JR Tokaido Line train traveling through Kawasaki City on Sunday, May 10. No toxic substances were found, though some passengers reported smelling something resembling pepper.

Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash 3,500 Meters Into Sky

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima erupted on Friday, May 8, sending ash plumes rising 3,500 metres above the crater. Residents in southeastern areas including Kagoshima city were warned to brace for ashfall, with winds carrying the plume in that direction.

Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash 3,500 Meters Into Sky 2

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima erupted on Friday, May 8, sending ash plumes rising 3,500 metres above the crater. Residents in southeastern areas including Kagoshima city were warned to brace for ashfall, with winds carrying the plume in that direction. This video shows volcanic ash covering the streets of nearby areas.

Japan: Bears Spotted Near Residential Areas as Spring Temperatures Rise

As spring temperatures rose, bears in Japan emerged from hibernation and ventured closer to human settlements in search of food, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay alert. This video was captured at "Inori no Sato Aizumura", a religious and tourist site in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, on Thursday, May 7.

Japan: Bear Spotted at Golf Course in Fukushima

A wild bear was spotted at a golf course in Fukushima Prefecture on Sunday, May 3.

Japan: Thousands Gather for Constitution Day Rally in Tokyo 3

Thousands of people gathered at a rally opposing constitutional amendment at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park in Tokyo on Sunday, May 3, Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. They called for opposition to the revision of Article 9 and all forms of war.

Japan: Thousands Gather for Constitution Day Rally in Tokyo 4

Thousands of people gathered at a rally opposing constitutional amendment at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park in Tokyo on Sunday, May 3, Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. They called for opposition to the revision of Article 9 and all forms of war.

Japan: Thousands Gather for Constitution Day Rally in Tokyo 5

Thousands of people gathered at a rally opposing constitutional amendment at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park in Tokyo on Sunday, May 3, Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. They called for opposition to the revision of Article 9 and all forms of war.

Japan: Severe Weather Strikes Western Region, Triggers Hail and Heavy Rainfall

A strong cold air mass destabilized the atmosphere across western Japan, Tokai, and Hokuriku, on Friday, May 1, triggering heavy rain, thunder, and hail, with further sudden weather changes expected.

Japan: Flood Warnings Issued for Northern Ibaraki as Heavy Rain Hits

The meteorological agency issued flood and heavy rain warnings for Japan's northern Ibaraki cities, including Kitaibaraki, Hitachi, and Takahagi, on Friday, May 1, urging residents to remain alert to flooding and rising rivers.

Japan: Huge Double Rainbow Spotted Over Tokyo Sky After Rain Storm

A huge double rainbow was spotted over central Tokyo on Monday evening, April 27, following rain that had persisted since the early morning hours.

Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen 5

Two wildfires, which broke out on the afternoon of April 22 in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan, have scorched more than 1,600 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue. This video was shot at near Otsuchi Fire Station on April 26.

Japan: Otsuchi Town in Iwate Shrouded in Smoke From Wildfire

Two wildfires burning in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture have entered their sixth day, with flames continuing to spread into school grounds and residential neighborhoods, prompting authorities to issue new evacuation orders for additional districts. The fires, which broke out on April 22, have scorched more than 1,600 hectares. The videos show the Kirikiri district shrouded in smoke from one of the fires on April 25.

Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen 4

Two wildfires, which broke out on the afternoon of April 22 in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan, have scorched more than 1,000 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue. This video was shot at a parking area near the fire on Sanriku Expressway on April 24.

Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen 2

This video shows the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan shrouded in wildfire smoke as the fires kept spreading on Thursday, April 23. The two blazes, which broke out in forested areas on the afternoon of April 22, have scorched more than 1,000 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue.

Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen 3

Two wildfires, which broke out on the afternoon of April 22 in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan, have scorched more than 1,000 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue.

Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen

Two wildfires broke out in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan on the afternoon of April 22. The blazes have scorched more than 1,000 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue.

Japan: Wildfires Rage in Iwate, Displacing 2,000 Residents and Destroying Homes 3

Two wildfires broke out simultaneously in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan on the afternoon of April 22, local authorities confirmed. According to town officials, the blazes have scorched more than 200 hectares of land, with at least seven structures — including residential homes — reported destroyed. In response, authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 residents as firefighting efforts continue.

Japan: Wildfires Rage in Iwate, Displacing 2,000 Residents and Destroying Homes 4

Two wildfires broke out simultaneously in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan on the afternoon of April 22, local authorities confirmed. According to town officials, the blazes have scorched more than 200 hectares of land, with at least seven structures — including residential homes — reported destroyed. In response, authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 residents as firefighting efforts continue.

Japan: Wildfires Rage in Iwate, Displacing 2,000 Residents and Destroying Homes 2

Two wildfires broke out simultaneously in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan on the afternoon of April 22, local authorities confirmed. According to town officials, the blazes have scorched more than 200 hectares of land, with at least seven structures — including residential homes — reported destroyed. In response, authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 residents as firefighting efforts continue.

Japan: Wildfires Rage in Iwate, Displacing 2,000 Residents and Destroying Homes

Two wildfires broke out simultaneously in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan on the afternoon of April 22, local authorities confirmed. According to town officials, the blazes have scorched more than 200 hectares of land, with at least seven structures — including residential homes — reported destroyed. In response, authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 residents as firefighting efforts continue.

Japan: Volcanic Ash Blankets Kagoshima After Sakurajima Eruption Sends Plume 2,400 Meters High 2

Sakurajima volcano erupted on Tuesday, April 21 at around 10 a.m., sending a plume of smoke 2,400 meters above the crater. The volume of the eruption plume was described as slightly large. The April 21 eruption was the eighth explosion recorded at Sakurajima since the first of the year was observed on April 11. By the morning of April 22, volcanic ash had accumulated on car hoods and road surfaces in Kagoshima City. The city deployed water-spraying trucks to clean the ash from the streets.

Japan: Volcanic Ash Blankets Kagoshima After Sakurajima Eruption Sends Plume 2,400 Meters High

Sakurajima volcano erupted on Tuesday, April 21 at around 10 a.m., sending a plume of smoke 2,400 meters above the crater. The volume of the eruption plume was described as slightly large. The April 21 eruption was the eighth explosion recorded at Sakurajima since the first of the year was observed on April 11. By the morning of April 22, volcanic ash had accumulated on car hoods and road surfaces in Kagoshima City. The city deployed water-spraying trucks to clean the ash from the streets.

Japan: Haneda Airport Flights Disrupted by ATC System Failure 2

A malfunction in the air traffic control system operated by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) struck Tokyo's Haneda Airport at early Tuesday morning, April 21, causing widespread flight disruptions that continued throughout the day. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) alone had more than 200 domestic flights combined, affecting more than 31,600 passengers.

Japan: Haneda Airport Flights Disrupted by ATC System Failure

A malfunction in the air traffic control system operated by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) struck Tokyo's Haneda Airport at around 6:30 AM on Monday, April 21, causing widespread flight disruptions that continued throughout the day. By 6:00 PM, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) alone had canceled 208 domestic flights combined, affecting more than 31,600 passengers.

Japan: Shaking Felt in Tokyo as Powerful 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Sanriku Coast

Shaking was felt as far as Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo as a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region on Monday, April 20, with tsunami warnings issued for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate.

Japan: Passenger Captures Moment Bullet Train Grinds to Halt as Powerful Earthquake Hits 2

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region Monday afternoon, April 20, triggering a tsunami warning of up to three meters for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. The footage was shot on a Shinkansen bullet train bound for Tokyo between Ichinoseki Station and Kurikoma-Kogen Station.

Japan: Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake Hits Tohoku, Tsunami Warning Issued 7

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region Monday afternoon, April 20, triggering a tsunami warning of up to three meters for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. The footage captures the moment an earthquake alert sounds, as rails hum and vibrate and overhead wires sway in the tremor in Hakodate, Hokkaido.

Japan: Passenger Captures Moment Bullet Train Grinds to Halt as Powerful Earthquake Hits

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region on Monday, April 20, with tsunami warnings of up to three meters issued for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. This video shows the moment a Shinkansen bullet train makes an emergency stop in Miyagi Prefecture as the earthquake struck.

Japan: Shoppers Evacuate to Rooftop Amid Tsunami Warnings Following Major Earthquake

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region Monday afternoon, April 20, triggering a tsunami warning of up to three meters for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. The footage captures people at a shopping mall in Hachinohe evacuating to the rooftop amid tsunami warnings.