Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

An AI robot poses in a BYD booth on the opening day of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Photo taken on April 24, 2026, shows a Honda Motor Co. booth displaying an electric vehicle jointly developed with a local joint venture on the opening day of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Photo taken on April 24, 2026, shows a Honda Motor Co. booth displaying an electric vehicle jointly developed with a local joint venture on the opening day of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Nissan Motor Co. CEO Ivan Espinosa answers questions from journalists on the opening day of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Nissan Motor Co. CEO Ivan Espinosa (C) holds a press conference on the opening day of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Nissan Motor Co. CEO Ivan Espinosa (C) holds a press conference on the opening day of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing on April 24, 2026.

Great Dinosaur Exhibition

Great Dinosaur Exhibition

A Spinosaurus robot is displayed on April 24, 2026, at the Great Dinosaur Exhibition that began at Fukuoka City Museum in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, the same day.

Great Dinosaur Exhibition

Great Dinosaur Exhibition

A Spinosaurus robot is displayed on April 24, 2026, at the Great Dinosaur Exhibition that began at Fukuoka City Museum in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, the same day.

China: Massive Sandstorm Engulfs City in Xinjiang, Turning Day Into Darkness

This is the shocking moment that a towering wall of sandstorm swept across a city in China, rapidly engulfing buildings and streets as strong winds pushed the dense dust forward. On April 17, 2026, in Xinjiang, China, the video captured a powerful sandstorm advancing toward an urban area, forming what appeared to be a massive moving wall of dust. The sky quickly darkened as the storm rolled in, with visibility dropping sharply. Buildings in the distance were gradually swallowed by the thick haze, while the fast-moving sand created an overwhelming sense of pressure and urgency. The footage showcased how the sandstorm surged forward in waves, covering roads, infrastructure, and entire neighborhoods within moments. According to the local meteorological bureau, wind speeds during the event had reached up to 25.2 meters per second, contributing to the intensity and rapid spread of the sandstorm. The video ended with the city almost completely obscured by the dust, leaving only faint outlines of buildings visible through the thick, swirling sand.

New sightseeing train in western Japan

New sightseeing train in western Japan

Photo taken on April 24, 2026, shows Nankai Electric Railway Co.'s new Gran Tenku sightseeing train at Namba Station in Osaka. The train connecting Osaka and Mt. Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Wakayama Prefecture in western Japan, began operating the same day.

New sightseeing train in western Japan

New sightseeing train in western Japan

Photo taken on April 24, 2026, shows Nankai Electric Railway Co.'s new Gran Tenku sightseeing train at Namba Station in Osaka. The train connecting Osaka and Mt. Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Wakayama Prefecture in western Japan, began operating the same day.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

People visit the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on its opening day on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Vehicles are displayed at the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on its opening day on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

People visit the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on its opening day on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Vehicles are displayed at the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on its opening day on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Vehicles are displayed at the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on its opening day on April 24, 2026.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken on April 23, 2026, shows the site of a wildfire that broke out the previous day in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan. Wildfires that broke out in two locations in the town continue with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke from wildfires that broke out at two locations in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, covers the city center the following day, April 23, as people look on.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane shows smoke rising from a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 23, 2026, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane shows smoke rising from a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 23, 2026, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane shows smoke rising from a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 23, 2026, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane shows smoke rising from a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 23, 2026, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Firefighting operations continue on April 23, 2026, in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Firefighting operations continue on April 23, 2026, in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, as local authorities urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, as local authorities urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, as local authorities urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in woodland in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

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.

Accident at Tokyo amusement park

Accident at Tokyo amusement park

Police investigators head for an on-site probe of the Flying Balloon at Tokyo Dome City Attractions in Tokyo on April 22, 2026, a day after a fatal accident. A worker died after being trapped in the Flying Balloon following a fall during an inspection of the attraction, which seats 12 people and spins around while rising to a height of 10 meters.

Accident at Tokyo amusement park

Accident at Tokyo amusement park

Police investigators head for an on-site probe of the Flying Balloon at Tokyo Dome City Attractions in Tokyo on April 22, 2026, a day after a fatal accident. A worker died after being trapped in the Flying Balloon following a fall during an inspection of the attraction, which seats 12 people and spins around while rising to a height of 10 meters.

Lawmakers at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Lawmakers at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Ichiro Aisawa (C), who heads a cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers, speaks during a press conference after the group visited the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on April 22, 2026, during its three-day spring festival.

Lawmakers at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Lawmakers at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Minoru Kiuchi (R), Japanese economic and fiscal policy minister, meets the press after visiting the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on April 22, 2026, during its three-day spring festival.

Lawmakers at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

Lawmakers at Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine

A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on the occasion of its three-day spring festival on April 22, 2026.

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.

Powerful earthquake hits northeastern Japan

Powerful earthquake hits northeastern Japan

An electronic bulletin board in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture shows on April 21, 2026, that the weather agency's "Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory" is in place, alerting people about the increased risk of another strong earthquake following a powerful one that hit northeastern and northern Japan the previous day.