Parade of penguins in Hokkaido

ASAHIKAWA, Japan, Dec. 11 Kyodo - Penguins walk along a snow-covered path at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa on the northernmost Japanese main island of Hokkaido on Dec. 11, 2024. The 15 penguins walked along the 500-meter path during a rehearsal of the popular attraction, which is set to officially start the following day. (Kyodo)

A-bomb survivor Sasamori

A-bomb survivor Sasamori

Photo taken on July 29, 2022, shows a portrait of Shigeko Sasamori, a survivor of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city of Hiroshima who underwent reconstructive surgery for her scars in the United States. The New York Times reported on Jan. 2, 2025, that she died on Dec. 15, 2024, at her home in Marina del Rey, California. She was 92.

Sumo: Kotozakura

Sumo: Kotozakura

Ozeki Kotozakura (2nd from L) practices at his stable in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 31, 2024, ahead of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament opening at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 12.

Sumo: Kotozakura

Sumo: Kotozakura

Ozeki Kotozakura (R) practices at his stable in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 31, 2024, ahead of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament opening at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 12.

Sumo: Kotozakura

Sumo: Kotozakura

Ozeki Kotozakura (L) practices at his stable in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 25, 2024, ahead of the 15-day New Year Grand Sumo Tournament opening at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Jan. 12.

Okinawa governor meets defense minister

Okinawa governor meets defense minister

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki (R) meets Defense Minister Gen Nakatani at the prefectural government office in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on Dec. 15, 2024.

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)

Sumo: Kotozakura

Sumo: Kotozakura

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.

China Real Estate Market

China Real Estate Market

A real estate project under construction is seen in Yantai, Shandong province, China, Dec 15, 2024.

China Real Estate Market

China Real Estate Market

A real estate project under construction is seen in Yantai, Shandong province, China, Dec 15, 2024.

China Real Estate Market

China Real Estate Market

A real estate project under construction is seen in Yantai, Shandong province, China, Dec 15, 2024.

China Real Estate Market

China Real Estate Market

A real estate project under construction is seen in Yantai, Shandong province, China, Dec 15, 2024.

China Real Estate Market

China Real Estate Market

A real estate project under construction is seen in Yantai, Shandong province, China, Dec 15, 2024.

China Real Estate Market

China Real Estate Market

A real estate project under construction is seen in Yantai, Shandong province, China, Dec 15, 2024.

China Real Estate Market

China Real Estate Market

A real estate project under construction is seen in Yantai, Shandong province, China, Dec 15, 2024.

China Real Estate Market

China Real Estate Market

A real estate project under construction is seen in Yantai, Shandong province, China, Dec 15, 2024.

Nearly 1 year after Jan. 1 quake in Ishikawa Pref.

Nearly 1 year after Jan. 1 quake in Ishikawa Pref.

A damaged home remains unattended in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Dec. 15, 2024, almost one year after a powerful earthquake hit central Japan's Noto Peninsula region on Jan. 1.

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

People gather around a bonfire as a junior high school building (back) is illuminated with colorful geometric patterns in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Dec. 15, 2024, ahead of the first anniversary on Jan. 1 of a powerful earthquake that devastated the region. Japanese digital artist Akira Hasegawa, hailing from the central Japan prefecture, produced the event at the school, which accommodated displaced people after the disaster and will be closed in March.

Football: Iniesta's retirement ceremony in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement ceremony in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (upper R) poses for a photo during a retirement ceremony held after an exhibition match for him featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement ceremony in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement ceremony in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (C) speaks during a retirement ceremony held after an exhibition match for him featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement ceremony in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement ceremony in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta speaks during a retirement ceremony held after an exhibition match for him featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement ceremony in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement ceremony in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta receives a bouquet during a retirement ceremony held after an exhibition match for him featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro (C) passes the ball during a retirement exhibition match for Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (L), featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars, at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Former Argentina forward Javier Saviola (R) scores during a retirement exhibition match for Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta, featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars, at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Former Brazil midfielder and forward Rivaldo (C) plays during a retirement exhibition match for Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta, featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars, at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Former Spain midfielder Xavi (L) plays during a retirement exhibition match for Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta, featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars, at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (front, L) plays during his retirement exhibition match featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (L) plays during his retirement exhibition match featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (2nd from R) plays during his retirement exhibition match featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (C) plays during his retirement exhibition match featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (R) plays during his retirement exhibition match featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (far L) plays during his retirement exhibition match featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Football: Iniesta's retirement match in Tokyo

Spanish football icon Andres Iniesta (front) plays during his retirement exhibition match featuring former Barcelona and Real Madrid stars at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Santa Claus at Yokohama Aquarium

Santa Claus at Yokohama Aquarium

A diver in a Santa Claus suit swims in a fish tank at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, eastern Japan, near Tokyo, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Santa Claus at Yokohama Aquarium

Santa Claus at Yokohama Aquarium

A diver in a Santa Claus suit swims in a fish tank at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, eastern Japan, near Tokyo, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Santa Claus at Yokohama Aquarium

Santa Claus at Yokohama Aquarium

A diver in a Santa Claus suit swims in a fish tank at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, eastern Japan, near Tokyo, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Santa Claus at Yokohama Aquarium

Santa Claus at Yokohama Aquarium

A diver in a Santa Claus suit swims in a fish tank at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, eastern Japan, near Tokyo, on Dec. 15, 2024.

Nearly 1 year after Jan. 1 quake in Ishikawa Pref.

Nearly 1 year after Jan. 1 quake in Ishikawa Pref.

Photo taken on Dec. 15, 2024, shows a temporary bathing facility set up by the Japan Self-Defense Forces for people affected by a powerful earthquake on Jan. 1 in Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. The facility will be closed the following day ahead of the first anniversary of the disaster that hit Suzu and other Noto Peninsula cities and towns.

Nearly 1 year after Jan. 1 quake in Ishikawa Pref.

Nearly 1 year after Jan. 1 quake in Ishikawa Pref.

Photo taken on Dec. 15, 2024, shows a temporary bathing facility set up by the Japan Self-Defense Forces for people affected by a powerful earthquake on Jan. 1 in Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. The facility will be closed the following day ahead of the first anniversary of the disaster that hit Suzu and other Noto Peninsula cities and towns.

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

A junior high school building is illuminated with colorful geometric patterns in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Dec. 15, 2024, ahead of the first anniversary next Jan. 1 of a powerful earthquake that devastated the region. Japanese digital artist Akira Hasegawa, hailing from the central Japan prefecture, produced the event at the school, which accommodated displaced people after the disaster and will be closed in March.

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

A junior high school building is illuminated with colorful geometric patterns in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Dec. 15, 2024, ahead of the first anniversary next Jan. 1 of a powerful earthquake that devastated the region. Japanese digital artist Akira Hasegawa, hailing from the central Japan prefecture, produced the event at the school, which accommodated displaced people after the disaster and will be closed in March.

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

A junior high school building is illuminated with colorful geometric patterns in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Dec. 15, 2024, ahead of the first anniversary next Jan. 1 of a powerful earthquake that devastated the region. Japanese digital artist Akira Hasegawa, hailing from the central Japan prefecture, produced the event at the school, which accommodated displaced people after the disaster and will be closed in March.

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

A junior high school building is illuminated with colorful geometric patterns in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Dec. 15, 2024, ahead of the first anniversary next Jan. 1 of a powerful earthquake that devastated the region. Japanese digital artist Akira Hasegawa, hailing from the central Japan prefecture, produced the event at the school, which accommodated displaced people after the disaster and will be closed in March.

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

Art event in quake-hit Ishikawa town

A junior high school building is illuminated with colorful geometric patterns in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Dec. 15, 2024, ahead of the first anniversary next Jan. 1 of a powerful earthquake that devastated the region. Japanese digital artist Akira Hasegawa, hailing from the central Japan prefecture, produced the event at the school, which accommodated displaced people after the disaster and will be closed in March.

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

A child heads to an elementary school escorted by a guardian in Kitakyushu in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka on Dec. 16, 2024, with a man believed responsible for stabbing two junior high school students in a local McDonald's restaurant two days earlier remaining at large. One of the two, a 15-year-old girl, died. ==Kyodo

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Photo taken on Dec. 15, 2024, shows a McDonald's restaurant in Kitakyushu in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka, where two junior high school students were stabbed by a man the previous day. One of the two, a 15-year-old girl, died while the man remained at large following the incident.

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Photo taken on Dec. 15, 2024, shows a McDonald's restaurant in Kitakyushu in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka, where two junior high school students were stabbed by a man the previous day. One of the two, a 15-year-old girl, died while the man remained at large following the incident.

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Photo taken on Dec. 14, 2024, shows a McDonald's restaurant (back) in Kitakyushu in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka, where two junior high school students were stabbed by a man earlier in the day. One of the two, a 15-year-old girl, died while the man remained at large following the incident.

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Photo taken on Dec. 14, 2024, shows a McDonald's restaurant (back) in Kitakyushu in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka, where two junior high school students were stabbed by a man earlier in the day. One of the two, a 15-year-old girl, died while the man remained at large following the incident.

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Stabbing attack in fast-food restaurant

Photo taken in the small hours of Dec. 15, 2024, shows a McDonald's restaurant (back) in Kitakyushu in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka, where two junior high school students were stabbed by a man the previous day. One of the two, a 15-year-old girl, died while the man remained at large following the incident.