Japanese media titan Tsuneo Watanabe dies

Japanese media titan Tsuneo Watanabe dies

File photo taken in January 2014 shows Japanese media titan Tsuneo Watanabe. Watanabe, a representative director and editor-in-chief of The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, died on Dec. 19, 2024, aged 98.

Aerial vehicle developed for post-disaster rescue work

Aerial vehicle developed for post-disaster rescue work

TAKAMATSU, Japan - Yutaka Goda displays a multicopter (front) developed for use in post-disaster rescue work in Kan-onji, Kagawa Prefecture, western Japan, in this file photo taken on Dec. 19, 2014.

Japanese antiwar journalist Muno turns 100

Japanese antiwar journalist Muno turns 100

TOKYO, Japan - Takeji Muno, a prominent antiwar journalist in Japan whose career has included covering both wartime prime ministers, Fumimaru Konoe and Hideki Tojo, speaks during an interview in Saitama north of Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, ahead of his 100th birthday on Jan.2, 2015. Wary of the "smells of war" brought about by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies such as a national secrecy law and the push for the right to exercise collective self-defense, Muno vowed to continue to speak out for as long as he lives.

Tokyo firm makes huge calendar for 2015

Tokyo firm makes huge calendar for 2015

TOKYO, Japan - An official at Todan Co., a calendar maker in Tokyo, unveils various calendars for 2015 on Dec. 19, 2014, including a huge one easily visible to people with weak eyesight.

Woman walks during morning commute on Beijing street

Woman walks during morning commute on Beijing street

BEIJING, China - A female worker walks on a busy Beijing street during the morning commute on Dec. 19, 2014. Women account for 45 percent of China's workforce but lag far behind men in pay and promotion.

Japanese emperor turns 81

Japanese emperor turns 81

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito holds a press conference at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, ahead of his 81st birthday on Dec. 23. (Pool photo)

Japanese emperor turns 81

Japanese emperor turns 81

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito holds a press conference at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, ahead of his 81st birthday on Dec. 23. (Pool photo)

Japanese emperor turns 81

Japanese emperor turns 81

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito holds a press conference at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, ahead of his 81st birthday on Dec. 23. (Pool photo)

Japanese emperor turns 81

Japanese emperor turns 81

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito holds a press conference at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, ahead of his 81st birthday on Dec. 23. (Pool photo)

Japanese emperor turns 81

Japanese emperor turns 81

TOKYO, Japan - Emperor Akihito holds a press conference at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, ahead of his 81st birthday on Dec. 23. (Pool photo)

U.S.-Cuba rapprochement mood growing in Havana

U.S.-Cuba rapprochement mood growing in Havana

HAVANA, Cuba - An event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publication of Cuban social magazine "Temas" is held at a downtown hotel in Havana with some 20 U.S. officials included among about the 150 attendees on Dec. 19, 2014, mirroring the Dec. 17 announcement of the start of talks on normalizing bilateral ties severed in 1961.

Arena under construction for '16 Olympics

Arena under construction for '16 Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Photo shows construction of a sports arena under way in Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 19, 2014, for fencing and other events of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil.

Tennis courts under construction for '16 Olympics

Tennis courts under construction for '16 Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Photos shows construction of tennis courts under way in Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 19, 2014, for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil.

Christmas tree in Vatican

Christmas tree in Vatican

ROME, Italy - A Christmas tree is lit up at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Dec. 19, 2014.

Christmas tree in Vatican

Christmas tree in Vatican

ROME, Italy - A Christmas tree is lit up at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Dec. 19, 2014.

Prosecutors question ex-Your Party head Watanabe over funds scandal

Prosecutors question ex-Your Party head Watanabe over funds scandal

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows Yoshimi Watanabe, former head of the now-defunct opposition Your Party. Prosecutors have questioned Watanabe over an alleged violation of the political funds control law involving his political group, sources close to the matter said Dec. 19, 2014.

School attacked by Taliban gunmen in Pakistan

School attacked by Taliban gunmen in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan - Photo taken Dec. 19, 2014, shows a military-run school in Peshawar, Pakistan, where more than 140 people, mostly students, were killed in an attack by Pakistani Taliban gunmen on Dec. 16.

ADB chief says lower oil prices will benefit Asian economies

ADB chief says lower oil prices will benefit Asian economies

BANGKOK, Thailand - Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao is interviewed in Bangkok on Dec. 19, 2014. Nakao said the same day that Asian economies will benefit from cheaper oil prices.

School attacked by Taliban gunmen in Pakistan

School attacked by Taliban gunmen in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan - Photo taken Dec. 19, 2014, shows a military-run school in Peshawar, Pakistan, where more than 140 people, mostly students, were killed in an attack by Pakistani Taliban gunmen on Dec. 16.

Ceremony held to celebrate 100th anniv. of opening of Tokyo Station

Ceremony held to celebrate 100th anniv. of opening of Tokyo Station

TOKYO, Japan - Tetsuro Tomita, president of East Japan Railway Co., speaks Dec. 19, 2014, in a ceremony to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo Station at the iconic red-brick station building. The station opened on Dec. 20, 1914.

Ceremony held to celebrate 100th anniv. of opening of Tokyo Station

Ceremony held to celebrate 100th anniv. of opening of Tokyo Station

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on the night of Dec. 19, 2014, shows Tokyo Station in the capital's Chiyoda Ward, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of its opening.

Institute concludes Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

Institute concludes Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken Jan. 28, 2014, shows Haruko Obokata, a researcher with the Riken institute, at her laboratory in the institute in Kobe, western Japan. On Dec. 19, 2014, Riken concluded that Obokata failed in experiments to produce stem cells that she previously claimed to have created.

NTT West to launch elderly support service via videophone

NTT West to launch elderly support service via videophone

OSAKA, Japan - A device for the remote elderly support system of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corp. is shown in Osaka in October 2014. NTT West announced on Dec. 19, 2014, it will start the support service via videophone system for elderly people in Nara, western Japan, on a trial basis in February 2015.

Ceremony held to celebrate 100th anniv. of opening of Tokyo Station

Ceremony held to celebrate 100th anniv. of opening of Tokyo Station

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on the night of Dec. 19, 2014, shows a special illumination to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo Station, at the station's Yaesu exit.

Aoki celebrates 50 years as pro golfer

Aoki celebrates 50 years as pro golfer

TOKYO, Japan - Isao Aoki speaks to the press in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, ahead of a party to mark the 50th year since his professional golf career began.

Institute concludes Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

Institute concludes Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in April 2014 shows Haruko Obokata, a researcher with the Riken institute, during a press conference at an Osaka hotel. On Dec. 19, 2014, Riken concluded that Obokata failed in experiments to produce stem cells that she previously claimed to have created.

Japanese researcher explains website for whistleblowers

Japanese researcher explains website for whistleblowers

TOKYO, Japan - Masayuki Hatta, a full-time lecturer at Surugadai University in Saitama Prefecture in eastern Japan, explains about the "whistleblowing.jp" website he developed at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014. The site, aimed at starting operations in 2015, uses the Tor anonymity software to protect the identity of a whistleblower and passes on the information in encrypted form to registered journalists and news media of a leaker's choice.

NRA inspects unit 2 of Shimane nuclear plant

NRA inspects unit 2 of Shimane nuclear plant

MATSUE, Japan - Nuclear Regulation Authority Commissioner Toyoshi Fuketa (2nd from F), on behalf of NRA Chairman Shunichi Tanaka, inspects the equipment of unit 2 and its accident measures at Chugoku Electric Power Co.'s Shimane nuclear power plant in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, on Dec. 19, 2014. (Pool photo)

Ex-Japanese lawmaker meets China's 4th-ranked politician

Ex-Japanese lawmaker meets China's 4th-ranked politician

BEIJING, China - Yohei Kono (L), a former senior member of Japan's main ruling party known for his apology in the 1990s to women who worked against their will in wartime military brothels, holds talks with China's fourth-ranking Communist Party member Yu Zhengsheng at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Dec. 19, 2014. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

Nissan to boost Japan output: Ghosn

Nissan to boost Japan output: Ghosn

TOKYO, Japan - Nissan Motor Co. President Carlos Ghosn is interviewed at Nissan's headquarters in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on Dec. 19, 2014. Ghosn said the automaker is considering increasing its production in Japan due to the weaker yen.

Ex-Japanese lawmaker meets China's 4th-ranked politician

Ex-Japanese lawmaker meets China's 4th-ranked politician

BEIJING, China - Yohei Kono (L), a former senior member of Japan's main ruling party known for his apology in the 1990s to women who worked against their will in wartime military brothels, shakes hands with China's fourth-ranking Communist Party member Yu Zhengsheng ahead of their talks at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Dec. 19, 2014. (Pool photo by Kyodo News)

Oita picks ex-rugby player in bid to host 2019 RWC games

Oita picks ex-rugby player in bid to host 2019 RWC games

OITA, Japan - Kiyoshi Imaizumi (L), a former Japanese rugby player, poses with Oita Gov. Katsusada Hirose in the prefectural government office in Oita, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 19, 2014, after his nomination as the first "Rugby Ambassador" to work for Oita's bid to host some games at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Ceremony held to celebrate 100th anniv. of opening of Tokyo Station

Ceremony held to celebrate 100th anniv. of opening of Tokyo Station

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on the night of Dec. 19, 2014, shows Tokyo Station in the capital's Chiyoda Ward, on the eve of the 100th anniversary of its opening.

Kumamoto firm begins halal beef exports to Indonesia

Kumamoto firm begins halal beef exports to Indonesia

KUMAMOTO, Japan - A ceremony is held by Zenkai Meat Corp. in Nishiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 19, 2014, to mark the start of exports to Indonesia of halal beef for Muslims.

Toyota suppliers to integrate business to boost efficiency

Toyota suppliers to integrate business to boost efficiency

NAGOYA, Japan - Fumio Fujimori (L), president of Aisin Seiki Co., shakes hands with Takuo Matsui, president of Shiroki Corp., at a press conference in Nagoya on Dec. 19, 2014. The two companies, which both supply parts to Toyota Motor Corp., said they will integrate their businesses in April 2016.

Lawson to use European potatoes for French fries

Lawson to use European potatoes for French fries

TOKYO, Japan - A sample of French fries made of European potatoes in place of U.S. ones in short supply is unveiled by Lawson Inc. on Dec. 19, 2014, ahead of their release next January through its convenience stores. Since European potatoes are smaller, Lawson will slice them in rounds instead of putting them into batons.

Foster family facility opened in northeastern Japan

Foster family facility opened in northeastern Japan

SENDAI, Japan - Staff members of the "Children's Village Tohoku" attend an opening ceremony for the facility for foster families in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, on Dec. 19, 2014. The facility, comprising three foster family houses and a staff residence, will accept children who lost their parents in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit the northeastern Japan region of Tohoku as well as those unable to live with their parents.

Osaka pop ballad diva greets fans after show

Osaka pop ballad diva greets fans after show

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese popular ballad "enka" singer Reiko Kano, known as the "Diva of Tsutenkaku," a landmark tower in Osaka, greets fans after her performance at the Dotonbori ZAZA theater in the western Japan city on Dec. 19, 2014.

Foster family facility opened in northeastern Japan

Foster family facility opened in northeastern Japan

SENDAI, Japan - The Children's Village Tohoku, a facility for foster families in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, opens on Dec. 19, 2014, to accept children who lost their parents in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit the northeastern Japan region of Tohoku as well as those unable to live with their parents.

Osaka pop ballad diva on stage with songwriter

Osaka pop ballad diva on stage with songwriter

OSAKA, Japan - Reiko Kano, a singer of Japanese "enka" popular ballads who is known as the "Diva of Tsutenkaku," a landmark tower in Osaka, and others pose on stage during a music show produced by songwriter and composer Taiji Nakamura (3rd from R) at the Dotonbori ZAZA theater in the western Japan city on Dec. 19, 2014.

BOJ maintains monetary policy

BOJ maintains monetary policy

TOKYO, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda holds a press conference at the BOJ's head office in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, after the end of a two-day monetary policy meeting in which the central bank decided to maintain its current monetary policy.

Fans see off sleeper train at century-old Tokyo Station

Fans see off sleeper train at century-old Tokyo Station

TOKYO, Japan - A crowd of railway fans sees off the retired sleeper train Fuji at Tokyo Station on Dec. 19, 2014, as it departs on a one-off journey as part of an event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the station's opening on the following day.

Sleeper train revived to mark Tokyo Station's centenary

Sleeper train revived to mark Tokyo Station's centenary

TOKYO, Japan - The retired sleeper train Fuji is about to leave Tokyo Station on Dec. 19, 2014, for a one-off run as part of an event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the station's opening on the following day.

Osaka pop ballad diva sings during show

Osaka pop ballad diva sings during show

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese popular ballad "enka" singer Reiko Kano, known as the "Diva of Tsutenkaku," a landmark tower in Osaka, sings during a show with a miniature Tsutenkaku tower lit on her head at the Dotonbori ZAZA theater in the western Japan city on Dec. 19, 2014.

Osaka pop ballad diva sings with ornament on head

Osaka pop ballad diva sings with ornament on head

OSAKA, Japan - Reiko Kano, a singer of Japanese "enka" popular ballads who is known as the "Diva of Tsutenkaku," a landmark tower in Osaka, sings with a cabbage ornament on her head during a show at the Dotonbori ZAZA theater in the western Japan city on Dec. 19, 2014.

BOJ maintains monetary policy

BOJ maintains monetary policy

TOKYO, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda holds a press conference at the BOJ's head office in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, after the end of a two-day monetary policy meeting in which the central bank decided to maintain its current monetary policy.

Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

TOKYO, Japan - Riken President Ryoji Noyori, a 2001 Nobel laureate in chemistry, is surrounded by reporters at the science ministry in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014, as the Japanese research institute announced that embattled scientist Haruko Obokata has failed in experiments to produce the cells that she previously claimed to have created.

Institute concludes Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

Institute concludes Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

OSAKA, Japan - Hideo Miki, lawyer for Haruko Obokata, a researcher with the Riken institute, meets the press in Osaka on Dec. 19, 2014, after the institute concluded that Obokata failed in experiments to produce stem cells that she previously claimed to have created.

Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

Obokata failed to replicate "STAP cell" creation

TOKYO, Japan - Shinichi Aizawa (2nd from L), head of Japan's Riken verification team on the STAP cell research, attends a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2014. The research institute announced that embattled scientist Haruko Obokata has failed in experiments to produce the cells that she previously claimed to have created.

Japan's quake-hit Tohoku area thanks Taiwan for support

Japan's quake-hit Tohoku area thanks Taiwan for support

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Hiroaki Takahashi (L), head of the Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization, presents in Taipei on Dec. 19, 2014, a certificate of appreciation for Taiwan's support for the northeastern Japan region of Tohoku after it was hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.