[Breaking News]PM Takaichi's remark tops Japan 2025 catchphrase list

TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 1 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at an award ceremony in Tokyo on Dec. 1, 2025, as her remark "I will work, work, work, work and work" was selected as Japan's top catchphrase for 2025. Takaichi made the remark after winning the leadership election of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Oct. 4. (Kyodo)

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, asks Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a question during a party leaders' debate in parliament in Tokyo on Nov. 26, 2025.

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) answers a question from Yoshihiko Noda (R, 3rd from bottom), leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, during a party leaders' debate in parliament in Tokyo on Nov. 26, 2025.

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Takaichi-Noda debate in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, asks Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a question during a party leaders' debate in parliament in Tokyo on Nov. 26, 2025.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi listens to a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi listens to a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) answers a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japan PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi answers a question from Katsuya Okada of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2025. At the time, Takaichi said a military attack on Taiwan could present a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda (R, front), leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Japan opposition party leader Noda in parliament

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back) listens to Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaking at a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japan PM Takaichi in parliament

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back) listens to Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaking at a plenary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025.

Philippines: Typhoon Kalmaegi Triggers Severe Flooding, Displacing Thousands 2

Severe flooding has submerged towns and displaced hundreds of thousands as Typhoon Kalmaegi battered the central Philippines. Rivers overflowed in Cebu and nearby islands, forcing residents onto rooftops while cars and containers were swept through the streets. Local officials said some evacuation centers were inundated, and many survivors of a recent earthquake had to be evacuated again. More than 380,000 people fled their homes across the Visayas, southern Luzon, and northern Mindanao. Kalmaegi, locally named Tino, made landfall late Monday, November 3 with winds of up to 130 kph before moving toward the South China Sea on Tuesday, November 4.

Nikkei stock index closes at all-time high

TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 21 Kyodo - A financial data monitor in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average at an all-time closing high of 49,316.06. Stock buying was spurred by optimism for fresh economic steps as ruling Liberal Democratic Party head Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament earlier in the day. (Kyodo)

Japan party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 15 Kyodo - Japan's new ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi holds talks in Tokyo with Hirofumi Yoshimura and Fumitake Fujita, co-leaders of the second-largest opposition party the Japan Innovation Party on Oct. 15, 2025, amid uncertainty over whether Takaichi will be able to win enough votes to become premier during an extraordinary parliamentary session starting Oct. 21. (Kyodo)

JIP chief Yoshimura

JIP chief Yoshimura

Hirofumi Yoshimura, Osaka gov. and chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, holds a press conference at the prefectural headquarters in Osaka on Oct. 22, 2025, a day after Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the backing of the JIP.

JIP chief Yoshimura

JIP chief Yoshimura

Hirofumi Yoshimura, Osaka gov. and chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, holds a press conference at the prefectural headquarters in Osaka on Oct. 22, 2025, a day after Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the backing of the JIP.

Heads of ruling parties hold talks

Heads of ruling parties hold talks

Sanae Takaichi (R), the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and Hirofumi Yoshimura, chief of the LDP's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, shake hands at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, ahead of their talks after she was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the JIP's backing.

Takaichi Named Japan's 1st Female Prime Minister - Tokyo

Takaichi Named Japan's 1st Female Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Eugene Hoshiko/AP/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Takaichi Named Japan's 1st Female Prime Minister - Tokyo

Takaichi Named Japan's 1st Female Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Eugene Hoshiko/AP/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi C) rises to accept a round of applause after winning the prime ministerial designation vote in the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi L) votes during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi 2nd R, front) attends the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Yoshihiko Noda L), head of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, votes during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Shigeru Ishiba votes during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi 2nd R, front) is pictured during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

This photo taken on October 21, 2025 shows a scene during the extraordinary session of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Japan Lower House Elects Takaichi New Prime Minister - Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi C) rises to accept a round of applause after winning the prime ministerial designation vote in the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, October 21, 2025. Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party LDP), was officially elected the country's prime minister on Tuesday after winning in both houses of parliament, becoming the country's first female leader. Photo by Xinhua/Jia Haocheng/ABACAPRESS.COM

JIP chief Yoshimura

JIP chief Yoshimura

Hirofumi Yoshimura, chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, for talks with new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after she was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the backing of the JIP.

JIP chief Yoshimura

JIP chief Yoshimura

Hirofumi Yoshimura, chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's new coalition partner Japan Innovation Party, arrives at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, for talks with new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after she was elected Japan's first female prime minister in parliament with the backing of the JIP.

JIP headquarters

JIP headquarters

Photo taken in Osaka on Oct. 19, 2025, shows the headquarters of the Japan Innovation Party, which became the ruling Liberal Democratic Party' new coalition partner the following day. LDP President Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister with the party's backing in parliament on Oct. 21. Posters of JIP chief and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura are shown.

JIP headquarters

JIP headquarters

Photo taken in Osaka on Oct. 19, 2025, shows the headquarters of the Japan Innovation Party, which became the ruling Liberal Democratic Party' new coalition partner the following day. LDP President Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan's first female prime minister with the party's backing in parliament on Oct. 21. Posters of JIP chief and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura are shown.

Parliamentary election to choose Japan's next PM

Parliamentary election to choose Japan's next PM

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, casts a vote in an election to choose Japan's next prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, after the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned en masse earlier in the day.

Parliamentary election to choose Japan's next PM

Parliamentary election to choose Japan's next PM

Yoshihiko Noda (L), leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, casts a vote in an election to choose Japan's next prime minister during a House of Representatives plenary session in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2025, after the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned en masse earlier in the day.

China: Tourists and Locals Rescue Yaks from Mud Pit in Qinghai

In Qinghai, China, tourists and locals joined forces with an excavator operator to rescue four yaks stuck in deep mud on September 30, 2025. After spotting the trapped animals, the tourists alerted a herdsman and enlisted help from a nearby construction site. Working for nearly an hour, they freed all four yaks safely. The herdsman said the rescue prevented losses of over RMB 40,000.

[Breaking News]Japan Innovation Party lawmakers' meeting

TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 16 Kyodo - Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, speaks at a meeting of his party's lawmakers from both houses of the parliament held in Tokyo on Oct. 16, 2025, following the second largest opposition party's agreement with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party the day before to begin policy talks on forming a coalition government. (Kyodo)

LDP, Ishin to sign coalition deal

LDP, Ishin to sign coalition deal

Fumitake Fujita (2nd from L), co-leader of the opposition Nippon Ishin party, speaks during the party's emergency board meeting in Tokyo on Oct. 20, 2025. Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of Ishin, or the Japan Innovation Party, said earlier in the day that he formally conveyed his party's intention of forming a coalition with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to LDP head Sanae Takaichi.

LDP, Ishin to sign coalition deal

LDP, Ishin to sign coalition deal

Fumitake Fujita (C), co-leader of the opposition Nippon Ishin party, speaks during the party's emergency board meeting in Tokyo on Oct. 20, 2025. Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of Ishin, or the Japan Innovation Party, said earlier in the day that he formally conveyed his party's intention of forming a coalition with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to LDP head Sanae Takaichi.

LDP, Ishin to sign coalition deal

LDP, Ishin to sign coalition deal

Fumitake Fujita (C), co-leader of the opposition Nippon Ishin party, heads to the party's emergency board meeting in Tokyo on Oct. 20, 2025. Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of Ishin, or the Japan Innovation Party, said earlier in the day that he had formally conveyed his party's intention of forming a coalition with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to LDP head Sanae Takaichi.

Japan's LDP, opposition JIP hold policy talks

Japan's LDP, opposition JIP hold policy talks

Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the opposition Japan Innovation Party, meets the press in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2025, after holding coalition talks with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party ahead of a parliamentary vote to choose the next prime minister.

Japan's LDP, opposition JIP hold policy talks

Japan's LDP, opposition JIP hold policy talks

Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the opposition Japan Innovation Party, meets the press in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2025, after holding coalition talks with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party ahead of a parliamentary vote to choose the next prime minister.

Japan political party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Japan political party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Combined photo shows Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi (R) and the opposition Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita heading to their meeting in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2025, ahead of an upcoming parliamentary vote to choose the next prime minister.

Japan political party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Japan political party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Combined photo shows Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi (R) and the opposition Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita heading to their meeting in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2025, ahead of an upcoming parliamentary vote to choose the next prime minister.

Japan political party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Japan political party leaders hold talks in Tokyo

Combined photo shows Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party President Sanae Takaichi (R) and the opposition Japan Innovation Party co-leader Fumitake Fujita holding policy talks in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2025, ahead of an upcoming parliamentary vote to choose the next prime minister.