Red snow crabs at Tottori port

Red snow crabs at Tottori port

Red snow crabs are pictured at a port in Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on Sept. 5, 2026, following the season's first catch of the crabs at the port.

Red snow crabs at Tottori port

Red snow crabs at Tottori port

Red snow crabs are put up for the season's first auction at a port in Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on Sept. 5, 2026, four days after the start of the fishing season.

Dolphin hunt season begins in western Japan town

TAIJI, Japan, Sept. 1 Kyodo - The season's first drive-hunting of dolphins and small whales begins off the town of Taiji in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Sept. 1, 2026. (Kyodo)

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2026, shows a media preview of the first outlet in Japan of the Swedish interior goods brand Granit, set to open in Tokyo's Jiyugaoka area the following day.

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2026, shows a media preview of the first outlet in Japan of the Swedish interior goods brand Granit, set to open in Tokyo's Jiyugaoka area the following day.

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2026, shows a media preview of the first outlet in Japan of the Swedish interior goods brand Granit, set to open in Tokyo's Jiyugaoka area the following day.

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2026, shows a media preview of the first outlet in Japan of the Swedish interior goods brand Granit, set to open in Tokyo's Jiyugaoka area the following day.

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Swedish brand Granit shop to open in Tokyo

Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2026, shows a media preview of the first outlet in Japan of the Swedish interior goods brand Granit, set to open in Tokyo's Jiyugaoka area the following day.

[Breaking News]Japan 10-year gov't bond yield hits 3.000%

TOKYO, Japan, Sept. 2 Kyodo - A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 3.000 percent on Sept. 1, 2026, the first time since October 1996. (Kyodo)

Japan PM meets press over gov't bond yield rise to 3%

Japan PM meets press over gov't bond yield rise to 3%

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on Sept. 1, 2026, after the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond rose to the 3 percent level for the first time in about 30 years.

Japan 10-year gov't bond yield hits 3.000%

Japan 10-year gov't bond yield hits 3.000%

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 3.000 percent on Sept. 1, 2026, the first time since October 1996.

Japan 10-year gov't bond yield hits 3.000%

Japan 10-year gov't bond yield hits 3.000%

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 3.000 percent on Sept. 1, 2026, the first time since October 1996.

Traditional dance festival in Toyama

Traditional dance festival in Toyama

Women wearing straw hats dance to the music of stringed instruments in Toyama, central Japan, on Sept. 1, 2026, the first day of the three-day Owara Kaze-no-Bon festival dating back some 300 years.

Traditional dance festival in Toyama

Traditional dance festival in Toyama

Women wearing straw hats dance to the music of stringed instruments in Toyama, central Japan, on Sept. 1, 2026, the first day of the three-day Owara Kaze-no-Bon festival dating back some 300 years.

Traditional dance festival in Toyama

Traditional dance festival in Toyama

Women wearing straw hats dance to the music of stringed instruments in Toyama, central Japan, on Sept. 1, 2026, the first day of the three-day Owara Kaze-no-Bon festival dating back some 300 years.

Dolphin hunt season begins in western Japan town

Dolphin hunt season begins in western Japan town

Fishing boats leave a port in the town of Taiji in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Sept. 1, 2026, for the season's first drive-hunting of dolphins and small whales.

Dolphin hunt season begins in western Japan town

Dolphin hunt season begins in western Japan town

The season's first drive-hunting of dolphins and small whales begins off the town of Taiji in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Sept. 1, 2026.

Dolphin hunt season begins in western Japan town

Dolphin hunt season begins in western Japan town

The season's first drive-hunting of dolphins and small whales begins off the town of Taiji in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Sept. 1, 2026.

Basketball: World Cup Asian qualifying

Basketball: World Cup Asian qualifying

Japan's Rui Hachimura dunks against Qatar during the first quarter of the second phase of Asian qualifying for the 2027 Basketball World Cup at Toyota Arena Tokyo on Aug. 31, 2026. ==Kyodo

Basketball: World Cup Asian qualifying

Basketball: World Cup Asian qualifying

Japan's Rui Hachimura scores against Qatar during the first quarter of the second phase of Asian qualifying for the 2027 Basketball World Cup at Toyota Arena Tokyo on Aug. 31, 2026.

G20 finance meeting in North Carolina

G20 finance meeting in North Carolina

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama (C) and Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda (R) attend the first day of a two-day meeting of the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors in Asheville, North Carolina, on Aug. 31, 2026.

Kabuki performance in London

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 25 Kyodo - Kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegoro VIII speaks at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2026. Ichikawa and Onoe Tatsunosuke III will perform abroad for the first time in London in January 2027. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Asian Games: Torch relay

NAGOYA, Japan, Aug. 23 Kyodo - Three-time Olympic women's wrestling gold medalist Saori Yoshida starts as the first runner of the Asian Games torch relay at Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, central Japan, on Aug. 22, 2026. (Kyodo)

Kabuki performance in London

Kabuki performance in London

Kabuki actors Ichikawa Somegoro VIII (R) and Onoe Tatsunosuke III pose for a photo at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2026. They will perform abroad for the first time in London in January 2027.

Kabuki performance in London

Kabuki performance in London

Kabuki actors Ichikawa Somegoro VIII (2nd from R) and Onoe Tatsunosuke III attend a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2026. They will perform abroad for the first time in London in January 2027.

Kabuki performance in London

Kabuki performance in London

Kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegoro VIII speaks at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2026. Ichikawa and Onoe Tatsunosuke III will perform abroad for the first time in London in January 2027.

Golf: CPKC Women's Open

Golf: CPKC Women's Open

Miyu Yamashita of Japan hits off the first tee during the final round of the CPKC Women's Open golf tournament at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, Canada, on Aug. 23, 2026.

Asian Games: Torch relay

Asian Games: Torch relay

Three-time Olympic women's wrestling gold medalist Saori Yoshida starts as the first runner of the Asian Games torch relay at Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, central Japan, on Aug. 22, 2026.

Asian Games: Torch relay

Asian Games: Torch relay

Three-time Olympic women's wrestling gold medalist Saori Yoshida starts as the first runner of the Asian Games torch relay at Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, central Japan, on Aug. 22, 2026.

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko meet with Japanese-Paraguayans in La Colmena, Paraguay, known as the first Japanese colony in the South American country, on Aug. 22, 2026.

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito (back, L) and Crown Princess Kiko (back, R) attend a welcome luncheon in La Colmena, Paraguay, known as the first Japanese colony in the South American country, on Aug. 22, 2026.

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito (C) and Crown Princess Kiko attend a welcome luncheon in La Colmena, Paraguay, known as the first Japanese colony in the South American country, on Aug. 22, 2026.

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko meet with Japanese-Paraguayans in La Colmena, Paraguay, known as the first Japanese colony in the South American country, on Aug. 22, 2026.

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan crown prince, crown princess in Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko offer flowers on Aug. 22, 2026, at a memorial for Japanese immigrants in La Colmena, Paraguay, known as the first Japanese colony in the South American country.

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming championships

Swimming: Pan Pacific swimming championships

Australia's Moesha Johnson (C), Japan's Airi Ebina (R) and Ichika Kajimoto celebrate after placing first, second and third, respectively, in the women's 10-kilometer open water event at the Pan Pacific swimming championships in Long Beach, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.

Ex-Japan Business Federation head Hiroshi Okuda dies

Ex-Japan Business Federation head Hiroshi Okuda dies

Toyota Motor Corp. President Hiroshi Okuda unveils the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, in October 1997. Okuda, who later chaired both Toyota and the Japan Business Federation, died on Aug. 8, 2026, aged 93.

Ex-Japan Business Federation head Hiroshi Okuda dies

Ex-Japan Business Federation head Hiroshi Okuda dies

Toyota Motor Corp. President Hiroshi Okuda unveils the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, in October 1997. Okuda, who later chaired both Toyota and the Japan Business Federation, died on Aug. 8, 2026, aged 93.

Ex-Japan Business Federation head Hiroshi Okuda dies

Ex-Japan Business Federation head Hiroshi Okuda dies

Toyota Motor Corp. President Hiroshi Okuda unveils the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, in October 1997. Okuda, who later chaired both Toyota and the Japan Business Federation, died on Aug. 8, 2026, aged 93.

Pokemon-themed airport on Noto Peninsula

Pokemon-themed airport on Noto Peninsula

A bus of the world's first Pokemon-themed airport, nicknamed "Noto Satoyama Pokemon With You Airport," departs in Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026. The bus service and airport are part of efforts to revitalize the Noto Peninsula after a powerful earthquake on New Year's Day in 2024 and heavy rain later that year.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

Japan high school baseball tournament

Japan high school baseball tournament

Teuku Muhammad Emille Rasya, an Indonesian pitcher of the Asia Koshien All-Stars team, delivers the ceremonial first pitch for the opening game of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 5, 2026.

Polar bear at Osaka zoo

OSAKA, Japan, Aug. 4 Kyodo - A polar bear swims in her new home at Osaka Tennoji Zoo on Aug. 4, 2026, the first day of public display in the enclosure in the western Japan city of Osaka. (Kyodo)

Polar bear at Osaka zoo

Polar bear at Osaka zoo

A polar bear swims in her new home at Osaka Tennoji Zoo on Aug. 4, 2026, the first day of public display in the enclosure in the western Japan city of Osaka.

Polar bear at Osaka zoo

Polar bear at Osaka zoo

A polar bear is pictured in her new home at Osaka Tennoji Zoo on Aug. 4, 2026, the first day of public display in the enclosure in the western Japan city of Osaka.