Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Work to replace the "shimenawa" sacred straw rope hanging at the Kagura-den hall at Izumo Taisha shrine in Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, is underway on July 21, 2026, for the first time in eight years.

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Work to replace the "shimenawa" sacred straw rope hanging at the Kagura-den hall at Izumo Taisha shrine in Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, is underway on July 21, 2026, for the first time in eight years.

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Work to replace the "shimenawa" sacred straw rope hanging at the Kagura-den hall at Izumo Taisha shrine in Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, is underway on July 21, 2026, for the first time in eight years.

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Japan's Kenshiro Teraji poses after winning the vacant WBO super flyweight title match by unanimous decision against Israel Gonzalez of Mexico at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan hall on July 20, 2026. He became a three-weight world champion.

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Japan's Kenshiro Teraji wins the vacant WBO super flyweight title by unanimous decision against Israel Gonzalez of Mexico at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan hall on July 20, 2026. He became a three-weight world champion.

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Japan's Kenshiro Teraji poses after winning the vacant WBO super flyweight title match by unanimous decision against Israel Gonzalez of Mexico at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan hall on July 20, 2026. He became a three-weight world champion.

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Japan's Kenshiro Teraji (R) lands a punch on Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in the third round of their vacant WBO super flyweight title match at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan hall on July 20, 2026.

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Japan's Kenshiro Teraji wins the vacant WBO super flyweight title by unanimous decision against Israel Gonzalez of Mexico at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan hall on July 20, 2026. He became a three-weight world champion.

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Japan's Kenshiro Teraji (R) lands a punch on Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in the sixth round of their vacant WBO super flyweight title match at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan hall on July 20, 2026.

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Japan's Kenshiro Teraji (R) lands a punch on Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in the third round of their vacant WBO super flyweight title match at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan hall on July 20, 2026.

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Boxing: Teraji vs. Gonzalez

Japan's Kenshiro Teraji (L) lands a punch on Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in the second round of their vacant WBO super flyweight title match at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan hall on July 20, 2026.

Thailand: Bangkok Pub Fire Leaves 27 Dead, 22 Critically Injured

A huge fire tore through Na Ladprao beer hall, a pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district late Sunday, July 12, killing at least 27 people and injuring dozens, with 22 people left in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the cause.

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

BEIJING, China, July 1 Kyodo - Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026. (Kyodo)

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

Chinese President Xi Jinping (sitting, 2nd from L) attends a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026.

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

Chinese President Xi Jinping (front row, 2nd from L) attends a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026.

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

Chinese President Xi Jinping (front) and Premier Li Qiang attend a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026.

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026.

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026.

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

105th founding anniversary of Chinese Communist Party

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 1, 2026.

China-Bangladesh summit

China-Bangladesh summit

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman (front, L) is pictured before his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 26, 2026. (Pool photo)

China-Bangladesh summit

China-Bangladesh summit

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman (2nd from R) holds talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 26, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (L) waves to the crowd alongside Belgium's King Philippe as they arrive at Brussels City Hall in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan's Empress Masako (L) and Belgium's Queen Mathilde wave to the crowd as they arrive at Brussels City Hall in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

(From L) Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Belgium's King Philippe, Empress Masako and Queen Mathilde arrive at Brussels City Hall in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan's Empress Masako (L) and Belgium's Queen Mathilde speak with children from a local Japanese school outside Brussels City Hall in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall=June 22,2026,Tokyo

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall=June 22,2026,Tokyo

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall

Sign at the Japan Automobile Hall=June 22,2026,Tokyo

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (C, L) and Empress Masako (L), Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde wave from the balcony of Brussels City Hall on June 23, 2026, in Brussels during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (C, L) and Empress Masako (L), Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde wave from the balcony of Brussels City Hall on June 23, 2026, in Brussels during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (C, L) and Empress Masako (L), Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde wave from the balcony of Brussels City Hall on June 23, 2026, in Brussels during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

(From L) Belgium's King Philippe, Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Queen Mathilde meet children from a local Japanese school outside the Brussels City Hall on June 23, 2026, in Brussels, during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

(From L) Belgium's King Philippe, Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Queen Mathilde meet children from a local Japanese school outside the Brussels City Hall on June 23, 2026, in Brussels, during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (C, L) and Empress Masako (L), Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde wave from the balcony of Brussels City Hall on June 23, 2026, in Brussels during the Japanese imperial couple's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko arrives at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on June 22, 2026, for a special concert by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating its 70th anniversary. (Pool photo)

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko arrives at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on June 22, 2026, for a special concert by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating its 70th anniversary. (Pool photo)

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko arrives at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on June 22, 2026, for a special concert by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating its 70th anniversary. (Pool photo)

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko arrives at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on June 22, 2026, for a special concert by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating its 70th anniversary. (Pool photo)

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko arrives at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on June 22, 2026, for a special concert by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating its 70th anniversary. (Pool photo)

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko

Japan's Princess Aiko arrives at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on June 22, 2026, for a special concert by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating its 70th anniversary. (Pool photo)

China-Myanmar Summit in Beijing

China-Myanmar Summit in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with his Myanmar counterpart Min Aung Hlaing during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 16, 2026. (Pool photo)

World Cup 2026 – Cape Verde Fans Celebrate as Debutants Stun Spain With Historic 0-0 Draw

Cape Verde pulled off a stunning upset on Monday, holding heavily favored Spain to a 0-0 draw in the island nation's first-ever World Cup match, earning the 67th-ranked debutants a historic point against the second-ranked European champions. This video shows Cape Verde fans gathering at City of Providence watch party for the game vs. Spain at the municipal parking lot across from Pawtucket City Hall.

Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken on July 5, 2023, shows Yohei Kono (L), leader of a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade, meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

UK: Anti-Immigration Protests Sweep Scotland After Belfast Knife Attack 2

Protests erupted across Scotland on Tuesday, June 9, with hundreds gathering in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayr, and Aberdeen following disorder in Belfast sparked by a knife attack. In Glasgow, demonstrators — mostly young men dressed in black — marched from the Royal Concert Hall toward the Clyde River, prompting street closures including Glasgow Bridge. In Edinburgh, dozens rallied at St Andrew's Square before marching along Princes Street with blue flares and Scottish flags. The demonstrations follow the charging of a Sudanese man with attempted murder over Monday's knife attack in Belfast, in which the victim suffered injuries to his eyes, back, and face.

UK: Anti-Immigration Protests Sweep Scotland After Belfast Knife Attack

Protests erupted across Scotland on Tuesday, June 9, with hundreds gathering in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayr, and Aberdeen following disorder in Belfast sparked by a knife attack. In Glasgow, demonstrators — mostly young men dressed in black — marched from the Royal Concert Hall toward the Clyde River, prompting street closures including Glasgow Bridge. In Edinburgh, dozens rallied at St Andrew's Square before marching along Princes Street with blue flares and Scottish flags. The demonstrations follow the charging of a Sudanese man with attempted murder over Monday's knife attack in Belfast, in which the victim suffered injuries to his eyes, back, and face.

35th anniversary of Japan mountain disaster

35th anniversary of Japan mountain disaster

Candles are lit during a memorial event in front of the Unzen disaster memorial hall in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, in southwestern Japan, on June 3, 2026, to mark the 35th anniversary of the deadly pyroclastic flow from Mt. Unzen's Fugen Peak that claimed 43 people, including firefighters, police officers and members of the press.

US: Arrests Made Outside Delaney Hall as ICE-Protester Standoff Enters Sixth Day

Two people were arrested late Tuesday outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, as confrontations between ICE agents and demonstrators entered a sixth day. The Department of Homeland Security said the pair were charged with assaulting federal officers, while the person who filmed this video claimed on social media that one of those arrested was a medic.

Renovated Dazaifu Temmangu shrine main hall

DAZAIFU, Japan, May 19 Kyodo - Video taken on May 18, 2026, shows the main hall of Dazaifu Temmangu shrine in Dazaifu in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka, unveiled to the media following the first full-scale renovation in 124 years. (Kyodo)

US: Knicks Clinch NBA Finals Berth, Fans Pour Into NYC Streets to Celebrate 3

Knicks fans spilled into the streets of New York City on Monday night, May 25, celebrating outside Madison Square Garden after the team clinched its first NBA Finals berth in 27 years. A packed watch party at Radio City Music Hall was also on its feet as the final buzzer sounded. This video shows crowds of fans celebrating the victory in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

US: Knicks Clinch NBA Finals Berth, Fans Pour Into NYC Streets to Celebrate 2

Knicks fans spilled into the streets of New York City on Monday night, May 25, celebrating outside Madison Square Garden after the team clinched its first NBA Finals berth in 27 years. A packed watch party at Radio City Music Hall was also on its feet as the final buzzer sounded.