Crown prince attends sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Crown prince attends sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito speaks at the opening ceremony of a national sports festival for disabled people in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 25, 2025.

Crown prince attends sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Crown prince attends sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attend the opening ceremony of a national sports festival for disabled people in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 25, 2025.

Crown prince attends sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Crown prince attends sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attend the opening ceremony of a national sports festival for disabled people in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 25, 2025.

Crown prince to attend sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Crown prince to attend sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito (back, 2nd from R) and Crown Princess Kiko (back, R) use sign language at an event in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, on Oct. 24, 2025, the eve of the opening ceremony of a national sports festival for disabled people in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture.

Crown prince to attend sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Crown prince to attend sports event for disabled in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito (back, 2nd from R) and Crown Princess Kiko (back, R) attend an event in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, on Oct. 24, 2025, the eve of the opening ceremony of a national sports festival for disabled people in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture.

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Japanese Princess Kako presents a trophy during the closing ceremony of the Japan Games national sports festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 8, 2025.

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Japanese Princess Kako attends the closing ceremony of the Japan Games national sports festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 8, 2025.

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Japanese Princess Kako (front) attends the closing ceremony of the Japan Games national sports festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 8, 2025.

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Japanese Princess Kako attends the closing ceremony of the Japan Games national sports festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 8, 2025.

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Princess Kako at Japan Games

Japanese Princess Kako presents a trophy during the closing ceremony of the Japan Games national sports festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 8, 2025.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over sports festival venue

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over sports festival venue

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team fly over the venue of the closing ceremony of the Japan Games national sports festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 8, 2025.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over sports festival venue

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over sports festival venue

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team fly over the venue of the closing ceremony of the Japan Games national sports festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 8, 2025.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over sports festival venue

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over sports festival venue

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team fly over the venue of the closing ceremony of the Japan Games national sports festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Oct. 8, 2025.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako listen to an explanation about the activities of a guide dog users' group at a school for the blind in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako listen to an explanation about the activities of a guide dog users' group at a school for the blind in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit a school for the blind in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit a school for the blind in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit a school for the blind in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit a school for the blind in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit a bind school in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit a bind school in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor visits blind school in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit a bind school in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 29, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor at sports festival in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor at sports festival in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend the opening ceremony of the 79th National Sports Festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 28, 2025.

Japan emperor at sports festival in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor at sports festival in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend the opening ceremony of the 79th National Sports Festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 28, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor at sports festival in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor at sports festival in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend the opening ceremony of the 79th National Sports Festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 28, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor at sports festival in Shiga Pref.

Japan emperor at sports festival in Shiga Pref.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend the opening ceremony of the 79th National Sports Festival in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga on Sept. 28, 2025. (Pool photo)

Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle

File photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 28, 2025, shows Hikone Castle in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga.

Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle

File photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 28, 2025, shows Hikone Castle in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga.

Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle

File photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 28, 2025, shows Hikone Castle in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga.

Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle

File photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 28, 2025, shows Hikone Castle in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga.

Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle

File photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on May 28, 2025, shows Hikone Castle in Hikone in the western Japan prefecture of Shiga.

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

HIKONE, Japan, Aug. 7 Kyodo - Former assistant nurse Mika Nishiyama speaks at a press conference in Hikone, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025, after Shiga Prefectural Police chief Hisaaki Ikeuchi apologized her in person. Nishiyama was acquitted of murder in the 2003 death of a patient in a 2020 retrial after spending 12 years in prison. (Kyodo)

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

Former assistant nurse Mika Nishiyama speaks at a press conference in Hikone, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025, after Shiga Prefectural Police chief Hisaaki Ikeuchi apologized her in person. Nishiyama was acquitted of murder in the 2003 death of a patient in a 2020 retrial after spending 12 years in prison.

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

Shiga Prefectural Police chief Hisaaki Ikeuchi (far R) bows in apology to former assistant nurse Mika Nishiyama (far L), alongside her parents and lawyer, at a prefectural government building in Hikone, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025. Nishiyama was acquitted of murder in the 2003 death of a patient in a 2020 retrial after spending 12 years in prison.

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

Former assistant nurse Mika Nishiyama speaks at a press conference in Hikone, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025, after Shiga Prefectural Police chief Hisaaki Ikeuchi apologized her in person. Nishiyama was acquitted of murder in the 2003 death of a patient in a 2020 retrial after spending 12 years in prison.

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

Japan police head apologizes to ex-nurse acquitted of 2003 murder

Former assistant nurse Mika Nishiyama speaks at a press conference in Hikone, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2025, after Shiga Prefectural Police chief Hisaaki Ikeuchi apologized her in person. Nishiyama was acquitted of murder in the 2003 death of a patient in a 2020 retrial after spending 12 years in prison.

Popular mascot Hikonyan

HIKONE, Japan, Jan. 9 Kyodo - Hikonyan, the popular mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, poses with New Year greeting cards addressed to the cat mascot at the city government headquarters on Jan. 9, 2025. (Kyodo)

Popular mascot Hikonyan

Popular mascot Hikonyan

Hikonyan, the popular mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, poses with New Year greeting cards addressed to the cat mascot at the city government headquarters on Jan. 9, 2025.

Popular mascot Hikonyan

Popular mascot Hikonyan

Hikonyan, the popular mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, poses with New Year greeting cards addressed to the cat mascot at the city government headquarters on Jan. 9, 2025.

【Breaking News】"Yuru-kyara" local mascot festival

HIKONE, Japan, Oct. 19 Kyodo - More than 100 "yuru-kyara" mascot characters from 32 prefectures across Japan as well as from abroad gather for a two-day annual event in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, on Oct. 19, 2024. (Kyodo)

"Yuru-kyara" local mascot festival

"Yuru-kyara" local mascot festival

More than 100 "yuru-kyara" mascot characters from 32 prefectures across Japan as well as from abroad gather for a two-day annual event in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, on Oct. 19, 2024.

"Yuru-kyara" local mascot festival

"Yuru-kyara" local mascot festival

More than 100 "yuru-kyara" mascot characters from 32 prefectures across Japan as well as from abroad gather for a two-day annual event in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, on Oct. 19, 2024.

"Yuru-kyara" local mascot festival

"Yuru-kyara" local mascot festival

More than 100 "yuru-kyara" mascot characters from 32 prefectures across Japan as well as from abroad gather for a two-day annual event in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, on Oct. 19, 2024.

17th birthday of popular mascot Hikonyan

17th birthday of popular mascot Hikonyan

The 17th birthday of Hikonyan, the popular cat mascot of the Japanese city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, is celebrated on April 13, 2023.

Hikone city mascot Hikonyan turns nine

Hikone city mascot Hikonyan turns nine

OTSU, Japan, April 13 Kyodo - Hikonyan (C), a mascot character of the western Japanese city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, receives a birthday cake during a celebration ceremony for its ninth birthday at Hikone Castle on April 13, 2015.

Woman produces sake for voice actor of 'Gundam' figure

Woman produces sake for voice actor of 'Gundam' figure

OTSU, Japan - Kayo Nakamura (R), an operator of a Japanese sake bar, smiles in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Oct. 7, 2014, behind the "Shuichi the Scarlet" rice wine brand she produced in honor of Shuichi Ikeda, a popular voice actor known for playing the role of "Char" in the big-hit TV animation series "Gundam." On the poster behind her is the actor's photo.

Son of worker at closed mine collects witness of history

Son of worker at closed mine collects witness of history

TOKYO, Japan - Toshiyuki Maekawa speaks about the now defunct Mitsui Miike coal mine in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka in front of related reference materials displayed at his home in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, in this file photo taken on June 29, 2014. On the red banners behind him are words of support written by workers for colleagues arrested for staging a strike in which his father was involved.

Mascot surrounded by chocolate gifts on St. Valentine's Day

Mascot surrounded by chocolate gifts on St. Valentine's Day

OTSU, Japan - Hikonyan, a mascot character created by the municipal government of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, is swarmed with chocolate gifts at the city hall on St. Valentine's Day on Feb. 14, 2014.

'Hikonyan' mascot gets 305 Valentine chocolate packs

'Hikonyan' mascot gets 305 Valentine chocolate packs

OTSU, Japan - "Hikonyan," the official mascot of the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, poses with 305 packs of chocolate on Feb. 14, 2014, received as St. Valentine's Day gifts from fans across Japan as well as from Germany.

Farmers reap benefits from smartphone apps

Farmers reap benefits from smartphone apps

HIKONE, Japan - Photo taken in September 2013 shows Shoichi Fukuhara, president of agricultural entity Fukuhara Farm in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture.