Haruki Murakami's latest book in bookstore

TOKYO, Japan, July 3 Kyodo - Renowned Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami's new novel "The Tale of KAHO" hits the shelves at a bookstore in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 3, 2026, upon its midnight release. (Kyodo)

China: Cat Plays Fruit-Cutting Game on Screen in Guangdong

A cat in Guangdong stood on a table in front of the monitor while its owner opened the game. As fruits appeared on the screen, the cat tapped them with its paws, but mistakenly hit a bomb that appeared, ending the game.

US: Couple Scales Empire State Building, Faces Charges After Proposal 2

A daredevil couple, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, known online for extreme skyscraper climbs, scaled the Empire State Building on Wednesday afternoon, July 1, and unfurled a banner atop its spire before Kuznetsov appeared to propose to his longtime girlfriend. Police took the pair into custody after they descended.

US: Couple Scales Empire State Building, Faces Charges After Proposal 3

A daredevil couple, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, known online for extreme skyscraper climbs, scaled the Empire State Building on Wednesday afternoon, July 1, and unfurled a banner atop its spire before Kuznetsov appeared to propose to his longtime girlfriend. Police took the pair into custody after they descended.

China: Labrador Balances on Owners’ Shoulders During Scooter Ride in Pu’er

On June 25, 2026, in Pu'er, Yunnan, a Labrador named Bruce was filmed calmly balancing on its owners' shoulders while riding an electric scooter through an intersection.

China: Double-Yolk Goose Egg Hatches Two Goslings in Heilongjiang

On July 1, 2026, in Heilongjiang province, a double-yolk goose egg surprised its owner by hatching two goslings instead of one.

US: Couple Scales Empire State Building, Faces Charges After Proposal

A daredevil couple, Angela Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, known online for extreme skyscraper climbs, scaled the Empire State Building on Wednesday afternoon, July 1, and unfurled a banner atop its spire before Kuznetsov appeared to propose to his longtime girlfriend. Police took the pair into custody after they descended.

Haruki Murakami's latest book in bookstore

Haruki Murakami's latest book in bookstore

Renowned Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami's new novel "The Tale of KAHO" hits the shelves at a bookstore in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 3, 2026, upon its midnight release.

Haruki Murakami's latest book in bookstore

Haruki Murakami's latest book in bookstore

Renowned Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami's new novel "The Tale of KAHO" hits the shelves at a bookstore in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 3, 2026, upon its midnight release.

"Confidential birth" at Tokyo hospital

"Confidential birth" at Tokyo hospital

Hitoshi Kato, head of San-Ikukai Hospital in Tokyo, speaks at a press conference at the Tokyo metropolitan government office on July 2, 2026, revealing that seven women had given birth to their babies through the hospital's "confidential birth" system since its launch in March 2025.

"Confidential birth" at Tokyo hospital

"Confidential birth" at Tokyo hospital

Hitoshi Kato, head of San-Ikukai Hospital in Tokyo, speaks at a press conference at the Tokyo metropolitan government office on July 2, 2026, revealing that seven women had given birth to their babies through the hospital's "confidential birth" system since its launch in March 2025.

Japan's first gas-powered mini taxi

Japan's first gas-powered mini taxi

Photo taken on June 26, 2026, in Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, shows Japan's first gas-powered mini taxi. A local taxi company started its commercial operation in the city after the government fully removed restrictions on such taxis.

China: Tiny Gecko Desperately Clings to Car Mirror at High Speed

On June 25, 2026, in Nanjing, Jiangsu, a tiny gecko was filmed clinging to the side of a car's rearview mirror as the vehicle sped down the road. Battered by strong winds, the gecko held on with its toe pads while its tail whipped in the air, in what viewers described as a remarkable display of survival instinct.

China: Duck Carries Trapped Chicken to Safety on Its Back

On June 18, 2026, in Changsha, Hunan, a duck spotted a black chicken stuck on floating weeds near a reservoir wall and swam over to help. The duck let the chicken stand on its back and carried it toward the shore, waiting patiently until the chicken made it safely onto land.

China: Flash Flood Washes Away Farmhouse Bridge in Xinjiang

A flash flood swept away a small bridge connecting a farmhouse restaurant to its parking area in Xinjiang, China, as fast-moving muddy water overwhelmed the structure and carried sections of it downstream. The bridge was reportedly built by the restaurant's owner at his own expense to provide access to the parking area. Local authorities said no casualties were reported.

China: Cow Appears to Have Five Legs After Hooflike Growth Forms on Head

A cow in northeastern China appeared to have five legs after a hooflike growth formed on top of its head, making the animal look unusual from certain angles. The owner said several people had offered large sums of money to buy the cow after seeing its strange appearance online.

China: Stray Cat Saved After Fishhook Removed From Mouth in Dalian

Filmed on June 19, 2026, in Dalian, Liaoning, the video captures a rescue of a stray cat found with a fishhook lodged in its mouth. Working without disinfectant or gloves in an outdoor setting, the rescuer swiftly extracts the hook in a matter of seconds. The brief intervention removes the source of the animal's pain, giving the cat a chance at a healthy life.

Powerful earthquake hits northeastern Japan

Powerful earthquake hits northeastern Japan

Photo taken June 25, 2026, shows a building in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, with its wall damaged by a preliminary-magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the region.

Powerful earthquake hits northeastern Japan

Powerful earthquake hits northeastern Japan

Photo taken June 25, 2026, shows a building in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, with its wall damaged by a preliminary-magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the region.

[Breaking News]Football: 2026 World Cup

NASHVILLE, United States, June 22 Kyodo - Japan football World Cup squad poses for a team photo at its training camp in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, on June 22, 2026. (Kyodo)

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Fans applaud the Portuguese team after its 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in a World Cup Group K football match at Houston Stadium in Houston on June 23, 2026.

China: Man Catches Cat Falling From Building in Sichuan

On June 11, 2026, in Junlian, Yibin, Sichuan, a small cat was filmed dangling from the eaves of a building, unable to climb back up. A man on the street below positioned himself underneath and raised his arms in preparation. When the cat lost its grip and fell, he caught it in both hands before it hit the ground.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Japan's football World Cup squad poses for a team photo at its training camp in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, on June 22, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Japan football World Cup squad poses for a team photo at its training camp in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, on June 22, 2026.

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)

World Cup 2026 – US: Iran’s National Anthem Booed at Los Angeles Stadium Ahead of Belgium Match

The Iranian national anthem was loudly booed by fans at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 21, as Iran faced Belgium in its second FIFA World Cup Group G match.

World Cup 2026 – US: Mexico’s Win Over South Korea Sparks Street Celebrations in L.A.

Mexico secured its place in the World Cup knockout stage with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Guadalajara on Thursday, June 18, sparking large celebrations at watch parties in Los Angeles' Koreatown. While most fans celebrated peacefully, one man was shot in the leg near a watch party on Irolo Street, and the Los Angeles Police Department issued a citywide tactical alert as crowds filled the streets.

[Breaking News]BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

TOKYO, Japan, June 16 Kyodo - Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day policy-setting monetary meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent. (Kyodo)

Disney-themed shinkansen bullet train

Disney-themed shinkansen bullet train

A Tokaido Shinkansen Line bullet train featuring Disney characters is parked at JR Nagoya Station in Nagoya, central Japan, on its inauguration day on June 19, 2026. The Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen, running between Tokyo and Osaka through mid-March 2027, was launched to mark the 25th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo DisneySea.

Disney-themed shinkansen bullet train

Disney-themed shinkansen bullet train

A Tokaido Shinkansen Line bullet train featuring Disney characters is parked at JR Nagoya Station in Nagoya, central Japan, on its inauguration day on June 19, 2026. The Sparkling Dreams Shinkansen, running between Tokyo and Osaka through mid-March 2027, was launched to mark the 25th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo DisneySea.

Japan's emperor in Leiden

Japan's emperor in Leiden

Emperor Naruhito (C) of Japan meets with students and faculty members of Leiden University in its Hortus botanicus, in Leiden, the Netherlands, on June 18, 2026, during his state visit. (Pool photo)

Public-private consortium to disseminate Japanese comics across world

Public-private consortium to disseminate Japanese comics across world

A public-private consortium aimed at disseminating Japan's manga comic culture across the world holds its inaugural meeting in Tokyo on June 18, 2026. The Cultural Affairs Agency-led consortium, participated in by major publishing companies Kodansha Ltd., Shueisha Inc. and Shogakukan Inc., will come up with a framework for making online services of Japanese comics targeting foreign readers commercially viable.

France: Bus Catches Fire Near Porte d’Ivry in Paris 13th Arrondissement

A bus on line 27 caught fire and exploded at its terminus near Porte d'Ivry in Paris' 13th arrondissement on Thursday morning, June 17, sending thick black smoke across the neighborhood. No injuries were reported.

China: Black Cat Lounges on Windowsill in Human-Like Reclining Pose

A black cat was filmed on May 28 in Beijing sprawled across a sunlit windowsill in a pose strikingly similar to a person reclining in a chair. The cat appeared completely relaxed, stretching out its limbs as it basked in the sunlight.

China: Rescuer Carefully Frees Duckling Trapped by Fishing Hook

A wild duckling entangled in fishing line and a hook was carefully freed by a rescuer in Inner Mongolia on June 10. The rescuer slowly approached the distressed bird, removed the barbed hook without causing further injury, and released it back into the water, where it swam off to rejoin its flock.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day monetary policy meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for medical treatment, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-yr high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day monetary policy meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for medical treatment, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ headquarters

BOJ headquarters

The Bank of Japan headquarters is pictured in Tokyo on June 16, 2026. The central bank decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent at a two-day policy meeting that ended that day.

BOJ headquarters

BOJ headquarters

The Bank of Japan headquarters is pictured in Tokyo on June 16, 2026. The central bank decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent at a two-day policy meeting that ended that day.

China: Chimpanzee Trims Its Own Nails at Chongqing Wildlife Park

A chimpanzee at Chongqing Wildlife Park was filmed carefully trimming its own nails with a nail clipper on March 6, holding the tool in its right hand and focusing on its left little finger. The chimpanzee’s movements and facial expression looked very similar to those of a human. It appeared calm and focused while handling the nail clipper.

China: Cat Kneads Contentedly on Patient Dog’s Back in Hubei

A black tabby cat was filmed lying on top of a yellow dog in Hubei province on May 24, kneading the dog's body while wagging its tail. The dog remained completely calm throughout, showing no sign of discomfort as the cat treated it like a cushion.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day policy-setting monetary meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day policy-setting monetary meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

BOJ lifts policy rate to 31-year high of 1.0%

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida speaks at a press conference at the BOJ headquarters in Tokyo on June 16, 2026, following a two-day policy-setting monetary meeting. The central bank, in the absence of Governor Kazuo Ueda who has been hospitalized for treatment of a hepatic cyst infection, decided to lift its key policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.0 percent.

China: Crayfish Fights Desperately to Survive Boiling Pot

On April 30, 2026, inside a restaurant kitchen in Shangqiu, Henan, a lone crayfish was filmed gripping the edge of a pot of boiling red oil with its pincers, tail raised high to avoid the scalding liquid. When the chef added a large plate of other crayfish into the pot, the oil churned and steamed furiously, yet the solitary crayfish continued twisting and arching its body in a desperate fight to stay alive.