Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

SHANGHAI, China, April 15 Kyodo - Video taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai, unveiled to the media the same day. The U.S. electric vehicle maker began shipments from the factory at the end of 2019 as its first overseas manufacturing base. (Kyodo)

China: Green Parrot With Impressive Handstand Skills in Jiangsu

On December 21, 2025, in Jiangsu Province, a video captured a green parrot on its 52nd day in its new home. Despite not having spoken a single word yet, the bird devoted all its energy to physical “training.” Perched upside down on the owner’s palm, the parrot held a perfect handstand, keeping its body rigid and pulling in its tiny claws.

China: Trapped Black-Faced Spoonbill Freed From Fishing Line in Lushan

On December 13, 2025, in Lushan, Jiangxi, a video captured a black faced spoonbill whose beak and wings had been tightly tangled in a fishing line. The bird thrashed in the shallow water, clearly exhausted and unable to free itself. Two anglers approached slowly and patiently worked to loosen the thin but stubborn line from its beak and feathers. After several moments of careful handling, the line was finally removed and the spoonbill was no longer restrained.

[Breaking News]20th birthday of popular mascot Hikonyan

HIKONE, Japan, April 13 Kyodo - Hikonyan, the popular samurai helmet-wearing cat mascot of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, appears at a special event marking its 20th birthday in the western Japan city of Hikone on April 13, 2026. (Kyodo)

China: Smart Samoyed Opens and Closes Front Door on Its Own to Welcome Owner Home

On March 2, 2026, in Jiangsu, eastern China, a Samoyed named Pidan was filmed opening the front door on its own by standing on its hind legs and pressing down on the handle upon hearing its owner return home. The dog then obediently closed the door again after its owner asked it to do so.

China: Two-Headed Illusion Stuns Viewers as Lizard Crawls Across Owner’s Palm

On December 8, 2025, in Hebei, China, the video captured a pet lizard displaying what looked like two heads as it moved slowly across its owner’s palm. The footage showed the creature lifting both ends of its body as if each were attempting to lead the crawl, creating the striking illusion of dual heads. The regenerated tail, which had grown thick and rounded after a previous self-detachment, closely resembled the actual head, making the reptile appear anatomically doubled.

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai, unveiled to the media the same day. The U.S. electric vehicle maker began shipments from the factory at the end of 2019 as its first overseas manufacturing base.

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai, unveiled to the media the same day. The U.S. electric vehicle maker began shipments from the factory at the end of 2019 as its first overseas manufacturing base.

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai, unveiled to the media the same day. The U.S. electric vehicle maker began shipments from the factory at the end of 2019 as its first overseas manufacturing base.

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai, unveiled to the media the same day. The U.S. electric vehicle maker began shipments from the factory at the end of 2019 as its first overseas manufacturing base.

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai, unveiled to the media the same day. The U.S. electric vehicle maker began shipments from the factory at the end of 2019 as its first overseas manufacturing base.

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Tesla unveils Shanghai factory to media

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, shows a Tesla Inc. factory in Shanghai, unveiled to the media the same day. The U.S. electric vehicle maker began shipments from the factory at the end of 2019 as its first overseas manufacturing base.

Nissan releases long-term vision

Nissan releases long-term vision

Nissan Motor Co. CEO Ivan Espinosa releases a long-term management vision during a briefing session in Yokohama near Tokyo on April 14, 2026, alongside its new X-Trail (R) sport utility vehicle and new all-electric Juke sport utility vehicle.

Nissan's new X-Trail sport utility vehicle

Nissan's new X-Trail sport utility vehicle

Nissan Motor Co. unveils its new all-electric Juke sport utility vehicle in Yokohama near Tokyo on April 14, 2026, part of the automaker's long-term management vision.

Nissan's new X-Trail sport utility vehicle

Nissan's new X-Trail sport utility vehicle

Nissan Motor Co. unveils its new X-Trail sport utility vehicle in Yokohama near Tokyo on April 14, 2026, part of the automaker's long-term management vision.

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - People stroll at the Japan Mint head office in Osaka on April 9, 2026, as its 560-meter-long, tree-lined path opens to the public for annual cherry blossom viewing through April 15. More than 300,000 visitors are expected for the event, which began in 1883. (Kyodo)

20th birthday of popular mascot Hikonyan

20th birthday of popular mascot Hikonyan

Hikonyan, the popular samurai helmet-wearing cat mascot of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, appears at a special event marking its 20th birthday in the western Japan city of Hikone on April 13, 2026.

China: Truck Carries Dog in Its Own House During Holiday Return Trip in Tianjin

On February 7, 2026, in Tianjin, a video recorded a small truck traveling along the road during the holiday return journey. In the back of the truck sat a large doghouse that took up about half of the cargo bed. Inside the doghouse, a dog stood calmly and looked out at the passing surroundings. Rather than sitting exposed in the open truck bed, the dog remained inside its own familiar shelter during the ride.

Basketball: woman's league

Basketball: woman's league

Players of Denso Iris pose for a photo after the team won its maiden Women's Japan Basketball League title with a victory over Toyota Antelopes in the best-of-five finals in Chofu, Tokyo, on April 12, 2026.

Basketball: woman's league

Basketball: woman's league

Players of Denso Iris pose for a photo after the team won its maiden Women's Japan Basketball League title with a victory over Toyota Antelopes in the best-of-five finals in Chofu, Tokyo, on April 12, 2026.

Film director Oshima's 1977 trial

Film director Oshima's 1977 trial

TOKYO, Japan, April 10 Kyodo - Japanese film director Nagisa Oshima enters the Tokyo District Court on Dec. 21, 1977, for the first hearing of his trial related to a book on his erotic art film "In the Realm of the Senses." Oshima, along with Kazui Takemura, president of San-Ichi Shobo Publishing Inc., was charged with distributing obscene materials contained in the book, including photographs of sexually explicit scenes from the 1976 film and its script.

Film director Oshima's trial in 1970s

Film director Oshima's trial in 1970s

TOKYO, Japan, April 10 Kyodo - Japanese film director Nagisa Oshima holds a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 19, 1979, after the Tokyo District Court found him not guilty in his trial related to a book on his erotic art film "In the Realm of the Senses." Oshima, along with Kazui Takemura, president of San-Ichi Shobo Publishing Inc., was charged with distributing obscene materials contained in the book, including photographs of sexually explicit scenes from the 1976 film and its script.

UK: Pro-Palestine Protesters Storm Ministry of Defence, Confront Royal Navy Officers

Pro-Palestine demonstrators stormed toward the Ministry of Defence in London on Friday, April 10 charging at Royal Navy officers entering the building and shouting insults including "baby killers" and "cowards." Police intervened to prevent entry as the MoD raised its blast doors.

[Breaking News]Ancient cherry tree in Japan

MIHARU, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu." (Kyodo)

China: Ewe Rushes Across Field to Reunite With Lost Newborn Lamb After Hearing Cries

On March 31, 2026, in Nanjing, Jiangsu, a video captured a newborn lamb lying alone in tall grass, bleating helplessly after becoming separated from its mother. After hearing its cries, the ewe appeared in the distance, instinctively responding and running across the field to reunite with her lamb.

Fast Retailing revises up earnings

Fast Retailing revises up earnings

Tadashi Yanai, chairman of Fast Retailing Co., the operator of the Uniqlo clothing chain, speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, after the company revised upward its consolidated net profit projection for the year ending in August 2026 from 450 billion yen to 480 billion yen.

Seven & i Holdings to delay listing of U.S. unit

Seven & i Holdings to delay listing of U.S. unit

Seven & i Holdings Co. President Stephen Dacus holds a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, after the company decided to postpone the listing of its U.S. 7-Eleven convenience store business unit from its planned schedule in calendar 2026 to fiscal 2027.

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

People stroll at the Japan Mint head office in Osaka on April 9, 2026, as its 560-meter-long, tree-lined path opens to the public for annual cherry blossom viewing through April 15. More than 300,000 visitors are expected for the event, which began in 1883.

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A full-bloomed cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years is illuminated in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

Ancient cherry tree in Japan

A cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old comes into full bloom in Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 8, 2026. With its flowers spreading in all directions from the branches, the government-protected tree is known as the "waterfall cherry tree of Miharu."

Japan: Imperial Family Visits Fukushima on 15th Earthquake Anniversary

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko visited Fukushima Prefecture on April 6 and 7, marking the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. It was Princess Aiko's first visit to the prefecture. As the motorcade made its way to Fukushima Station at the conclusion of the visit, the imperial family was seen waving to crowds gathered along the route.

Japan: Two Ducks Glide Through Carpet of Cherry Blossoms on Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Walk

Two ducks were spotted gliding through a hanaikada — a "flower raft" of fallen cherry blossom petals — on the canal along Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk. The phenomenon occurs when petals shed from the canal's cherry trees settle on the water's surface, forming a continuous pink carpet. The Philosopher's Walk is one of Kyoto's most celebrated spring destinations, with hundreds of cherry trees lining its approximately two-kilometer path.

Japan parliament enacts FY 2026 budget

Japan parliament enacts FY 2026 budget

Japan's parliament enacts a record 122.31 trillion yen budget for fiscal 2026 with its passage through the House of Councillors in Tokyo on April 7, 2026.

Japan parliament enacts FY 2026 budget

Japan parliament enacts FY 2026 budget

Japan's parliament enacts a record 122.31 trillion yen budget for fiscal 2026 with its passage through the House of Councillors in Tokyo on April 7, 2026.

China: Too Lazy to Move, Cat Dips Paw Into Water Bowl to Drink in Beijing

On March 16, 2026, in Beijing, a video recorded a pet cat lying lazily on top of a table. A bowl of water was placed nearby within reach. Instead of getting up properly, the cat stretched out one paw and dipped it into the water. It then drank the water from its wet paw while keeping its body low and barely moving.

China: Confused Monkey Struggles to Put On Shirt in Leshan, Sichuan

On March 27, 2026, in Leshan, Sichuan province, a video recorded a monkey sitting on a wooden post while wearing a white piece of clothing. However, the monkey could not get its arms properly into the sleeves. It tugged, twisted, and fidgeted in place, looking increasingly confused and impatient as it tried to arrange the shirt.

Yield on key gov't bond tops 2.4%

Yield on key gov't bond tops 2.4%

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.4 percent on the morning of April 6, 2026. The yield later hit 2.425 percent, its highest level since February 1999, reflecting growing uncertainty over the global oil market amid the continuing Iran crisis.

Yield on key gov't bond tops 2.4%

Yield on key gov't bond tops 2.4%

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.4 percent on the morning of April 6, 2026. The yield later hit 2.425 percent, its highest level since February 1999, reflecting growing uncertainty over the global oil market amid the continuing Iran crisis.

Yield on key gov't bond tops 2.4%

Yield on key gov't bond tops 2.4%

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.4 percent on the morning of April 6, 2026. The yield later hit 2.425 percent, its highest level since February 1999, reflecting growing uncertainty over the global oil market amid the continuing Iran crisis.

Yield on key gov't bond tops 2.4%

Yield on key gov't bond tops 2.4%

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.4 percent on the morning of April 6, 2026. The yield later hit 2.425 percent, its highest level since February 1999, reflecting growing uncertainty over the global oil market amid the continuing Iran crisis.

Meeting of BOJ branch managers

Meeting of BOJ branch managers

The Bank of Japan holds a meeting of its branch managers at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on April 6, 2026, with BOJ head Kazuo Ueda in attendance.

[Breaking News]New coronavirus

NARITA, Japan, April 10 Kyodo - Video taken on April 10, 2020, shows Narita airport near Tokyo. One of its runways will be closed for the time being from April 12, 2020, due to dwindling flights traced to the global coronavirus pandemic. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Snowboard champ Fukada enters Toyota

TOYOTA, Japan, April 2 Kyodo - Milan Cortina Olympics snowboard champion Mari Fukada poses with her women's slopestyle gold medal after attending a Toyota Motor Corp. ceremony to welcome its new employees in Toyota in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on April 1, 2026. (Kyodo)

Yield on key gov't bond hits 2.4%

Yield on key gov't bond hits 2.4%

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on the newly issued benchmark 10-year government bond rising to 2.4 percent on the morning of April 6, 2026. The yield briefly hit 2.410 percent, its highest level since February 1999, reflecting growing uncertainty over the global oil market amid the continuing Iran crisis.

US: Powerful Storms Batter Oklahoma, Bringing Heavy Rain and Tornado Warnings 2

Severe thunderstorms swept through Oklahoma on Friday, April 3, bringing tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, and wind gusts of up to 70 mph that left thousands of customers without power across the region. A possible tornado formed near OKC Will Rogers International Airport, prompting evacuation of its terminal.

US: Tornado Sirens Blare as Severe Storms Sweep Through Oklahoma

Severe thunderstorms swept through Oklahoma on Friday, April 3, bringing tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, and wind gusts of up to 70 mph that left thousands of customers without power across the region. A possible tornado formed near OKC Will Rogers International Airport, prompting evacuation of its terminal. This video shows tornado sirens blaring in Moore.

US: Tornado Sirens Blare as Severe Storms Sweep Through Oklahoma 2

Severe thunderstorms swept through Oklahoma on Friday, April 3, bringing tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, and wind gusts of up to 70 mph that left thousands of customers without power across the region. A possible tornado formed near OKC Will Rogers International Airport, prompting evacuation of its terminal. This video shows tornado sirens blaring near OKC Will Rogers International Airport.

US: Powerful Storms Batter Oklahoma, Bringing Heavy Rain and Tornado Warnings

Severe thunderstorms swept through Oklahoma on Friday, April 3, bringing tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, and wind gusts of up to 70 mph that left thousands of customers without power across the region. A possible tornado formed near OKC Will Rogers International Airport, prompting evacuation of its terminal.