Japan: America’s 250th Independence Day Celebration Held in Tokyo

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo hosted a celebration in Odaiba on Thursday, July 3, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge were illuminated in red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag, while fireworks lit up the night sky and a drone show displayed the faces of Prime Minister Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Japan's emperor in Amsterdam

Japan's emperor in Amsterdam

Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands pose for a photo in front of the Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," which is currently undergoing restoration, at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on June 18, 2026, during his state visit.

Japan's emperor in Amsterdam

Japan's emperor in Amsterdam

Emperor Naruhito (C) of Japan and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands pose for a photo in front of the Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," which is currently undergoing restoration, at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on June 18, 2026, during his state visit.

Japan's emperor in Amsterdam

Japan's emperor in Amsterdam

Emperor Naruhito (R) of Japan views the restoration work of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" alongside Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on June 18, 2026, during his state visit.

Japan: Arima Inari Shrine Engulfed in Fire, Priest Couple Hurt 2

A fire broke out late Tuesday night, June 9 at Arima Inari Shrine near the Arima Onsen hot spring resort in Kobe, Japan, destroying the shrine office and other structures. The head priest and his wife, both in their 80s, sustained minor injuries, while guests at a nearby hotel were temporarily evacuated to a sister property. Firefighters faced significant challenges reaching the site due to approximately 200 steps leading to the shrine, and it took around five hours to fully extinguish the blaze.

Japan: Arima Inari Shrine Engulfed in Fire, Priest Couple Hurt

A fire broke out late Tuesday night, June 9 at Arima Inari Shrine near the Arima Onsen hot spring resort in Kobe, Japan, destroying the shrine office and other structures. The head priest and his wife, both in their 80s, sustained minor injuries, while guests at a nearby hotel were temporarily evacuated to a sister property. Firefighters faced significant challenges reaching the site due to approximately 200 steps leading to the shrine, and it took around five hours to fully extinguish the blaze.

Japan: Typhoon Jangmi’s Violent Winds Bring Down Trees in Their Path 3

This video shows a tree downed by strong winds in Takamatsu city on Tuesday night, June 2. Typhoon Jangmi brought heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds to wide areas of Japan, making landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3.

Japan: Red Tide Turns Sea Surface Crimson off Aichi Coast

A rare red tide was confirmed off the coast of Aichi Prefecture on Friday, May 22, caused by a bloom of bioluminescent plankton known as Noctiluca, or sea sparkle. While the red tide turned the sea surface crimson during the day, the same plankton lit up the shoreline in glowing blue at night.

Japan: Noctiluca Lights Up Aichi Coastline in Glowing Blue After Red Tide

A rare red tide was confirmed off the coast of Aichi Prefecture on Friday, May 22, caused by a bloom of bioluminescent plankton known as Noctiluca, or sea sparkle. While the red tide turned the sea surface crimson during the day, the same plankton lit up the shoreline in glowing blue at night.

Return rush of Golden Week travelers in Japan

Return rush of Golden Week travelers in Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Tokyo-bound lanes on the Tomei Expressway packed with vehicles near the Ebina service area in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on the night of May 6, 2026, the final day of the Golden Week holidays.

Return rush of Golden Week travelers in Japan

Return rush of Golden Week travelers in Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Tokyo-bound lanes on the Tomei Expressway packed with vehicles near the Ebina service area in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on the night of May 6, 2026, the final day of the Golden Week holidays.

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

HACHINOHE, Japan, April 21 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News plane on April 20, 2026, shows a night view of the coastal city of Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, following the issuance of a tsunami warning after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted northeastern and northern Japan. (Kyodo)

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane on April 20, 2026, shows a night view of the coastal city of Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, following the issuance of a tsunami warning after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted northeastern and northern Japan.

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane on April 20, 2026, shows a night view of the coastal city of Kuji in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, following the issuance of a tsunami warning after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted northeastern and northern Japan.

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane on April 20, 2026, shows a night view of the coastal city of Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, following the issuance of a tsunami warning after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted northeastern and northern Japan.

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane on April 20, 2026, shows a night view of the coastal city of Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, following the issuance of a tsunami warning after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted northeastern and northern Japan.

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

M7.7 quake jolts northeastern, northern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane on April 20, 2026, shows a night view of the coastal city of Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, following the issuance of a tsunami warning after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted northeastern and northern Japan.

Japan: Illuminated Cherry Blossom Trees Line Iino River in Full Bloom in Aichi

On March 30, 2026, cherry blossom trees lining approximately 100 meters along the Iino River in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan were captured glowing under illumination as the flowers reached full bloom. The light-up event runs until April 5.

Kiyomizu temple lit up in Kyoto

Kiyomizu temple lit up in Kyoto

Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, western Japan, is lit up during a test event on March 26, 2026, a day before the start of its spring special night viewing through April 5.

Kiyomizu temple lit up in Kyoto

Kiyomizu temple lit up in Kyoto

Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, western Japan, is lit up during a test event on March 26, 2026, a day before the start of its spring special night viewing through April 5.

Kiyomizu temple lit up in Kyoto

Kiyomizu temple lit up in Kyoto

Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, western Japan, is lit up during a test event on March 26, 2026, a day before the start of its spring special night viewing through April 5.

Japan: Tokyo’s Iconic Rikugien Weeping Cherry Tree Reaches Full Bloom

Rikugi-en Garden in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is home to a stunning weeping cherry tree that becomes one of the city's most beloved cherry blossom spots each spring. The large, centuries-old tree is beautifully illuminated at night during the blooming season, creating a magical atmosphere reflected in the garden's traditional pond. The contrast between the delicate pink blossoms and the classical Japanese landscape makes it a must-visit destination for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo.

U.S. helicopter lands at Okinawa baseball field

U.S. helicopter lands at Okinawa baseball field

A U.S. military UH-1 helicopter is pictured on the night of March 6, 2026, following an emergency landing at a baseball field in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, while a youth team was practicing there.

U.S. helicopter lands at Okinawa baseball field

U.S. helicopter lands at Okinawa baseball field

Photo taken on March 7, 2026, shows a baseball field in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, following an emergency landing of a U.S. military UH-1 helicopter the previous night while a youth team was practicing there.

U.S. helicopter lands at Okinawa baseball field

U.S. helicopter lands at Okinawa baseball field

Photo taken on the night of March 6, 2026, shows a baseball field in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, following an emergency landing of a U.S. military UH-1 helicopter the same day while a youth team was practicing there.

Japan PM Takaichi speaks on attack on Iran

Japan PM Takaichi speaks on attack on Iran

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo late at night on Feb. 28, 2026, after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

Japan PM Takaichi speaks on attack on Iran

Japan PM Takaichi speaks on attack on Iran

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo late at night on Feb. 28, 2026, after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

Japan PM Takaichi speaks on attack on Iran

Japan PM Takaichi speaks on attack on Iran

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo late at night on Feb. 28, 2026, after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

Japan PM Takaichi speaks on attack on Iran

Japan PM Takaichi speaks on attack on Iran

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo late at night on Feb. 28, 2026, after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

Japan: 20 Trapped in Elevator at Tokyo Skytree, 1,200 Stranded on Observation Deck

Twenty people, including two children, were trapped in an elevator at Tokyo Skytree on Sunday night, February 22. About 1,200 visitors were also temporarily stranded on the observation deck. Those trapped were safely rescued early Monday after about five hours. The facility closed Monday for inspections. This video shows visitors stranded in the observatory tower following the incident.

Japan: Fireball Spotted Across Greater Tokyo Area

A bright fireball was spotted in the night sky across the Greater Tokyo Area on Monday, February 9.

Japan: Self Defense Force Requested for Spreading Wildfire in Western Saitama

A wildfire that was initially contained after breaking out in Chichibu, western Saitama, on Wednesday, February 4, expanded to 40 hectares after reigniting Thursday night. The prefectural government was prompted to request the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces on Friday to combat the spreading blaze.

US: Bright Streak Observed Over California as SpaceX Crew-11 Re-enters

A bright streak was observed across the night sky over Southern California early Thursday, January 15 as the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying four astronauts made its fiery re-entry before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego. The capsule returned NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, along with Japan’s Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, ending the Crew-11 mission about a month early due to a non-emergency medical condition affecting one crew member. NASA said the astronaut was stable and brought back to Earth for further evaluation.

[Breaking News]Aftermath of strong earthquake in Aomori Pref.

HACHINOHE, Japan, Dec. 10 Kyodo - Video taken on Dec. 9, 2025, shows a collapsed stone lantern at a shrine in Hachinohe in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Aomori, following a strong earthquake the previous night. (Kyodo)

Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

HACHINOHE, Japan, Dec. 9 Kyodo - Workers remove broken glass from a restaurant in Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 9, 2025, following a strong earthquake the previous night. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

HACHINOHE, Japan, Dec. 9 Kyodo - A worker cleans up inside a commercial facility in Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 9, 2025, following a strong earthquake the previous night. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

HACHINOHE, Japan, Dec. 9 Kyodo - A torii gate at a shrine lies toppled in Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 9, 2025, following a strong earthquake the previous night. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

TOHOKU, Japan, Dec. 9 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News airplane on Dec. 9, 2025, shows a collapsed road in Tohoku in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, following a strong earthquake that struck the region the previous night. (Kyodo)

Geminid meteor shower

Geminid meteor shower

The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks over Cape Toi in Kushima, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of Dec. 15, 2025, with shooting stars lighting up the night sky.

Geminid meteor shower

Geminid meteor shower

The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks over Cape Toi in Kushima, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 14, 2025, with shooting stars lighting up the night sky.

Geminid meteor shower

Geminid meteor shower

The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks over Cape Toi in Kushima, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 14, 2025, with shooting stars lighting up the night sky.

Geminid meteor shower

Geminid meteor shower

The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks over Cape Toi in Kushima, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 14, 2025, with shooting stars lighting up the night sky.

Geminid meteor shower

Geminid meteor shower

The annual Geminid meteor shower peaks over Cape Toi in Kushima, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 14, 2025, with shooting stars lighting up the night sky.

Geminid meteor shower

Geminid meteor shower

Composite photo shows shooting stars lighting up the night sky over Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Dec. 14, 2025, as the annual Geminid meteor shower peaks.