Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

Antarctic Treaty meeting in Hiroshima

Ambassador Hideki Uyama (R), from Japan's Foreign Ministry, meets the press in Hiroshima on May 12, 2026, after the opening ceremony of the 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in the western Japan city. The closed meeting, running through May 21, will discuss the peaceful use and environmental protection of Antarctica, with about 30 member countries taking part.

[Breaking News]Rally in support of Constitution

TOKYO, Japan, May 3 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows people rallying to keep Japan's Constitution intact at a park in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday. (Kyodo)

Princess Kako at greenery promotion event

Princess Kako at greenery promotion event

Japan's Princess Kako (L) meets attendees at a greenery promotion event in Tokyo on May 9, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Kako at greenery promotion event

Princess Kako at greenery promotion event

Japan's Princess Kako attends a greenery promotion event in Tokyo on May 9, 2026.

Princess Kako at greenery promotion event

Princess Kako at greenery promotion event

Japan's Princess Kako speaks during a greenery promotion event in Tokyo on May 9, 2026.

Japan: Anti-Globalization Protesters Demand WHO Withdrawal Outside Ministry of Health 2

Protesters gathered outside the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Tokyo on Friday, May 8, calling for Japan's withdrawal from the WHO and opposition to globalism. The demonstration drew prominent speakers and former lawmakers.

Japan's suspected currency intervention

Japan's suspected currency intervention

Photo taken on May 3, 2026, shows Japan's Finance Ministry in Tokyo. The ministry and the Bank of Japan likely spent an additional 4 trillion yen during the Golden Week holiday in early May to arrest the yen's further fall following a yen-buying operation on April 30.

Japan's suspected currency intervention

Japan's suspected currency intervention

Photo taken on March 19, 2026, shows the Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo. The Finance Ministry and the BOJ likely spent an additional 4 trillion yen during the Golden Week holiday in early May to arrest the yen's further fall following a yen-buying operation on April 30.

Conference on press freedom in Zambia

Conference on press freedom in Zambia

Ambassador Yudai Kano, Japan's permanent representative to UNESCO, speaks during an international conference on press freedom hosted by UNESCO in Lusaka, Zambia, on May 4, 2026, to mark World Press Freedom Day.

NPT review conference

NPT review conference

Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, meets the press in New York on May 1, 2026, after addressing the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

NPT review conference

NPT review conference

Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, meets the press in New York on May 1, 2026, after addressing the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

NPT review conference

NPT review conference

Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, meets the press in New York on May 1, 2026, after addressing the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

NPT review conference

NPT review conference

People listen to Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, address the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the U.N. headquarters in New York on May 1, 2026.

Japan: Thousands Gather for Constitution Day Rally in Tokyo 3

Thousands of people gathered at a rally opposing constitutional amendment at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park in Tokyo on Sunday, May 3, Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. They called for opposition to the revision of Article 9 and all forms of war.

Japan: Thousands Gather for Constitution Day Rally in Tokyo 4

Thousands of people gathered at a rally opposing constitutional amendment at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park in Tokyo on Sunday, May 3, Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. They called for opposition to the revision of Article 9 and all forms of war.

Japan: Thousands Gather for Constitution Day Rally in Tokyo 5

Thousands of people gathered at a rally opposing constitutional amendment at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park in Tokyo on Sunday, May 3, Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. They called for opposition to the revision of Article 9 and all forms of war.

Forum in support of amending Constitution

Forum in support of amending Constitution

People in support of amending Japan's Constitution hold a forum in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Forum in support of amending Constitution

Forum in support of amending Constitution

A video message from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is shown during a forum in support of amending Japan's Constitution in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Rally in support of Constitution

Rally in support of Constitution

People rally to keep Japan's Constitution intact at a park in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Rally in support of Constitution

Rally in support of Constitution

People rally to keep Japan's Constitution intact at a park in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Rally in support of Constitution

Rally in support of Constitution

People rally to keep Japan's Constitution intact at a park in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Rally in support of Constitution

Rally in support of Constitution

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows people rallying to keep Japan's Constitution intact at a park in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Rally in support of Constitution

Rally in support of Constitution

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows people rallying to keep Japan's Constitution intact at a park in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Rally in support of Constitution

Rally in support of Constitution

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows people rallying to keep Japan's Constitution intact at a park in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Rally in support of Constitution

Rally in support of Constitution

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows people rallying to keep Japan's Constitution intact at a park in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Rally against amendment of Constitution

Rally against amendment of Constitution

People opposing the proposed amendment of Japan's Constitution rally in Tokyo on May 3, 2026, the Constitution Day national holiday.

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a speech at Vietnam National University in Hanoi on May 2, 2026, to push forward Japan's proposal for promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a speech at Vietnam National University in Hanoi on May 2, 2026, to push forward Japan's proposal for promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a speech at Vietnam National University in Hanoi on May 2, 2026, to push forward Japan's proposal for promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a speech at Vietnam National University in Hanoi on May 2, 2026, to push forward Japan's proposal for promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a speech at Vietnam National University in Hanoi on May 2, 2026, to push forward Japan's proposal for promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japan PM Takaichi in Hanoi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a speech at Vietnam National University in Hanoi on May 2, 2026, to push forward Japan's proposal for promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan: Flood Warnings Issued for Northern Ibaraki as Heavy Rain Hits

The meteorological agency issued flood and heavy rain warnings for Japan's northern Ibaraki cities, including Kitaibaraki, Hitachi, and Takahagi, on Friday, May 1, urging residents to remain alert to flooding and rising rivers.

Hidankyo senior official in New York

Hidankyo senior official in New York

Jiro Hamasumi (3rd from L), secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, holds talks with Do Hung Viet (2nd from R), permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations and president of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 30, 2026.

Ex-Japan PM Kishida in Philippines

Ex-Japan PM Kishida in Philippines

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (front, C) speaks during a visit to a liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas on the Philippines' main island of Luzon on May 1, 2026. The terminal, operated by Japan's Tokyo Gas Co. and local energy provider First Gen, is intended to meet strong power demand in the Philippines.

Boxing: Weigh-in for WBC bantamweight bout

Boxing: Weigh-in for WBC bantamweight bout

WBC bantamweight world champion Takuma Inoue (L) of Japan and challenger Kazuto Ioka of Japan, who is aiming to become Japan's first five-division men's boxing world champion, lock eyes after clearing their weigh-in in Tokyo on May 1, 2026, a day before their title match.

Boxing: Weigh-in for WBC bantamweight bout

Boxing: Weigh-in for WBC bantamweight bout

WBC bantamweight world champion Takuma Inoue (L) of Japan and challenger Kazuto Ioka of Japan, who is aiming to become Japan's first five-division men's boxing world champion, pose after clearing their weigh-in in Tokyo on May 1, 2026, a day before their title match.

Minamata marks 70th anniv. of mercury-poisoning disease

Minamata marks 70th anniv. of mercury-poisoning disease

Japanese Environment Minister Hirotaka Ishihara delivers a speech at a memorial service for the victims of Minamata disease in Minamata, Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 1, 2026, the 70th anniversary of Japan's official recognition of the mercury-poisoning disease caused by industrial pollution.

Minamata marks 70th anniv. of mercury-poisoning disease

Minamata marks 70th anniv. of mercury-poisoning disease

Japanese Environment Minister Hirotaka Ishihara (2nd from R) meets with members of a Minamata disease suffers group in Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on May 1, 2026, the 70th anniversary of Japan's official recognition of the mercury-poisoning disease caused by industrial pollution. (Pool photo)

Japan's intervention to stem yen's fall vs. dollar

Japan's intervention to stem yen's fall vs. dollar

A monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo on May 1, 2026, shows a graph of dollar/yen exchange rate movements, including the dollar's sudden plunge on April 30. Japanese authorities intervened in the currency market that day to stem the dollar's surge to the upper 160 yen range, government sources said.

Japan's intervention to stem yen's fall vs. dollar

Japan's intervention to stem yen's fall vs. dollar

A monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo on May 1, 2026, shows a graph of dollar/yen exchange rate movements, including the dollar's sudden plunge on April 30. Japanese authorities intervened in the currency market that day to stem the dollar's surge to the upper 160 yen range, government sources said.

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Photo taken on Aug. 14, 2016, shows Japan's Kei Nishikori holding his bronze medal during the awards ceremony for the men's singles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. On April 30, 2026, the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 said on social media that he will retire at the end of the season.

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Photo taken in Melbourne on Jan. 13, 2026, shows Japan's Kei Nishikori practicing ahead of an Australian Open men's singles qualifier. On April 30, 2026, the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 said on social media that he will retire at the end of the season.

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2014, shows Japan's Kei Nishikori in action against Marin Cilic of Croatia in their U.S. Open final in New York. On April 30, 2026, the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 said on social media that he will retire at the end of the season.

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Photo taken on July 10, 2019, shows Japan's Kei Nishikori in action against Roger Federer of Switzerland in their Wimbledon quarterfinal in London. On April 30, 2026, the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 said on social media that he will retire at the end of the season.

Hidankyo secretary general in New York

Hidankyo secretary general in New York

Jiro Hamasumi (L), secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, holds talks with U.N. Undersecretary General for disarmament affairs Izumi Nakamitsu (R) at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 29, 2026. Hamasumi, who was exposed to radiation from the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing while still in his mother's womb, visited New York to observe the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

NPT review conference in New York

NPT review conference in New York

Toshiko Hamanaka (R), assistant secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, speaks about her experience of the bombing at an event in New York on April 29, 2026. The event, hosted by four anti-nuclear organizations in Japan, coincides with the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons held at the U.N. headquarters.

Atomic bomb exhibition in New York

Atomic bomb exhibition in New York

Toshiko Hamanaka (far R), assistant secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, speaks about her experience of the bombing at an event in New York on April 29, 2026. The event, hosted by four anti-nuclear organizations in Japan, coincides with the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons held at the U.N. headquarters.

NPT review conference kicks off

NPT review conference kicks off

Jiro Hamasumi (C), secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, observes the opening day of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 27, 2026. Hamasumi was exposed to radiation from the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing while still in his mother's womb.

Atomic bomb exhibition in New York

Atomic bomb exhibition in New York

Jiro Hamasumi, (C) secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, and others pose for a photo at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 27, 2026, the opening day of an exhibition, commemorating 80 years since the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. The exhibition, sponsored by Hidankyo, coincides with the start of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the U.N. headquarters.