[Breaking News]Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

KYOTO, Japan, Feb. 3 Kyodo - Maiko traditional Japanese entertainers scatter roasted beans during a Setsubun bean-throwing event at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto, western Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Kyodo)

Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

Maiko traditional Japanese entertainers scatter roasted beans during a Setsubun bean-throwing event at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto, western Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026.

Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

Bean-throwing event in Kyoto

Maiko traditional Japanese entertainers scatter roasted beans during a Setsubun bean-throwing event at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto, western Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026.

Making of paper charms at Japanese shrine

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, Jan. 14 Kyodo - "Kimenfuda" paper charms depicting ogres are printed at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 14, 2025, ahead of a Feb. 2 bean-scattering ceremony to drive out devils and attract good fortune. (Kyodo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Aomori

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Aomori

A man cleans up a room of a shrine in Hachinohe in the northeastern Japanese prefecture of Aomori on Dec. 9, 2025, following a strong earthquake the previous night.

[Breaking News]Japan PM Ishiba's ritual offering to Yasukuni shrine

TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 17 Kyodo - Video taken at the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2025, shows the "masakaki" ritual offering sent by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for the Shinto shrine's three-day autumn festival. (Kyodo)

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

Ichiro Aisawa (L), leader of a cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers for visiting Yasukuni Shrine, speaks during a press conference after the group's visit to the war-linked Shinto shrine in Tokyo on the occasion of the shrine's three-day autumn festival on Oct. 17, 2025.

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine on the occasion of the Shinto shrine's three-day autumn festival on Oct. 17, 2025.

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine on the occasion of the Shinto shrine's three-day autumn festival on Oct. 17, 2025.

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine on the occasion of the Shinto shrine's three-day autumn festival on Oct. 17, 2025.

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers, including Sanseito party leader Sohei Kamiya (foreground L), visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on the occasion of the Shinto shrine's three-day autumn festival on Oct. 17, 2025.

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

Japan lawmakers visit Yasukuni shrine

A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine on the occasion of the Shinto shrine's three-day autumn festival on Oct. 17, 2025.

Japan PM Ishiba's ritual offering to Yasukuni shrine

Japan PM Ishiba's ritual offering to Yasukuni shrine

Photo taken at the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2025, shows the "masakaki" ritual offering (L) sent by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for the Shinto shrine's three-day autumn festival.

Japan: Historic Kishiwada Danjiri Festival Kicks Off in Osaka With Massive Floats

The annual Kishiwada Danjiri Festival began on September 13 in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, running through September 14. Thirty-four massive wooden floats, each over 4 meters tall and weighing more than 4 tons, raced through the city streets of the Kishiwada and Haruki districts to the spirited chant of “Sorya, Sorya.” Festival participants in matching happi coats pulled the floats with ropes, while “daiku-gata” performers danced atop the roofs with fans. At intersections, the floats performed the festival’s signature “yarimawashi,” a dramatic 90-degree turn executed at high speed, thrilling spectators with cheers. Drums, flutes, and bells added to the festive atmosphere. The festival, held for over 300 years since the Edo period, continues late into the evening on September 13, with a ceremonial shrine visit (“Miyairi”) scheduled on September 14.

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito waves to well-wishers at Ujiyamada Station in Ise in Mie Prefecture on Sept. 8, 2025, after visiting the Ise Jingu shrine in the central Japan city. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito waves to well-wishers at Ujiyamada Station in Ise in Mie Prefecture on Sept. 8, 2025, after visiting the Ise Jingu shrine in the central Japan city. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) arrives at Ujiyamada Station in Ise in Mie Prefecture on Sept. 8, 2025, after visiting the Ise Jingu shrine in the central Japan city. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age.

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age.

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age.

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito (R) visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age. (Pool photo)

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age.

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age.

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japan Prince Hisahito in Ise

Japanese Prince Hisahito visits the Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Sept. 8, 2025, two days after undergoing a series of traditional ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to commemorate his coming of age.

[Breaking News]Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 15 Kyodo - Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. (Kyodo)

Yasukuni shrine

Yasukuni shrine

Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is pictured after visiting the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Sohei Kamiya, head of the opposition Sanseito party, visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. The populist party gained traction in last month's House of Councillors election with its "Japanese first" banner.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Sohei Kamiya, head of the opposition Sanseito party, visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. The populist party gained traction in last month's House of Councillors election with its "Japanese first" banner.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press during her visit to the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Yasukuni shrine visit on end of WWII anniv.

Former Japanese economic security minister Sanae Takaichi visits the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.