Cherry blossoms reflected in water

Cherry blossoms reflected in water

KURUME, Japan - A cherry tree known as Asai no Ippon Zakura is seen in bloom and illuminated up on a trial basis in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, on March 31, 2014. Its image is reflected in the water.

New cancer vaccine center head

New cancer vaccine center head

FUKUOKA, Japan - Photo taken Aug. 2, 2013 in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, shows Kyogo Ito, who assumed the post of first director at Kurume University Cancer Vaccine Center that opened in the city in July.

Downpour in Kyushu

Downpour in Kyushu

KURUME, Japan - People look at farmland inundated due to torrential rain in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, on July 14, 2012.

Actress Tanaka invites tourists to hometown Kurume

Actress Tanaka invites tourists to hometown Kurume

FUKUOKA, Japan - Actress Lena Tanaka poses for photos in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Nov. 9, 2010, after being designated as a special tourism ambassador by the government of her hometown.

Bigger the sash, bigger the election win in Japan?

Bigger the sash, bigger the election win in Japan?

FUKUOKA, Japan - Veteran Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Kunio Hatoyama, wearing a wide sash bearing his name, shakes hands with his supporters in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Aug. 18, the start of the official campaign for the Aug. 30 general election. Most candidates including veteran politicians wear name sashes in elections in Japan. Many of Hatoyama's supporters wear headbands that read ''Victory,'' another practice that is commonly seen in elections in Japan.

LDP's Aramaki wins Fukuoka Pref. lower house by-election

LDP's Aramaki wins Fukuoka Pref. lower house by-election

KURUME, Japan - Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) candidate Ryuzo Aramaki, 30, shouts ''banzai'' in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Oct. 27 as he emerges the winner of a House of Representatives by-election in the Fukuoka No. 6 constituency.