Rare Blue Moon Closes Out May, Doubling as Micromoon

The second full moon of May, known as a Blue Moon, reached peak illumination on Sunday, May 31, the only Blue Moon of 2026. The celestial event, which occurs roughly every two to three years, also qualified as a micromoon, as the moon was farther from Earth than average, making it appear slightly smaller than usual.

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)

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

KUMAMOTO, Japan, April 16 Kyodo - A memorial ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, is held in Kumamoto city on April 16, 2026. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016. (Kyodo)

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

A memorial ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, is held in Kumamoto city on April 16, 2026. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

A memorial ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, is held in Kumamoto city on April 16, 2026. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

A memorial ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, is held in Kumamoto city on April 16, 2026. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

Solaseed Air plane for quake recovery

Solaseed Air plane for quake recovery

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, at Kumamoto airport in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, shows the image of Kumamoto Castle emblazoned on the body of a Solaseed Air plane. The special airplane, Go Forward Kumamoto, is aimed at supporting efforts to promote tourism and recovery from the two devastating earthquakes that hit the prefecture in April 2016.

Solaseed Air plane for quake recovery

Solaseed Air plane for quake recovery

Photo taken on April 14, 2026, at Kumamoto airport in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, shows the image of Kumamoto Castle emblazoned on the body of a Solaseed Air plane. The special airplane, Go Forward Kumamoto, is aimed at supporting efforts to promote tourism and recovery from the two devastating earthquakes that hit the prefecture in April 2016.

Solaseed Air plane for quake recovery

Solaseed Air plane for quake recovery

A ceremony is held at Kumamoto airport in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on April 14, 2026, to mark the launch of a Solaseed Air plane emblazoned with images of Kumamoto Castle and other sightseeing spots of the prefecture. The special airplane, Go Forward Kumamoto, is aimed at supporting efforts to promote tourism and recovery from the two devastating earthquakes that hit the prefecture in April 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Bamboo lanterns are lit in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first of a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Candles are lit in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first of a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo shows a memorial message beside bamboo lanterns lit in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first of a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

A man prays at a memorial park in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first in a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

People observe a moment of silence at a memorial park in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first in a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo shows flowers at a memorial park in the Kumamoto Prefecture town of Mashiki on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first in a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

People, including Mashiki Mayor Hironori Nishimura (far L), observe a moment of silence at a memorial park in the Kumamoto Prefecture town on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first in a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

People, including Mashiki Mayor Hironori Nishimura (far L), observe a moment of silence at a memorial park in the Kumamoto Prefecture town on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first in a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

People lay flowers at a memorial park in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first in a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo taken in Minamiaso, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 13, 2026, shows a bridge that was rebuilt in 2021 after collapsing in a pair of massive earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture 10 years earlier. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo taken in Minamiaso, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 13, 2026, shows a bridge that was rebuilt in 2021 after collapsing in a pair of massive earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture 10 years earlier. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo shows Kumamoto Castle still under repair in Kumamoto on April 13, 2026, the eve of the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Kumamoto Castle is illuminated in Kumamoto on April 13, 2026, the eve of the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo shows Kumamoto Castle still under repair in Kumamoto on April 13, 2026, the eve of the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Kumamoto Castle is illuminated in Kumamoto on April 13, 2026, the eve of the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo shows Kumamoto Castle (back, L) in Kumamoto on April 13, 2026, the eve of the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo shows Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto on April 13, 2026, the eve of the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Photo shows Kumamoto Castle (back) in Kumamoto on April 13, 2026, the eve of the 10th anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in the southwestern Japan prefecture. A total of 278 people were killed in Kumamoto and Oita prefectures in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Japan: JASDF Blue Impulse Flyover to Mark 10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team, Blue Impulse, performed a flyover above Kumamoto City on Saturday, April 11, to mark 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake, which struck the region with magnitude 6.5 and 7.3 tremors.

Japan: JASDF Blue Impulse Flyover to Mark 10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake 2

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team, Blue Impulse, performed a flyover above Kumamoto City on Saturday, April 11, to mark 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake, which struck the region with magnitude 6.5 and 7.3 tremors.

Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missiles Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missiles launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

Controlled grassland burn on Mt. Aso

Controlled grassland burn on Mt. Aso

Photo taken on Feb. 21, 2026, shows a controlled burn on the Kusasenri grasslands, a tourist spot on Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Controlled grassland burn on Mt. Aso

Controlled grassland burn on Mt. Aso

Photo taken on Feb. 21, 2026, shows a controlled burn on the Kusasenri grasslands, a tourist spot on Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Controlled grassland burn on Mt. Aso

Controlled grassland burn on Mt. Aso

Photo taken on Feb. 21, 2026, shows a controlled burn on the Kusasenri grasslands, a tourist spot on Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Controlled grassland burn on Mt. Aso

Controlled grassland burn on Mt. Aso

Photo taken on Feb. 21, 2026, shows a controlled burn on the Kusasenri grasslands, a tourist spot on Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

ASO, Japan, Jan. 21 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Jan. 20, 2026, shows the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after a sightseeing helicopter went missing earlier in the day. (Kyodo)

Helicopter accident on Mt. Aso

Helicopter accident on Mt. Aso

Firefighters wear gas masks in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, as they prepare to resume a rescue and recovery mission for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso, on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Japan Transport Safety Board officer Keisuke Tanoue meets the press in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026, after a sightseeing helicopter went missing in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Aso Helicopter missing

Aso Helicopter missing

Police officers and firefighters walk toward an area near a crater on Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, to search for a sightseeing helicopter that went missing on Jan. 20.

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

Search for missing helicopter on Mt. Aso

A police rescue vehicle heads to Mt. Aso in Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2026, after wreckage believed to be of the sightseeing helicopter that went missing the previous day was found in the crater area of Mt. Nakadake, one of the peaks of Mt. Aso.