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

Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura lays flowers at a cenotaph at the prefectural government office in the city of Kumamoto 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

Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura lays flowers at a cenotaph at the prefectural government office in the city of Kumamoto 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

Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (R) observes a moment of silence at a cenotaph at the prefectural government office in the city of Kumamoto 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.

[Breaking News]Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

KUMAMOTO, Japan, March 17 Kyodo -Video taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy. (Kyodo)

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missile Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto 2

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missile 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.

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.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

People protest near Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on the evening of March 8, 2026, ahead of the scheduled arrival of a GSDF vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Police officers stand guard near Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on the evening of March 8, 2026, ahead of the scheduled arrival of a GSDF vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

Total lunar eclipse

Total lunar eclipse

A total lunar eclipse is seen above Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on March 3, 2026.

Total lunar eclipse

Total lunar eclipse

A total lunar eclipse is seen above Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on March 3, 2026.

Total lunar eclipse

Total lunar eclipse

A total lunar eclipse is seen above Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on March 3, 2026.

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.