Japan crown prince at high school cultural festival

Japan crown prince at high school cultural festival

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito (C, L) and Crown Princess Kiko (C, R) watch a parade during a national high school cultural festival in Akita, northeastern Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Japan crown prince at high school cultural festival

Japan crown prince at high school cultural festival

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito addresses the opening ceremony of a national high school cultural festival in Akita, northeastern Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Tennis: Nishikori

Tennis: Nishikori

Kei Nishikori of Japan practices in Washington on July 26, 2026, a day before his first-round match at the Mubadala DC Open. The Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 announced on social media in April that he will retire at the end of the season.

Tennis: Nishikori and Osaka

Tennis: Nishikori and Osaka

Kei Nishikori (L) and Naomi Osaka of Japan pose for photos in Washington on July 26, 2026. Nishikori, a Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4, held a press conference the same day for the first time he announced on social media in April that he will retire at the end of the season.

Tennis: Nishikori

Tennis: Nishikori

Kei Nishikori of Japan speaks at a press conference in Washington on July 26, 2026. It is his first press conference since the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 announced on social media in April that he will retire at the end of the season.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

People celebrate at a public viewing site in Kashihara in Nara Prefecture on July 26, 2026, after UNESCO decided earlier in the day in Busan, South Korea, to add a group of ancient sites in the western Japan prefecture's Asuka-Fujiwara area, including Kashihara, to its World Heritage list.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

People celebrate at a public viewing site in Kashihara in Nara Prefecture on July 26, 2026, after UNESCO decided earlier in the day in Busan, South Korea, to add a group of ancient sites in the western Japan prefecture's Asuka-Fujiwara area, including Kashihara, to its World Heritage list.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

People celebrate at a public viewing site in Kashihara in Nara Prefecture on July 26, 2026, after UNESCO decided earlier in the day in Busan, South Korea, to add a group of ancient sites in the western Japan prefecture's Asuka-Fujiwara area, including Kashihara, to its World Heritage list.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

People celebrate at a public viewing site in Kashihara in Nara Prefecture on July 26, 2026, after UNESCO decided earlier in the day in Busan, South Korea, to add a group of ancient sites in the western Japan prefecture's Asuka-Fujiwara area, including Kashihara, to its World Heritage list.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

People celebrate at a public viewing site in Kashihara in Nara Prefecture on July 26, 2026, after UNESCO decided earlier in the day in Busan, South Korea, to add a group of ancient sites in the western Japan prefecture's Asuka-Fujiwara area, including Kashihara, to its World Heritage list.

Taiwan's local elections in Nov.

Taiwan's local elections in Nov.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivers a speech at a convention of his Democratic Progressive Party in Taipei on July 19, 2026.

Taiwan's local elections in Nov.

Taiwan's local elections in Nov.

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party, delivers a speech at the party's convention in Taipei on July 25, 2026, attended by candidates for the November local elections.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki holds a press conference in Nisshin in Aichi Prefecture on July 27, 2026, a day after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, the capital of the central Japan prefecture.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki holds a press conference in Nisshin in Aichi Prefecture on July 27, 2026, a day after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, the capital of the central Japan prefecture.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki holds a press conference in Nisshin in Aichi Prefecture on July 27, 2026, a day after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, the capital of the central Japan prefecture.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Makoto Yamashita (C), governor of Japan's Nara Prefecture, makes a speech in Busan on July 26, 2026, after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided in the South Korean city earlier in the day to add a group of ancient sites in the Asuka-Fujiwara area in the western Japan prefecture to its World Heritage list.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Makoto Yamashita (C), governor of Japan's Nara Prefecture, makes a speech in Busan on July 26, 2026, after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided in the South Korean city earlier in the day to add a group of ancient sites in the Asuka-Fujiwara area in the western Japan prefecture to its World Heritage list.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Makoto Yamashita, governor of Japan's Nara Prefecture, meets the press in Busan on July 26, 2026, after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided in the South Korean city earlier in the day to add a group of ancient sites in the Asuka-Fujiwara area in the western Japan prefecture to its World Heritage list.

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Japan's Asuka-Fujiwara sites added to World Heritage list

Makoto Yamashita (C) governor of Japan's Nara Prefecture, celebrates in Busan on July 26, 2026, after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided in the South Korean city earlier in the day to add a group of ancient sites in the Asuka-Fujiwara area in the western Japan prefecture to its World Heritage list.

Fireworks over Sumida River in Tokyo

Fireworks over Sumida River in Tokyo

Fireworks erupt over the Sumida River in Tokyo on July 25, 2026. About 920,000 people visited one of the largest fireworks events in Japan, according to organizers.

Fireworks over Sumida River in Tokyo

Fireworks over Sumida River in Tokyo

Fireworks erupt over the Sumida River in Tokyo on July 25, 2026. About 920,000 people visited one of the largest fireworks events in Japan, according to organizers.

Fireworks over Sumida River in Tokyo

Fireworks over Sumida River in Tokyo

Fireworks erupt over the Sumida River in Tokyo on July 25, 2026. About 920,000 people visited one of the largest fireworks events in Japan, according to organizers.

Fireworks over Sumida River in Tokyo

Fireworks over Sumida River in Tokyo

Fireworks erupt over the Sumida River in Tokyo on July 25, 2026. About 920,000 people visited one of the largest fireworks events in Japan, according to organizers.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki gives an interview after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026. (Pool photo)

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki (R) celebrates during a parade held after he won the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki (R) waves to fans during a parade held after he won the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki (R) waves to fans during a parade held after he won the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki shouts after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in a three-way playoff at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki celebrates after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki (C) celebrates after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki celebrates after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026. (Pool photo)

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki (L) receives the Emperor's Cup from Japan Sumo Association head Hakkaku after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026. (Pool photo)

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki (L) receives the Emperor's Cup from Japan Sumo Association head Hakkaku after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki (back) beats ozeki Kirishima in a three-way playoff of the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026, winning his third Emperor's Cup.

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki celebrates after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026. (Pool photo)

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Aonishiki (front) beats ozeki Kirishima in a three-way playoff of the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 26, 2026, winning his third Emperor's Cup.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in a baseball game against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York on July 24, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in a baseball game against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York on July 24, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Mets

Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in a baseball game against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York on July 24, 2026.

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

A polar bear is given ice as a summer gift at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 25, 2026.

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

A polar bear is given ice as a summer gift at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 25, 2026.

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

A polar bear is given ice as a summer gift at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 25, 2026.

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

Penguins are given ice as a summer gift at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 25, 2026.

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

A lesser panda is given ice as a summer gift at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 25, 2026.

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

Hokkaido zoo animals cool off with ice

A lesser panda is given ice as a summer gift at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 25, 2026.

Japan Diet passes "2nd capital" bill

Japan Diet passes "2nd capital" bill

Japan's parliament enacts legislation to create a "second capital" as a backup for Tokyo in emergencies such as disasters, as the House of Councillors passes the proposal during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 24, 2026.

Japan Diet passes "2nd capital" bill

Japan Diet passes "2nd capital" bill

Japan's parliament enacts legislation to create a "second capital" as a backup for Tokyo in emergencies such as disasters, as the House of Councillors passes the proposal during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 24, 2026.

Japan Diet passes "2nd capital" bill

Japan Diet passes "2nd capital" bill

Japan's parliament enacts legislation to create a "second capital" as a backup for Tokyo in emergencies such as disasters, as the House of Councillors passes the proposal during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 24, 2026.

Japan Diet passes "2nd capital" bill

Japan Diet passes "2nd capital" bill

Japan's parliament enacts legislation to create a "second capital" as a backup for Tokyo in emergencies such as disasters, as the House of Councillors passes the proposal during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 24, 2026.

Keidanren summer forum in resort town Karuizawa

Keidanren summer forum in resort town Karuizawa

Yoshinobu Tsutsui (R), chairman of the Japan Business Federation, also known as Keidanren, holds a press conference following a summer forum it hosted in the resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on July 24, 2026.