20th birthday of popular mascot Hikonyan

20th birthday of popular mascot Hikonyan

Hikonyan, the popular samurai helmet-wearing cat mascot of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, appears at a special event marking its 20th birthday in the western Japan city of Hikone on April 13, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko at nursing school ceremony

Crown Princess Kiko at nursing school ceremony

Japanese Crown Princess Kiko (far R) attends a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National College of Nursing in Kiyose, Tokyo, on April 9, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko at nursing school ceremony

Crown Princess Kiko at nursing school ceremony

Japanese Crown Princess Kiko (far R) attends a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National College of Nursing in Kiyose, Tokyo, on April 9, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko at nursing school ceremony

Crown Princess Kiko at nursing school ceremony

Japanese Crown Princess Kiko speaks during a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National College of Nursing in Kiyose, Tokyo, on April 9, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko at nursing school ceremony

Crown Princess Kiko at nursing school ceremony

Japanese Crown Princess Kiko (back, C) speaks during a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National College of Nursing in Kiyose, Tokyo, on April 9, 2026.

Launch of the Distribution ISAC: Joint Press Conference

Launch of the Distribution ISAC: Joint Press Conference

Joint press conference marking the launch of the Distribution ISAC; the photo shows, from left to right: Kenji Hamada, President and CEO of Asahi Group Japan; Hiroyuki Nagata, President of Trial Holdings; Yutaka Kyotani, Advisor to Mitsubishi Shokuhin; and Akira Shimada, President of NTT.=April 6,2026,Tokyo

Launch of the Distribution ISAC: Joint Press Conference

Launch of the Distribution ISAC: Joint Press Conference

Joint press conference marking the launch of the Distribution ISAC; the photo shows Akira Shimada, President of NTT.=April 6,2026,Tokyo

Japan: Imperial Family Visits Fukushima on 15th Earthquake Anniversary

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko visited Fukushima Prefecture on April 6 and 7, marking the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. It was Princess Aiko's first visit to the prefecture. As the motorcade made its way to Fukushima Station at the conclusion of the visit, the imperial family was seen waving to crowds gathered along the route.

US: Artemis II Launches, Marking First Crewed Lunar Mission in Half Century 4

NASA's Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marking humanity's first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carried four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a 10-day lunar flyby.

US: Artemis II Launches, Marking First Crewed Lunar Mission in Half Century 2

NASA's Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marking humanity's first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carried four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a 10-day lunar flyby.

US: Artemis II Launches, Marking First Crewed Lunar Mission in Half Century 3

NASA's Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marking humanity's first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carried four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a 10-day lunar flyby.

US: Artemis II Launch Spotted From Plane Window at Liftoff

NASA's Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marking humanity's first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carried four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a 10-day lunar flyby.

US: Artemis II Launches, Marking First Crewed Lunar Mission in Half Century

NASA's Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marking humanity's first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket carried four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — on a 10-day lunar flyby.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 7

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 6

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 9

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 8

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 11

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 10

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai starts in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on March 29, 2026, marking his major league debut.

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai starts in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on March 29, 2026, marking his major league debut.

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai starts in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on March 29, 2026, marking his major league debut.

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai starts in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on March 29, 2026, marking his major league debut.

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai starts in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on March 29, 2026, marking his major league debut.

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai starts in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on March 29, 2026, marking his major league debut.

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Baseball: Angels vs. Astros

Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai starts in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, on March 29, 2026, marking his major league debut.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 5

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 4

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 2

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

US: No Kings Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide in Protest Against Trump Policies 3

Large-scale "No Kings" protests swept across the United States on Saturday, March 28, marking the third nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration in the past ten months. Organizers reported that approximately eight million people participated, making it one of the largest protests in recent history. Demonstrators rallied against multiple grievances, including the war in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, rising living costs, and threats to voting rights.

[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)

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

BEIJING, China, March 12 Kyodo - A passenger train bound for Pyongyang is pictured after departing Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of train services between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

BEIJING, China, March 12 Kyodo - A passenger train bound for Pyongyang is pictured after departing Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of train services between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Kyodo)

Crown prince attends social education group event

Crown prince attends social education group event

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito speaks during an event marking the 120th anniversary of the founding of a social education group, Supporting Your Dreams, at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo on March 20, 2026.

Crown prince attends social education group event

Crown prince attends social education group event

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attend an event marking the 120th anniversary of the founding of a social education group, Supporting Your Dreams, at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo on March 20, 2026.

Crown prince attends social education group event

Crown prince attends social education group event

Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attend an event marking the 120th anniversary of the founding of a social education group, Supporting Your Dreams, at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo on March 20, 2026.

Mt. Fuji train launched for inbound travelers

Mt. Fuji train launched for inbound travelers

A ceremony marking the launch of a special "Mt. Fuji view" train dedicated to foreign tourists is held at JR Mishima Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on March 19, 2026. The train, operated by JR Tokai between March 19 and Dec. 22, will travel between Mishima Station of JR Tokaido Line and Fujinomiya Station of JR Minebu Line, with Mt. Fuji-themed pictures drawn by Edo-period ukiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai on display inside the train.

Mt. Fuji train launched for inbound travelers

Mt. Fuji train launched for inbound travelers

A ceremony marking the launch of a special "Mt. Fuji view" train dedicated to foreign tourists is held at JR Mishima Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on March 19, 2026. The train, operated by JR Tokai between March 19 and Dec. 22, will travel between Mishima Station of JR Tokaido Line and Fujinomiya Station of JR Minebu Line, with Mt. Fuji-themed pictures drawn by Edo-period ukiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai on display inside the train.

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.

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

Security officers stand guard at Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, as a passenger train bound for Pyongyang awaits departure, marking the resumption of a train service between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

A passenger train bound for Pyongyang is pictured after departing Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of train services between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

A passenger train bound for Pyongyang departs Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of a train service between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People on the rooftop of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which documents the disasters and provides programs on disaster preparedness, in the Fukushima Prefecture town of Futaba pray at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, marking 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. President Tomoaki Kobayakawa observes a moment of silence at the new administration building of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, marking 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan. A subsequent tsunami caused a nuclear disaster at the plant.

[Breaking News]Tourist season starts at Japan's largest lake

OTSU, Japan, March 7 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows sightseeing ships parading on Lake Biwa in the Shiga Prefecture capital of Otsu, western Japan, in a ceremony marking the start of the tourist season at Japan's largest lake on March 7, 2026. (Kyodo)

Lebanon: Death Toll Nears 400 as Israel Strikes Iranian Commanders in Beirut

Israel's military hit Iranian commanders in central Beirut early on Sunday, March 8, marking the first drone strike within the city limits since hostilities resumed last week. Lebanese authorities said nearly 400 people have been killed over the past week as Israel struck a hotel in the capital's city center.