Abductee's mother Sakie Yokota

Abductee's mother Sakie Yokota

Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, meets the press in Kawasaki near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, before turning 90 on Feb. 4.

Abductee's mother Sakie Yokota

Abductee's mother Sakie Yokota

Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, meets the press in Kawasaki near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, before turning 90 on Feb. 4.

Abductee's mother Sakie Yokota

Abductee's mother Sakie Yokota

Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, meets the press in Kawasaki near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, before turning 90 on Feb. 4.

Abductee's mother Sakie Yokota

Abductee's mother Sakie Yokota

Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, meets the press in Kawasaki near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, before turning 90 on Feb. 4.

Bean-throwing event

Bean-throwing event

Sumo grand champion Onosato scatters roasted beans during a traditional bean-throwing event at Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple in Narita near Tokyo on Feb. 3, 2026.

Bean-throwing event

Bean-throwing event

Sumo grand champion Hoshoryu (L) scatters roasted beans during a traditional bean-throwing event at Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple in Narita near Tokyo on Feb. 3, 2026.

Heavy snow in Aomori

Heavy snow in Aomori

People remove snow near a house in Aomori, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026, as heavy snow continues to hit the region.

Heavy snow in Aomori

Heavy snow in Aomori

People remove snow near a house in Aomori, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026, as heavy snow continues to hit the region.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Preparations for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are under way near Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium (back) in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the games opening on Feb. 6.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Preparations for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are under way near Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium (back) in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the games opening on Feb. 6.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

American figure skater Ilia Malinin arrives at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

American figure skater Ilia Malinin arrives at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

American figure skater Ilia Malinin arrives at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

American figure skater Ilia Malinin meets the press after arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara pose after arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara pose after arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara pose after arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara meet the press after arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara pose after arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara pose after arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese athletes for Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (L) and Ryuichi Kihara arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport near Milan on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Jan. 30, 2026.

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Jan. 30, 2026.

Chinese Fishermen Spot Dog in Open Ocean Near Peru

This video captures the surprising moment fishermen working in waters near Peru encountered a dog in the open ocean. On January 19, 2026, Chinese fishermen engaged in long-distance squid fishing noticed a dog swimming toward their fishing boat. The footage shows the dog pushing through the waves as it approached the vessel, drawing the crew’s attention during their fishing operations.

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Police investigators in the small hours of Jan. 30, 2026, examine an abandoned blue compact car near the scene of a robbery in central Tokyo in which suitcases containing 420 million yen in cash were stolen by three suspects the previous day.

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Police investigators in the small hours of Jan. 30, 2026, examine an abandoned blue compact car near the scene of a robbery in central Tokyo in which suitcases containing 420 million yen in cash were stolen by three suspects the previous day.

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Police investigators work in the small hours of Jan. 30, 2026, near the scene of a robbery in central Tokyo in which suitcases containing around 420 million yen ($2.7 million) in cash were stolen by a group of three suspects the previous day.

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Police investigators work in the small hours of Jan. 30, 2026, near the scene of a robbery in central Tokyo in which suitcases containing around 420 million yen ($2.7 million) in cash were stolen by a group of three suspects the previous day.

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Police investigators work in the small hours of Jan. 30, 2026, near the scene of a robbery in central Tokyo in which suitcases containing around 420 million yen ($2.7 million) in cash were stolen by a group of three suspects the previous day.

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Police investigators work in the small hours of Jan. 30, 2026, near the scene of a robbery in central Tokyo in which suitcases containing around 420 million yen ($2.7 million) in cash were stolen by a group of three suspects the previous day.

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Robbers flee with 420 mil. yen in Tokyo

Police investigators work in the small hours of Jan. 30, 2026, near the scene of a robbery in central Tokyo in which suitcases containing around 420 million yen ($2.7 million) in cash were stolen by a group of three suspects the previous day.

Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Photo taken on Jan. 29, 2026, shows a countdown clock near the Milan Cathedral (L, back) in Milan, Italy, ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opening on Feb. 6.

Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Police officers patrol near the Arch of Peace in Milan, Italy, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Police officers patrol near the main press center of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the event's opening on Feb. 6.

RECAP: Storm Chandra Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to UK and Ireland

Storm Chandra brought unsettled weather to parts of the UK and Ireland on Tuesday, January 27, delivering heavy rain, strong winds, and colder conditions. The system caused localized flooding, travel disruption, and weather warnings in several regions as it moved across the British Isles.

China: Car Wash Gone Wrong as Extreme Cold Coats Vehicle in Ice

On January 19, 2026, in Shenyang, Liaoning, a video showed a man attempting to wash his car in temperatures near −30°C, only for the water to freeze instantly. Ice quickly coated the vehicle’s body, windows, and mirrors, turning it into what viewers called a “frozen candy car.” The video ended with the car fully covered in ice, as the owner laughed at the irony that the wash had made it even messier once it thawed.

Colombia: Heavy Rain Hits Medellín, Causing Floods and Damage 2

On January 28, 2026, heavy rainfall in Medellín triggered multiple flooding emergencies, especially in the southeastern area of El Poblado. Overflowing of the La Presidenta creek flooded streets and prompted authorities to advise using alternative routes. The storm also caused fallen trees and a collapsed wall, damaging vehicles and public spaces, though no injuries were reported. In addition, lightning strikes affected the city, temporarily suspending operation of all six Metro cable cars before service was restored. Residents were advised to stay indoors and report emergencies via local authorities.

Japan: Tokyo’s Beloved Panda Twins Depart for China Amid Fan Farewell

Twin giant pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, born and raised at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo, departed for their return to China on Tuesday, January 27. As the two pandas left Ueno Zoo by truck in the afternoon, heading to Narita Airport, hundreds of fans gathered along the sidewalk near the zoo to see them off.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Ohio, Triggering Dangerous Travel Conditions 3

The National Weather Service issued multiple snow squall warnings for parts of Ohio on Tuesday, January 27, as intense bursts of snow and high winds created dangerous travel conditions. These fast-moving squalls produced heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility across several counties. Video captures a plane landing at a snow-blanketed John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Ohio, Triggering Dangerous Travel Conditions 2

The National Weather Service issued multiple snow squall warnings for parts of Ohio on Tuesday, January 27, as intense bursts of snow and high winds created dangerous travel conditions. These fast-moving squalls produced heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility across several counties.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

People bid farewell to male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens as an airplane carrying them left for China from Narita airport near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026.

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

China return for Ueno zoo pandas

Male giant panda Xiao Xiao and his twin sister Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens are loaded into an airplane at Narita airport near Tokyo on Jan. 27, 2026, to depart to China.

US: Snow Squall Warnings Issued Across Ohio, Triggering Dangerous Travel Conditions

The National Weather Service issued multiple snow squall warnings for parts of Ohio on Tuesday, January 27, as intense bursts of snow and high winds created dangerous travel conditions. These fast-moving squalls produced heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility across several counties.

UK: Storm Chandra Triggers Flooding and Travel Chaos

Storm Chandra is sweeping across the UK with heavy rain and strong winds, causing widespread flooding and major travel disruption. Amber rain warnings are in force across parts of south-west England, with dozens of roads closed, rail services disrupted, and a red flood warning issued for the River Otter in Devon. Nearly 100 flood warnings are active in England. Emergency crews have rescued motorists from floodwaters, and authorities are urging the public to avoid travel as conditions worsen on already saturated ground.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A Japanese Communist Party candidate waves to voters during a stump speech in Saitama near Tokyo on Jan. 25, 2026, ahead of the general election on Feb. 8.

Heavy snow in Hokkaido

Heavy snow in Hokkaido

People walk near the Sapporo Clock Tower in Sapporo in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 26, 2026, following heavy snowfall.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A candidate waves to voters during a stump speech in Saitama near Tokyo on Jan. 25, 2026, ahead of the general election on Feb. 8.

US: Arctic Blast Brings Frigid Temperatures and Heavy Snow to Colorado

A blast of Arctic air moved into Colorado, bringing freezing temperatures and heavy snow to the region on Friday, January 23.

Ireland: Tesla Avoids Crash as Cow Leaps Into M6 Motorway Near Rochfortbridge

Terrifying dashcam footage captured the moment a cow leaped over a motorway barrier into oncoming traffic on Ireland's M6 near Rochfortbridge on Thursday, January 22. The driver of a Tesla Model 3 narrowly avoided a collision by swerving at the last second, later crediting the vehicle's safety systems for preventing a spin-out after the sudden maneuver.

Japan: Hundreds of Vehicles Stranded on Hokuriku Expressway Amid Record Snowfall in Fukui

Heavy snowfall in Fukui Prefecture prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a weather warning on Friday, January 23. As rapid accumulation caused severe traffic disruptions, approximately 360 vehicles were left stranded on the Hokuriku Expressway near Tsuruga City.