Museum about golfer Ishikawa opens in Niigata Pref.

Museum about golfer Ishikawa opens in Niigata Pref.

NIIGATA, Japan - A visitor looks at photos of popular professional golfer Ryo Ishikawa displayed at the ''Risu no Ie,'' or squirrel house, named after Ishikawa's mascot, in the town of Yuzawa, Nigata Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2009, as the museum featuring items associated with Ishikawa opened.

Hardships continue in quake-hit Niigata Pref.

Hardships continue in quake-hit Niigata Pref.

OJIYA, Japan - Quake victims huddle around a bonfire to keep warm in Ojiya, Nigata Prefecture, on Oct. 28 as the mercury dropped to its lowest level this autumn.

Japan hints at inspection of N. Korean cargo-passenger ship

Japan hints at inspection of N. Korean cargo-passenger ship

NIGATA, Japan - File photo taken in November 2001 shows the North Korean cargo-passenger ship Man Gyong Bong sailing into the port of Niigata on the Sea of Japan. The Japanese government indicated Dec. 6 it may inspect the ship amid growing concern that it may carry controversial material such as illegal drugs.

NAGAOKA BURIED UNDER SNOW

NAGAOKA BURIED UNDER SNOW==Date:Jan, 1963, Place:Nagaoka, Nigata, JAPAN, (Credit:INTERNATIONAL MOTION PICTURE/Kyodo News Images)

NEW LARGE DAM AT OKUTADAMI

NEW LARGE DAM AT OKUTADAMI==Date:June, 1962, Place:Fukushima/Nigata, JAPAN, (Credit:INTERNATIONAL MOTION PICTURE/Kyodo News Images)

Museum about golfer Ishikawa opens in Niigata Pref.

Museum about golfer Ishikawa opens in Niigata Pref.

NIIGATA, Japan - A visitor looks at photos of popular professional golfer Ryo Ishikawa displayed at the ''Risu no Ie,'' or squirrel house, named after Ishikawa's mascot, in the town of Yuzawa, Nigata Prefecture, on Sept. 17, 2009, as the museum featuring items associated with Ishikawa opened. (Kyodo)

Hardships continue in quake-hit Niigata Pref.

Hardships continue in quake-hit Niigata Pref.

OJIYA, Japan - Quake victims huddle around a bonfire to keep warm in Ojiya, Nigata Prefecture, on Oct. 28 as the mercury dropped to its lowest level this autumn. (Kyodo)

Japan hints at inspection of N. Korean cargo-passenger ship

Japan hints at inspection of N. Korean cargo-passenger ship

NIGATA, Japan - File photo taken in November 2001 shows the North Korean cargo-passenger ship Man Gyong Bong sailing into the port of Niigata on the Sea of Japan. The Japanese government indicated Dec. 6 it may inspect the ship amid growing concern that it may carry controversial material such as illegal drugs. (Kyodo)