[Breaking News]Football: 2026 World Cup

NEW YORK, United States, June 11 Kyodo - A building in New York's Times Square projects a video in support of the Japan national football team in the early hours of June 11, 2026, ahead of the opening later in the day of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. (Kyodo)

Japan: H3 Rocket Successfully Launches from Tanegashima in New Configuration Debut

Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Friday, June 12, at 9:53 a.m. local time. The rocket reached its intended orbit, marking a successful mission for the country's flagship launch vehicle.

Japan: H3 Rocket Successfully Launches from Tanegashima in New Configuration Debut 2

Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Friday, June 12, at 9:53 a.m. local time. The rocket reached its intended orbit, marking a successful mission for the country's flagship launch vehicle.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

A building in New York's Times Square projects a video in support of the Japan national football team in the early hours of June 11, 2026, ahead of the opening later in the day of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

A building in New York's Times Square projects a video in support of the Japan national football team in the early hours of June 11, 2026, ahead of the opening later in the day of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

A building in New York's Times Square projects a video in support of the Japan national football team in the early hours of June 11, 2026, ahead of the opening later in the day of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

A building in New York's Times Square projects a video in support of the Japan national football team in the early hours of June 11, 2026, ahead of the opening later in the day of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

A building in New York's Times Square projects a video in support of the Japan national football team in the early hours of June 11, 2026, ahead of the opening later in the day of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

A building in New York's Times Square projects a video in support of the Japan national football team in the early hours of June 11, 2026, ahead of the opening later in the day of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

Former Japanese lower house speaker Kono dies

File photo taken in June 1994 at the parliament building in Tokyo shows (from R) Liberal Democratic Party leader Yohei Kono, Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama of the Japan Socialist Party and New Party Sakigake leader Masayoshi Takemura shaking hands before a meeting to form the Cabinet of their new coalition government. Kono, former speaker of the House of Representatives, known for announcing the Japanese government's landmark apology over Korean "comfort women" who were forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels, died on June 8, 2026, aged 89.

Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association Press Conference

Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association Press Conference

Press conference held by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association. The photo shows, from right to left, new Chairman Yuki Kusumi and former Chairman Kei Uruma.=June 9,2026,Tokyo

Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association Press Conference

Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association Press Conference

Press conference held by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association. The photo shows the new chairman, Yuki Kusumi (left), addressing the press.=June 9,2026,Tokyo

Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association Press Conference

Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association Press Conference

Press conference held by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association. The photo shows the new chairman, Yuki Kusumi.=June 9,2026,Tokyo

Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association Press Conference

Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association Press Conference

Press conference held by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association. The photo shows, from right to left, new Chairman Yuki Kusumi and former Chairman Kei Uruma.=June 9,2026,Tokyo

Japan pledges $20 mil. to World Bank for critical minerals supply chains

Japan pledges $20 mil. to World Bank for critical minerals supply chains

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama (R) and World Bank President Ajay Banga pose for a photo at the Finance Ministry in Tokyo on June 1, 2026, after signing a document on cooperation to help developing countries strengthen supply chains for critical minerals. Japan will disburse $20 million for a new facility to spur investments in those countries.

Trilateral meeting between Japan, Australia, New Zealand

Trilateral meeting between Japan, Australia, New Zealand

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks to reporters in Singapore on May 30, 2026, after a trilateral meeting with his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand.

Trilateral meeting between Japan, Australia, New Zealand

Trilateral meeting between Japan, Australia, New Zealand

Photo taken in Singapore on May 30, 2026, shows Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C), Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles (R) and New Zealand Defense Minister Chris Penk. The three met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue regional security forum, reaffirming their commitment to closer defense cooperation following Japan's recent easing of rules governing defense equipment exports.

New Japan-Taiwan ferry service

New Japan-Taiwan ferry service

A passenger ferry is docked at Keelung on May 28, 2026, ahead of the inauguration later in the day of its regular service between the northern Taiwanese city and Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan.

Round 7 of the World Rally Championship: Forum 8 Rally Japan 2026

Round 7 of the World Rally Championship: Forum 8 Rally Japan 2026

Round 7 of the World Rally Championship: Forum 8 Rally Japan 2026. The photo shows Takamoto Katsuta showing off his helmet in its new livery.=May 27,2026,Aichi

Japan ruling LDP launches new group

TOKYO, Japan, May 21 Kyodo - A new group created within Japan's Liberal Democratic Party holds its inaugural meeting in Tokyo on May 21, 2026, with 347 out of the ruling party's 417 lawmakers joining. The group, dubbed "the research group on the nation's power," is believed to seek to promote the national security and economic policy agendas of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Figure skating: Uno returns to competition with Honda

TOKYO, Japan, May 22 Kyodo - Japanese former figure skating world champion and Olympic medalist Shoma Uno and former world junior champion Marin Honda pose for photos in Tokyo on May 22, 2026. The pair announced in an Instagram post earlier in the day that they will return to competition in ice dance from the new season. (Kyodo)

Japan-India foreign ministerial talks

Japan-India foreign ministerial talks

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (L) and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar shake hands ahead of their talks in New Delhi on May 25, 2026.

Japan-India foreign ministerial talks

Japan-India foreign ministerial talks

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (3rd from R) and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (2nd from L) hold talks in New Delhi on May 25, 2026.

Japan-India foreign ministerial talks

Japan-India foreign ministerial talks

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (4th from R) and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (4th from L) hold talks in New Delhi on May 25, 2026.

Japan ruling LDP launches new group

Japan ruling LDP launches new group

A new group created within Japan's Liberal Democratic Party holds its inaugural meeting in Tokyo on May 21, 2026, with 347 out of the ruling party's 417 lawmakers joining. The group, dubbed "the research group on the nation's power," is believed to seek to promote the national security and economic policy agendas of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Japan ruling LDP launches new group

Japan ruling LDP launches new group

A new group created within Japan's Liberal Democratic Party holds its inaugural meeting in Tokyo on May 21, 2026, with 347 out of the ruling party's 417 lawmakers joining. The group, dubbed "the research group on the nation's power," is believed to seek to promote the national security and economic policy agendas of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Japan ruling LDP launches new group

Japan ruling LDP launches new group

A new group created within Japan's Liberal Democratic Party holds its inaugural meeting in Tokyo on May 21, 2026, with 347 out of the ruling party's 417 lawmakers joining. The group, dubbed "the research group on the nation's power," is believed to seek to promote the national security and economic policy agendas of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Kinki Nippon Railway: New 8A Train

Kinki Nippon Railway: New 8A Train

Kinki Nippon Railway: New 8A Train=April 16,2026,Japan

New train for Shinano express

KASUGAI, Japan, May 13 Kyodo - Central Japan Railway Co. unveils to the press the interior of its new train cars for the Shinano express train running between Nagoya and Nagano stations in central Japan, on May 12, 2026, in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, a day before the start of its test run. JR Central plans to start running the mass-produced 385 series cars for the Shinano train in around fiscal 2029. (Kyodo)

Japan agrees on economic cooperation with New Mexico, Wyoming

Japan agrees on economic cooperation with New Mexico, Wyoming

(From L) U.S. governors Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Gordon and Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki pose for a photo at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on May 13, 2026. New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham, Wyoming Gov. Gordon and Ozaki agreed to strengthen economic cooperation.

New train for Shinano express

New train for Shinano express

Central Japan Railway Co. unveils to the press the interior of its new train cars for the Shinano express train running between Nagoya and Nagano stations in central Japan, on May 12, 2026, in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, a day before the start of its test run. JR Central plans to start running the mass-produced 385 series cars for the Shinano train in around fiscal 2029.

New train for Shinano express

New train for Shinano express

Central Japan Railway Co. unveils its new train cars (L) for the Shinano express train running between Nagoya and Nagano stations in central Japan, on May 12, 2026, in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, a day before the start of its test run. JR Central plans to start running the mass-produced 385 series cars for the Shinano train in around fiscal 2029.

New train for Shinano express

New train for Shinano express

Central Japan Railway Co. unveils its new train cars for the Shinano express train running between Nagoya and Nagano stations in central Japan, on May 12, 2026, in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, a day before the start of its test run. JR Central plans to start running the mass-produced 385 series cars for the Shinano train in around fiscal 2029.

New train for Shinano express

New train for Shinano express

Central Japan Railway Co. unveils its new train cars (L) for the Shinano express train running between Nagoya and Nagano stations in central Japan, on May 12, 2026, in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, a day before the start of its test run. JR Central plans to start running the mass-produced 385 series cars for the Shinano train in around fiscal 2029.

Japan Parade in New York

NEW YORK, United States, May 11 Kyodo - People perform Japanese drum at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture, in New York on May 9, 2026. (Kyodo)

Wheelchair Tennis: Oda awarded 4 additional Guinness records

TOKYO, Japan, May 8 Kyodo - Japanese wheelchair tennis player Tokito Oda poses for a photo in Tokyo on April 4, 2026, after being awarded four additional Guiness World Record certificates. With the four new awards, including becoming the youngest player to complete a Career Grand Slam by winning all four major tournaments, his total Guinness youngest-winner records reached eight. (Kyodo)

Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

Geiko traditional female entertainers from the southwestern Japan prefecture of Nagasaki wave to onlookers in New York on May 9, 2026, at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture.

Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

People perform Japanese drum at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture, in New York on May 9, 2026.

Japan Parade in New York

Japan Parade in New York

People perform Japanese drum at the Japan Parade, an event showcasing Japanese culture, in New York on May 9, 2026.

Golf: Mizuho Americas Open

Golf: Mizuho Americas Open

Saki Baba of Japan poses for a photo after making a hole-in-one on the seventh hole during the final round of the Mizuho Americas Open golf tournament at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, New Jersey, on May 10, 2026.

Ainu remains returned to Japan from Britain after 160 years

Ainu remains returned to Japan from Britain after 160 years

Masaru Okawa, executive director of the Ainu Association of Hokkaido, meets the press at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on May 8, 2026, upon his return from Britain where remains of seven Ainu people were handed over to Japan by London's Natural History Museum. Four of the seven sets of remains were returned after 160 years.

NPT review conference

NPT review conference

Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, meets the press in New York on May 1, 2026, after addressing the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

NPT review conference

NPT review conference

Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, meets the press in New York on May 1, 2026, after addressing the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

NPT review conference

NPT review conference

Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, meets the press in New York on May 1, 2026, after addressing the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

NPT review conference

NPT review conference

People listen to Jiro Hamasumi, secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, address the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the U.N. headquarters in New York on May 1, 2026.

Japan Society head in Tokyo

Japan Society head in Tokyo

Joshua W. Walker, president of New York-based Japan Society, speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on May 1, 2026.

Hidankyo senior official in New York

Hidankyo senior official in New York

Jiro Hamasumi (3rd from L), secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, holds talks with Do Hung Viet (2nd from R), permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations and president of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 30, 2026.

NPT review conference in New York

NPT review conference in New York

Tomiko Ichikawa, permanent representative of Japan to the Conference on Disarmament, reads out a joint statement on the importance of disarmament education for young people during the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 30, 2026.