Realty agent opens share house for single mothers

Realty agent opens share house for single mothers

OSAKA, Japan - Takashi Kikutake, representative of a real estate company in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, shows a share house opened in neighboring Osaka for single-mother families in this file photo taken on Oct. 23, 2014.

More firms adopting internships for housewives

More firms adopting internships for housewives

TOKYO, Japan - Rai Okamoto works as an intern at an accessory maker in Tokyo as seen in this photo taken on Oct. 23, 2014, amid an increasing number of Japanese companies adopting internship programs for housewives to address a labor shortage.

Few spectators watch wheelchair tennis at Asian Paralympics

Few spectators watch wheelchair tennis at Asian Paralympics

INCHEON, South Korea - A wheelchair tennis match is played at an almost empty stadium during the Asian Paralympics in Incheon, South Korea, on Oct. 23, 2014.

Japanese nurse recalls hard job to treat Ebola patients

Japanese nurse recalls hard job to treat Ebola patients

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese nurse Junko Otaki recalls her experience at a talk in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014, in helping treat Ebola fever patients in the eastern Sierra Leone district of Kailahun this summer as a registered nurse at Doctors Without Borders, saying the protective suit she wore made her feel as if she were in a sauna.

'Katsuobushi' dried bonito introduced at Turin food fair

'Katsuobushi' dried bonito introduced at Turin food fair

TOKYO, Japan - An executive of a dried bonito store in the town of Nishiizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, demonstrates how to use "katsuobushi" smoke-dried skipjack tuna at an international food fair in Turin, Italy, on Oct. 23, 2014,

Ex-UNHCR Ogata given award in U.S.

Ex-UNHCR Ogata given award in U.S.

WASHINGTON, United States - Former U.N. high commissioner for refugees Sadako Ogata gives an address on Oct. 23, 2014, in Washington, the United States, as she received the Pragmatist and Idealist Award from a major think tank, Stimson Center, for her contribution to strengthening global security.

Aoki gets ready for World Series Game 3

Aoki gets ready for World Series Game 3

SAN FRANCISCO, United States - Kansas City Royals outfielder Norichika Aoki practices in San Francisco, the United States, on Oct. 23, 2014, prior to the World Series Game 3 against the San Francisco Giants the following day. After losing the opening game, the Royals evened the series at 1-1.

SNAPSHOT: Tourist bureau at foot of Mt. Ontake shows local scenes

SNAPSHOT: Tourist bureau at foot of Mt. Ontake shows local scenes

KISO, Japan - Photo taken on Oct. 23, 2014, shows a waterfall against a backdrop of autumn leaves in the central Japan town of Kiso, at the foot of Mt. Ontake, which erupted on Sept. 27.

Aoki gets ready for World Series Game 3

Aoki gets ready for World Series Game 3

SAN FRANCISCO, United States - Kansas City Royals outfielder Norichika Aoki practices in San Francisco, the United States, on Oct. 23, 2014, prior to the World Series Game 3 against the San Francisco Giants the following day. After losing the opening game, the Royals evened the series at 1-1.

SNAPSHOT: Tourist bureau at foot of Mt. Ontake shows local scenes

SNAPSHOT: Tourist bureau at foot of Mt. Ontake shows local scenes

KISO, Japan - Photo taken on Oct. 23, 2014, shows a stone statue and a mountain path against a backdrop of autumn leaves in the central Japan town of Kiso, at the foot of Mt. Ontake, which erupted on Sept. 27.

Abe at Tokyo International Film Festival 2014

Abe at Tokyo International Film Festival 2014

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (L) and actress Miki Nakatani walk the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo International Film Festival 2014 in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014.

New Glico runner billboard debuted

New Glico runner billboard debuted

OSAKA, Japan - Ezaki Glico Co. unveils the 6th-generation electronic billboard in the Dotonbori area of Osaka, western Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014. With the application of blue light-emitting diodes, the billboard changes the background once every 15 minutes.

SNAPSHOT: Tourist bureau at foot of Mt. Ontake shows local scenes

SNAPSHOT: Tourist bureau at foot of Mt. Ontake shows local scenes

KISO, Japan - Photo taken on Oct. 23, 2014, shows an equestrian center in the central Japan town of Kiso, at the foot of Mt. Ontake, which erupted on Sept. 27. The equestrian center is one of the major tourists spots on the Kaida Plateau.

AKB48 encourages Niigata on Chuetsu earthquake 10th anniv.

AKB48 encourages Niigata on Chuetsu earthquake 10th anniv.

NIIGATA, Japan - Japanese pop group AKB 48 members hold up message boards to support the recovery from the disastrous 2004 Niigata-Chuetsu earthquake during a concert in Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014, the 10th anniversary of the disaster.

Artistic aquarium exhibition at Kyoto's Nijo castle

Artistic aquarium exhibition at Kyoto's Nijo castle

KYOTO, Japan - Art aquarium creator Hidetomo Kimura (L) and Japanese actress Aya Ueto stand in front of a gigantic fishbowl at the world heritage-Nijo castle in Kyoto, western Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014, a day ahead of the opening of an art exhibition.

Japanese woman conductor honored at international music festival

Japanese woman conductor honored at international music festival

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese woman conductor Tomomi Nishimoto (C) poses with an award certificate in Rome on Oct. 23, 2014, after being honored at the Vatican Music Festival by the annual event's sponsoring foundation. The foundation praised her contribution to the study of "oratio" originating in Gregorian chant prayers among secret Christians on Ikitsuki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, where her great-grandmother was born.

Glico unveils new runner billboard in Osaka

Glico unveils new runner billboard in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - A new giant electronic billboard of confectionery maker Ezaki Glico Co., featuring the company's signature image of a runner with his hands in the air, is lit up in the Dotonbori area in downtown Osaka on Oct. 23, 2014. The sixth Glico runner billboard since 1935, measuring 20 meters high and 10.38 meters wide, employs around 140,000 energy-efficient light emitting diodes.

Crown prince visits Shosoin treasure house exhibition

Crown prince visits Shosoin treasure house exhibition

NARA, Japan - Crown Prince Naruhito looks at a "Kuwanokigenka" stringed instrument brought from ancient China at an exhibition highlighting the Shosoin treasure house of Todaiji Temple at the Nara National Museum in Nara, western Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014. (Pool Photo)

Artistic fishbowl exhibition at Kyoto castle

Artistic fishbowl exhibition at Kyoto castle

KYOTO, Japan - Some 1,000 goldfish swim in a large fishbowl lit up in the seven rainbow colors at the World Heritage site of Nijo Castle in Kyoto, western Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014, on the eve of an art exhibition of some 80 aquariums containing about 5,000 fish.

27th Tokyo International Film Festival begins

27th Tokyo International Film Festival begins

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese actress Miho Kanno (R) and actor Kotaro Koizumi attend the opening ceremony for the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival at Roppongi Hills complex building in central Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014. Around 300 films will be shown at the event, the largest film festival in Japan, through Oct. 31.

10th anniv. of Chuetsu Earthquake in northwestern Japan

10th anniv. of Chuetsu Earthquake in northwestern Japan

NIIGATA, Japan - Two residents of Ojiya in Niigata Prefecture, northwestern Japan, put their hands around a gas lamp burning a flame shared from the "1.17 Kibo no Hikari" (Light of Hope) in Kobe, western Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014, on the 10th anniversary of the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake that killed 68 people.

27th Tokyo International Film Festival begins

27th Tokyo International Film Festival begins

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese actress Miho Kanno waves as she attends the opening ceremony for the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival at Roppongi Hills complex building in central Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014. Around 300 films will be shown at the event, the largest film festival in Japan, until Oct. 31.

Top court rejects hospital's demotion of pregnant worker

Top court rejects hospital's demotion of pregnant worker

TOKYO, Japan - Nami Shimonaka, a lawyer who represents a physical therapist filing a damages suit against a hospital for her demotion due to pregnancy, speaks at a news conference in Hiroshima on Oct. 23, 2014, after the Supreme Court's decision in favor of the therapist. The top court rejected a high court ruling that the hospital was within its rights to demote the therapist who sought a lighter workload due to her pregnancy.

27th Tokyo International Film Festival begins

27th Tokyo International Film Festival begins

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese actress Rie Miyazawa attends the opening ceremony for the 27th Tokyo International Film Festival at the Roppongi Hills complex in central Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014. Around 300 films will be shown at the event, the largest film festival in Japan, through Oct. 31.

H.K. occupation campaign continues as protesters defy court orders

H.K. occupation campaign continues as protesters defy court orders

HONG KONG, HONG KONG - Prodemocracy protesters continue an occupation campaign in the busy shopping district of Mongkoki in Hong Kong on Oct. 23, 2014, following fruitless talks with the government and court orders issued for clearance of parts of occupied sites.

Balloons floated on 10th anniv. of Chuetsu Earthquake

Balloons floated on 10th anniv. of Chuetsu Earthquake

NAGAOKA, Japan - Mourners fly balloons in the former Yamakoshi village in Niigata Prefecture, northwestern Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014, at a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake that killed 68 people.

Glico unveils new runner billboard in Osaka

Glico unveils new runner billboard in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - A new giant electronic billboard of confectionery maker Ezaki Glico Co., featuring the company's signature image of a runner with his hands in the air, is lit up amid scattering confetti during an unveiling ceremony in the Dotonbori area in downtown Osaka on Oct. 23, 2014. The sixth Glico runner billboard since 1935, measuring 20 meters high and 10.38 meters wide, employs around 140,000 energy-efficient light emitting diodes.

H.K. occupation campaign continues as protesters defy court orders

H.K. occupation campaign continues as protesters defy court orders

HONG KONG, HONG KONG - A man shouts to protest against prodemocracy protesters continuing an occupation campaign in the busy shopping district of Mongkoki in Hong Kong on Oct. 23, 2014, following fruitless talks with the government and court orders issued for clearance of parts of occupied sites.

Fujifilm to launch 'Hello Kitty' instant camera

Fujifilm to launch 'Hello Kitty' instant camera

TOKYO, Japan - Fujifilm Corp. unveils a new model of its Cheki instant camera featuring the globally popular "Hello Kitty" character in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014. The new model, commemorating the character's 40th anniversary, will go on sale Nov. 21.

10th anniv. of Chuetsu Earthquake observed

10th anniv. of Chuetsu Earthquake observed

NAGAOKA, Japan - A family looks at candles lit as a memorial to victims of the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake in the former Yamakoshi village in Niigata Prefecture, northwestern Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014, on the 10th anniversary of the disaster that claimed 68 lives.

Glico unveils new runner billboard in Osaka

Glico unveils new runner billboard in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - A new giant electronic billboard of confectionery maker Ezaki Glico Co., featuring the company's signature image of a runner with his hands in the air, is lit up during an unveiling ceremony in the Dotonbori area in downtown Osaka on Oct. 23, 2014. The sixth Glico runner billboard since 1935, measuring 20 meters high and 10.38 meters wide, employs around 140,000 energy-efficient light emitting diodes.

Toyota launches new Lexus sports coupe to enhance brand image

Toyota launches new Lexus sports coupe to enhance brand image

TOKYO, Japan - Tokuo Fukuichi, head of the Lexus division at Toyota Motor Corp., poses with a new RC sports coupe in the company's Lexus luxury range during a presentation in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014. The new coupe is being rolled out along with a higher-performance RC F version, with prices starting from 5.65 million yen (about $53,000) and 9.53 million yen (about $89,000), respectively.

Baseball club Rakuten's 1st-round draft pick pumps fist

Baseball club Rakuten's 1st-round draft pick pumps fist

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Tomohiro Anraku (front), a pitcher for Saibi High School in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, western Japan, reacts with a victory pose after being chosen in the first-round draft by the Pacific League professional baseball club Rakuten Eagles at his school on Oct. 23, 2014.

Nippon Foundation head Sasakawa gets Rule of Law Award

Nippon Foundation head Sasakawa gets Rule of Law Award

OSAKA, Japan - Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of the Nippon Foundation, is granted the Rule of Law Award from the International Bar Association, the world's largest group of lawyers, on Oct. 23, 2014, for his arduous effort to eradicate Hansen's disease from the world.

Nippon Ham head gets winning lot in pro baseball draft

Nippon Ham head gets winning lot in pro baseball draft

TOKYO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters President Toshikazu Tsuda (3rd from L) raises his hand after the team's lottery winning of Waseda University pitcher Kohei Arihara during the first round of the annual Japanese professional baseball draft in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014.

2nd shooting of NHK TV drama 'Massan' starts

2nd shooting of NHK TV drama 'Massan' starts

SAPPORO, Japan - Tetsuji Tamayama (2nd from L), a Japanese actor playing the lead role in NHK's morning serial TV drama "Massan," and Charlotte Kate Fox (C), a U.S. actress cast as the first foreign heroine in the public broadcaster's drama, pose with other cast members at a press conference during the second round of shooting in Yoichi on the northernmost main island of Hokkaido on Oct. 23, 2014.

Actor Sakai's 'Hanzawa Naoki' wins top TV drama award

Actor Sakai's 'Hanzawa Naoki' wins top TV drama award

TOKYO, Japan - Actor Masato Sakai wears a broad smile as the serial TV drama "Hanzawa Naoki," in which he played the role of an adversarial banker, is given the top prize in the 2014 Tokyo Drama Awards at a ceremony in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014. Sakai himself was given the best actor prize.

Luxury ship from Shanghai calls at western Japan port

Luxury ship from Shanghai calls at western Japan port

YONAGO, Japan - Some 3,500 passengers aboard the luxury liner Mariner of the Seas from Shanghai, China, are welcomed by citizens in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, on Oct. 23, 2014, as it calls at the western Japan port on the Japan Sea for the first time. Over 90% of the passengers are Chinese.

Kumamoto Univ., Boeing to study Mg alloy's use to plane

Kumamoto Univ., Boeing to study Mg alloy's use to plane

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Yoshihito Kawamura, a materials science professor at Kumamoto University, announces in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 23, 2014, that the national university sealed an agreement with Boeing Co. of the U.S. on joint studies on the application of a university-developed magnesium alloy in aircraft bodies.

Hokkaido Univ. Hospital ties up with Vladivostok medical center

Hokkaido Univ. Hospital ties up with Vladivostok medical center

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia - Kiyohiro Houkin (L), director of Hokkaido University Hospital in Japan's northernmost main island, and Oleg Pak, the head of the medical center of Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, agree on an alliance in the fields of medical science and health-care technologies in the Russian Far East city on Oct. 23, 2014.

Japan marks 10th anniv. of deadly Chuetsu quake

Japan marks 10th anniv. of deadly Chuetsu quake

NAGAOKA, Japan - People gather to mourn victims of the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake in the central Japan city of Nagaoka on Oct. 23, 2014, the 10th anniversary of the disaster. The quake, which hit Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan, claimed 68 lives.

Japan marks 10th anniv. of deadly Chuetsu quake

Japan marks 10th anniv. of deadly Chuetsu quake

NAGAOKA, Japan - People gather to mourn victims of the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake in the central Japan city of Nagaoka on Oct. 23, 2014, the 10th anniversary of the disaster. The quake, which hit Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan, claimed 68 lives.

Tight security precautions for Communist Party Congress

Tight security precautions for Communist Party Congress

BEIJING, China - Chinese police continue tight security precautions around Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Oct. 23, 2014, on the final day of the fourth committee session of the 18th Communist Party Congress in the Chinese capital.

Miyazawa's fund group booked S&M bar spending in fund report

Miyazawa's fund group booked S&M bar spending in fund report

TOKYO, Japan - Japan's new industry minister Yoichi Miyazawa attends a Diet panel in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014, when it was reported that his fund management group spent money at a bar featuring S&M performances and booked the outlay as expenses related to political activities. While he confirmed the spending, he said he did not visit the bar.

Japan marks 10th anniv. of deadly Chuetsu quake

Japan marks 10th anniv. of deadly Chuetsu quake

OJIYA, Japan - A woman mourns victims of the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake in the central Japan city of Ojiya on Oct. 23, 2014, the 10th anniversary of the disaster. The quake, that hit Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan, claimed 68 lives.

TPP-related ministerial meeting held

TPP-related ministerial meeting held

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese ministers involved in talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade initiative attend a meeting in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2014. It was held prior to the TPP ministerial meeting in Sydney, Australia, from Oct. 25.

Villager revives hometown bullfighting despite killer quake

Villager revives hometown bullfighting despite killer quake

NIIGATA, Japan - Haruji Matsui, photographed ahead of the 10th anniversary on Oct. 23, 2014, of a devastating earthquake that hit his hometown Yamakoshi, Niigata Prefecture, is known for his contribution to the post-quake recovery of the village through the revival of local bullfighting after the disaster in the northwestern Japan region.