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Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

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Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

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Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

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Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

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Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

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US: Massive Five-Alarm Fire Engulfs Warehouses in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

A massive fire broke out early Wednesday, March 11 at Universal Food Distributors in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, spreading to three industrial buildings. One warehouse collapsed. Over 270 firefighters responded; two suffered smoke inhalation.

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China: Two Villagers Haul Monster 100kg Grouper Through Hainan Village

On October 27, 2025, in Hainan, located in southern China, two villagers were seen walking into town carrying a massive grouper tied to a wooden pole. The fish swung heavily between them as villagers gathered to watch. People marveled at the size of the catch, estimating it weighed more than one hundred kilograms. Such a giant grouper was extremely rare in the area. No one knew exactly how they managed to haul it in, but the impressive scene quickly drew admiration from the entire village.

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Japan: Sea of Okhotsk Covered in Drift Ice as Season Reaches Peak

Drift ice formed along the Siberian coast travels for approximately one and a half months to reach Hokkaido. The ice blankets the Sea of Okhotsk, and reaches its peak in early March.

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US: Spectacular Sunset Lights Up Santa Cruz Coast, CA

A spectacular sunset was reported across Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. According to a social media post, vivid colors illuminated the sky for over 30 minutes, with observers calling it one of the area's finest displays in years. The intense hues were visible from iconic coastal spots, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Seabright Beach.

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China: Monkeys Admire Their Reflections on Glossy Car in Ganzi, Sichuan

On March 2, 2026, in Ganzi, Sichuan province, a video recorded several monkeys gathering around a black car parked nearby. The car’s surface was so clean and glossy that it reflected like a mirror. The monkeys stood close to the doors and panels, looking at their reflections. Some shifted positions as if checking different angles, using the car body like a full-length mirror. One monkey climbed onto the roof and stayed there, appearing to look down at its own reflection from above.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

President Masakazu Toyoda of Space One Co. grimaces during a press conference in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026, after the Japanese startup aborted the flight of its Kairos No. 3 rocket. The company was hoping to be the first Japanese private entity to put a satellite into orbit.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

President Masakazu Toyoda of Space One Co. speaks at a press conference in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026, after the Japanese startup aborted the flight of its Kairos No. 3 rocket following previous two failed attempts. The company was hoping to be the first Japanese private entity to put a satellite into orbit.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. lifting off from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. lifting off from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. lifting off from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. lifting off from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

The Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. soars after its liftoff from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

The Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. soars after its liftoff from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

The Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. soars after its liftoff from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. soaring after its liftoff from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. lifting off from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

  •  
Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

The Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. soars after its liftoff from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Japanese startup Space One's 3rd rocket flight aborted

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Kairos No. 3 rocket of Japanese startup Space One Co. lifting off from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2026. The company's bid to become the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit failed, however, following two previous failed attempts.

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Spain: Flash Flooding and Hail Hit Málaga’s Antequera Area 2

A sudden downpour with hail hit Antequera and surrounding areas, southern Spain on Wednesday, March 4, causing temporary flooding in the town of Humilladero. One of the main streets was briefly submerged after heavy rain overwhelmed drainage systems, though no injuries or major damage were reported.

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Spain: Flash Flooding and Hail Hit Málaga’s Antequera Area

A sudden downpour with hail hit Antequera and surrounding areas, southern Spain on Wednesday, March 4, causing temporary flooding in the town of Humilladero. One of the main streets was briefly submerged after heavy rain overwhelmed drainage systems, though no injuries or major damage were reported.

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Scene from Milan Cortina Olympics

Scene from Milan Cortina Olympics

Police officers pose for a photo with Milan Cortina Olympic mascot Tina on Feb. 18, 2026, in the Italian town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, one of the host cities of the games.

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Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Visitors interact with a humanoid robot developed by Japanese telecommunications operator KDDI Corp. at the Mobile World Congress, one of the world's largest and most influential connectivity trade fairs, in Barcelona, Spain, on March 2, 2026.

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Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Photo shows the venue of the Mobile World Congress, one of the world's largest and most influential connectivity trade fairs, in Barcelona, Spain, on March 2, 2026, the opening day of the four-day event.

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Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Photo shows the venue of the Mobile World Congress, one of the world's largest and most influential connectivity trade fairs, in Barcelona, Spain, on March 2, 2026, the opening day of the four-day event.

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Manga One app icon

Manga One app icon

Photo taken in Tokyo on March 2, 2026, shows the app icon of Manga One, a manga platform run by the major Japanese publisher Shogakukan Inc. The platform faces a wave of cancellations of manga series, following revelations that the company allowed a male manga creator to produce works under a different name despite knowing he was convicted of a sex crime.

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US: Gunfire Erupts at Marathon Burger Launch in Downtown Long Beach, One Killed

A deadly shooting sent crowds scrambling for safety near the grand opening of the newest Marathon Burger in downtown Long Beach on Sunday, March 1, turning a celebratory event into a scene of chaos and tragedy. Long Beach police confirmed that three men were shot and rushed to a local hospital, where one later died of his injuries. The two other victims remained in stable condition as of Sunday night.

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Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

OSAKA, Japan, Feb. 19 Kyodo - University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university. (Kyodo)

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China: Monkeys Surround Traffic Officer in Shanghai Nature Reserve

On October 2, 2024, in Shanghai, located in eastern China, a video recorded a humorous yet helpless moment at a nature reserve. A traffic officer stood by the roadside when several monkeys swaggered toward him. One bold monkey reached out and grabbed the officer deliberately. Seeing no resistance, the rest of the monkeys grew braver and surrounded him. Some even attempted to scratch or poke him lightly. As protected animals, the officer couldn’t retaliate and simply waited patiently for the troop to lose interest and move on. The amusing standoff left many Chinese viewers laughing at the monkeys’ confidence and the officer’s resigned expression.

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US: Grass Fire Prompts Evacuation in Thornton, Colorado

A fast-moving grass fire fueled by strong winds and dry conditions broke out in Thornton, Colorado, Wednesday morning, February 25, injuring four firefighters and one civilian and prompting evacuations of nearby neighborhoods, businesses, and Pinnacle Charter School. Thick smoke forced a temporary closure of Interstate 25, while roughly 150 responders worked to contain the 10-acre blaze by mid-afternoon. No homes were destroyed, evacuations were later lifted, and the cause remains under investigation. This video shows smoke visible from the River North Art District (RiNo), north of downtown Denver.

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Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Photo shows Tokyo Skytree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

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Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

An emergency vehicle is seen in front of Tokyo SkyTree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

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Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Photo shows Tokyo Skytree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

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Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Emergency vehicles are seen in front of Tokyo SkyTree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

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US: Dogs Play in Snow-Covered New Jersey Yard After Historic Blizzard

Dogs were seen playing in a snow-covered backyard in New Jersey on February 25, one day after the historic Blizzard of 2026 buried much of the U.S. Northeast under record snowfall. The powerful storm disrupted travel, downed power lines, and left communities digging out from towering snowdrifts. In the aftermath, residents across the region began clearing their properties while taking moments to enjoy the rare winter landscape.

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Ecuador: Severe Rainfall Submerges Durán and Guayaquil

Heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding in Durán, Guayaquil, and Milagro, with storm warnings in effect through February 25. Today, INAMHI forecasts continued rain across the coast, including Santa Rosa, where a river has already burst its banks. In Durán, neighborhoods like El Recreo are submerged, with water entering homes and halting business. The municipality reported a staggering 144 mm of rain—a month's worth in one day.

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US: Avalanches Hit Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, Injure Skiers and Close State Road

A backcountry avalanche struck Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday morning, February 21, prompting a search and rescue response and the closure of State Route 190, causing major traffic disruptions. Two skiers were buried in a separate slide the same day and suffered critical and serious injuries, while another avalanche later injured one person. After heavy snowfall created unstable snowpack, more than 50 avalanches have been reported across northern Utah in 48 hours, and officials warn of extremely dangerous conditions.

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Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university.

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Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university.

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Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university.

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NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

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NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

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NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

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Berlin Int'l Film Festival

Berlin Int'l Film Festival

Japanese film director Yoshitoshi Shinomiya (L) poses for a photo with actor Riku Hagiwara, who voiced one of the protagonists of his anime film "A New Dawn," at the Berlin International Film Festival on Feb. 18, 2026, in the German capital.

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UK: Double-Decker Buses Crash in London’s Elephant and Castle, Causing Major Delays

Two double-decker buses collided near Southwark Playhouse in London on a busy street in Elephant and Castle, causing major travel disruption on Wednesday, February 18. Emergency crews responded after one bus struck the rear of another. London Fire Brigade said part of a nearby building was slightly damaged, and firefighters assisted paramedics in treating patients at the scene.

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China: Chaos Ensues as Cats Run Wild in Animal Clinic in Shandong

On February 2, 2026, in eastern China’s Shandong province, a video recorded chaos inside an animal treatment area. Staff members were operating equipment on a workstation. Several cats suddenly jumped into the area. One leapt onto the desk and knocked over a computer, while another jumped directly into a trash bin. A third cat ran across the floor, overturning items. Staff members scrambled to catch the cats and restore order.

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