WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai

WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai

Japan's delegation marches during the opening ceremony of the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai on Sept. 22, 2026. About 1,400 engineers and technical experts from about 70 countries and regions are taking part in the six-day skills contest.

WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai

WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai

Photo taken on Sept. 22, 2026, shows the venue for the opening ceremony later in the day of the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. About 1,400 engineers and technical experts from about 70 countries and regions, including about 60 from Japan, will take part in the six-day skills contest.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

A banner for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is displayed near Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the games' opening ceremony later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

People line up at a ticket center in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: OCA president

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: OCA president

Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani meets the press in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team creates a heart with smoke trails after flying over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team creates a heart with smoke trails after flying over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Blue Impulse

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Nagoya, central Japan, on Sept. 19, 2026, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2026, shows Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: Opening ceremony

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2026, shows Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, central Japan, ahead of the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in the day.

Pacific Islands Forum summit

Pacific Islands Forum summit

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. speaks during the opening ceremony of the four-day summit of the Pacific Islands Forum in Koror, Palau, on Aug. 31, 2026.

Robot conference in Beijing

BEIJING, China, Aug. 20 Kyodo - A robot carries a box on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products. (Kyodo)

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Japanese Princess Aiko on Aug. 20, 2026, shakes hands with Dutch popular character Miffy during a ceremony marking the opening the following day of an exhibition of masterpieces by 17th-century Dutch artists, including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Japanese Princess Aiko on Aug. 20, 2026, shakes hands with Dutch popular character Miffy during a ceremony marking the opening the following day of an exhibition of masterpieces by 17th-century Dutch artists, including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Japanese Princess Aiko (3rd from L) on Aug. 20, 2026, poses with Dutch popular character Miffy during a ceremony marking the opening the following day of an exhibition of masterpieces by 17th-century Dutch artists, including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Japanese Princess Aiko on Aug. 20, 2026, stands with Dutch popular character Miffy during a ceremony marking the opening the following day of an exhibition of masterpieces by 17th-century Dutch artists, including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Japanese Princess Aiko (3rd from L) poses for a photo in front of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring at an exhibition of masterpieces by 17th-century Dutch artists at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka on Aug. 20, 2026, a day ahead of its opening to the general public. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Japanese Princess Aiko poses for a photo in front of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring at an exhibition of masterpieces by 17th-century Dutch artists at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka on Aug. 20, 2026, a day ahead of its opening to the general public. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Princess Aiko visits exhibition of masterpieces by Dutch artists

Japanese Princess Aiko (L) looks at Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring at an exhibition of masterpieces by 17th-century Dutch artists at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka on Aug. 20, 2026, a day ahead of its opening to the general public. (Pool photo)

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot washes a dish on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

Robots developed by Unitree Robotics perform on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot carries a box on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot peels a cucumber on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot peels a banana on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot developed by Unitree Robotics (back) is on display on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot walks carrying a woman on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot developed by Unitree Robotics is on display on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

People walk dog robots on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A humanoid robot plays football with a child on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A humanoid robot plays football with a child on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

Robots developed by Unitree Robotics perform on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot developed by Unitree Robotics plays table tennis on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A humanoid robot talks to a visitor on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot threads a needle on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot threads a needle on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Robot conference in Beijing

Robot conference in Beijing

A robot takes a fighting stance on the opening day of the five-day World Robot Conference in Beijing on Aug. 19, 2026. About 300 companies including non-Chinese firms are exhibiting some 2,000 robots and related products.

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Lanterns illuminate the grounds of Higashi Honganji, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, western Japan, on Aug. 14, 2026, the opening day of the three-day summer event called "Mantoue." Some 10,000 lanterns are featured in the 65th event with about 40,000 people expected to visit.

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Lanterns illuminate the grounds of Higashi Honganji, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, western Japan, on Aug. 14, 2026, the opening day of the three-day summer event called "Mantoue." Some 10,000 lanterns are featured in the 65th event with about 40,000 people expected to visit.

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Lanterns illuminate the grounds of Higashi Honganji, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, western Japan, on Aug. 14, 2026, the opening day of the three-day summer event called "Mantoue." Some 10,000 lanterns are featured in the 65th event with about 40,000 people expected to visit.

Doll-like lantern parade in northeastern Japan

Doll-like lantern parade in northeastern Japan

Doll-like lanterns each more than 20 meters tall are paraded on the opening day of the five-day Goshogawara Tachi Neputa festival in the northeastern Japan city of Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture, on Aug. 4, 2026.

Doll-like lantern parade in northeastern Japan

Doll-like lantern parade in northeastern Japan

A doll-like lantern more than 20 meters tall is paraded on the opening day of the five-day Goshogawara Tachi Neputa festival in the northeastern Japan city of Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture, on Aug. 4, 2026.

Doll-like lantern parade in northeastern Japan

Doll-like lantern parade in northeastern Japan

Doll-like lanterns each more than 20 meters tall are paraded on the opening day of the five-day Goshogawara Tachi Neputa festival in the northeastern Japan city of Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture, on Aug. 4, 2026.