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Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

A traditional fire festival dating back about 1,400 years is held at Kamikura shrine in Shingu in the western Japan prefecture of Wakayama on Feb. 6, 2026.

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Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

A traditional fire festival dating back about 1,400 years is held at Kamikura shrine in Shingu in the western Japan prefecture of Wakayama on Feb. 6, 2026.

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Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

A traditional fire festival dating back about 1,400 years is held at Kamikura shrine in Shingu in the western Japan prefecture of Wakayama on Feb. 6, 2026.

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Traditional bean-throwing event

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, Jan. 27 Kyodo - A traditional bean-throwing event is held at the World Heritage-listed Fudarakusan-ji temple in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 27, 2026, for Setsubun celebration in February. (Kyodo)

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Japan: Self Defense Force Requested for Spreading Wildfire in Western Saitama

A wildfire that was initially contained after breaking out in Chichibu, western Saitama, on Wednesday, February 4, expanded to 40 hectares after reigniting Thursday night. The prefectural government was prompted to request the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces on Friday to combat the spreading blaze.

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TEPCO says to restart reactor on Feb. 9

TEPCO says to restart reactor on Feb. 9

Takeyuki Inagaki, head of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., speaks at a press conference in Kariwa, Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, on Feb. 6, 2026.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi waves her hand during a stump speech in Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Feb. 3, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi smiles during a stump speech in Higashimatsuyama in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Feb. 3, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi smiles during a stump speech in Higashimatsuyama in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Feb. 3, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Kuki in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Feb. 3, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A police officer patrols with a dog in Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to make a stump speech there on Feb. 5, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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[Breaking News]Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

URAYASU, Japan, Jan. 30 Kyodo - Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda receives a bouquet as she announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Kyodo)

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[Breaking News]Campaigning for general election in Japan

HIROSAKI, Japan, Jan. 28 Kyodo - Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda waves his hand in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning began across Japan the same day for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8. (Kyodo)

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General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A bus serving as a polling station is parked near temporary housing for people affected by the January 2024 earthquake in Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 3, 2025, for early voting for the Feb. 8 general election.

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General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A bus serving as a polling station is parked near temporary housing for people affected by the January 2024 earthquake in Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 3, 2025, for early voting for the Feb. 8 general election.

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Japan: Heavy Snow Paralyzes Aomori as Record Accumulation Piles Up

A series of strong cold air masses brought heavy snowfall to northern Japan from January 21 through February 2. According to authorities, a total of 30 people have died across the region since January 20 due to snow-related incidents. In Aomori City, numerous vehicles were left stranded by the snow, causing traffic congestion in many areas. Snow accumulation reached 178 centimeters on February 2—about 2.6 times the seasonal average—prompting the closure of all public elementary and junior high schools in the city.

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Japan: Two Dead as Heavy Snow Triggers Building Collapses in Niigata 2

Across Niigata Prefecture, multiple structures collapsed following heavy snowfall from February 2 to 3, killing two people in Kashiwazaki and Joetsu. As of February 3, snow accumulation in Nagaoka had reached about 1.4 meters, roughly 2.6 times the seasonal average. This video shows a house in Tokamachi believed to have collapsed under the weight of snow.

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General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A candidate waves to people gathering to listen to a stump speech in snowy Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 2, 2026, ahead of the House of Representatives election on Feb 8.

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Japan: Heavy Snow Triggers Building Collapses in Niigata

Across Niigata Prefecture, multiple structures collapsed due to heavy snowfall between Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3, leaving two people in critical condition. This video shows a house in the Hanazono area of Nagaoka City that is believed to have collapsed under the weight of snow. As of February 3, snow accumulation in Nagaoka had reached about 1.4 meters, roughly 2.6 times the seasonal average.

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U.S. military parachute drill

U.S. military parachute drill

A member of the U.S. Air Force conducts a parachute drill at Kadena air base in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, on Feb. 3, 2026.

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U.S. military parachute drill

U.S. military parachute drill

A member of the U.S. Air Force conducts a parachute drill at Kadena air base in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, on Feb. 3, 2026.

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China: CCTV Captures Shop Owner Fleeing During 5.5 Quake

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake violently shook Gansu, northwestern China, on January 26, 2026. Surveillance footage shows a shop owner fleeing as shelves rattle and goods crash to the floor inside a small store in Diebu County. Authorities reported no immediate casualties, and emergency teams were deployed.

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General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Ichinomiya in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi makes a stump speech in Ichinomiya in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Voters gather for a stump speech by a politician in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on Feb. 1, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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Flying vehicle test flight field

Flying vehicle test flight field

Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2026, shows a field to be used for test flight of a flying vehicle in Yamaguchi, western Japan, unveiled to the media by SkyDrive, based in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. The scheduled demonstration flight on the day was canceled due to strong wind.

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Flying vehicle test flight field

Flying vehicle test flight field

Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2026, shows a field to be used for test flight of a flying vehicle in Yamaguchi, western Japan, unveiled to the media by SkyDrive, based in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. The scheduled demonstration flight on the day was canceled due to strong wind.

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Flying vehicle test flight field

Flying vehicle test flight field

Photo taken on Jan. 30, 2026, shows a field to be used for test flight of a flying vehicle in Yamaguchi, western Japan, unveiled to the media by SkyDrive, based in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture. The scheduled demonstration flight on the day was canceled due to strong wind.

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) plays table tennis with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back following talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (L) and his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back pose for a photo following talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu Back (R) receives a guard of honor at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. Ahn held talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi (L) the same day. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press after holding talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu Back (2nd from R) holds talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) holds talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back (2nd from R) at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) shakes hands with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of their talks. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) holds talks with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026. (Pool photo)

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Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japan-S. Korea defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) shakes hands with his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu Back at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026, ahead of their talks. (Pool photo)

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Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda receives a bouquet as she announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026.

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Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda receives a bouquet as she announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 30, 2026.

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Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Jan. 30, 2026.

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Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Judo: Paris Olympic champ Tsunoda retires

Paris Olympic women's 48-kilogram judo champion Natsumi Tsunoda announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Jan. 30, 2026.

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Traditional Japanese crafts exhibition in Milan

Traditional Japanese crafts exhibition in Milan

Kabazaiku cherry bark containers from Akita Prefecture are displayed at an exhibition featuring traditional Japanese crafts in Milan on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the Milan Cortina Olympics the following month.

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Traditional Japanese crafts exhibition in Milan

Traditional Japanese crafts exhibition in Milan

Kabazaiku cherry bark containers from Akita Prefecture are displayed at an exhibition featuring traditional Japanese crafts in Milan on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the Milan Cortina Olympics the following month.

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Traditional Japanese crafts exhibition in Milan

Traditional Japanese crafts exhibition in Milan

A Wajima lacquerware tiered box from Ishikawa Prefecture is displayed at an exhibition featuring traditional Japanese crafts in Milan on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the Milan Cortina Olympics the following month.

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Japan: Record January Snowfall Hits Aomori, Disrupting Traffic and Trains

On January 28, Aomori City recorded 150 centimeters of snowfall for the first time in 40 years, causing traffic congestion across the city and a series of train service suspensions. Snow depth reached 154 centimeters by 9 p.m., tying for the second-highest January total on record, last seen on January 30, 1986. According to Aomori Prefecture, as of 2 p.m. on January 29, two people had died and 85 others were injured, while damage was confirmed at four residential properties. The video captures conditions in Aomori City on the morning of January 29, showing the extent of the heavy snowfall.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

People listen to a stump speech by a politician in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, an avid fan of the Hanshin Tigers pro baseball team, holds a tiger-shaped charm during a campaign rally in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raises her fist during a campaign rally in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the Feb. 8 general election.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi waves to voters after making a stump speech in Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 29, 2026, ahead of the general election on Feb. 8.

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Campaigning for general election in Japan

Campaigning for general election in Japan

Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Yoshihiko Noda makes a stump speech in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, on Jan. 28, 2026, as official campaigning began in Japan the previous day for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

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