[Breaking News]"Balikatan"military exercise in South China Sea

TOKYO, Japan, April 30 Kyodo - The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Ikazuchi takes part in the U.S.-Philippine annual "Balikatan" military exercise in Philippine waters in the South China Sea on April 28, 2026. (Kyodo)

China: Ostrich Spotted Running Alongside Traffic on Bridge in Shanxi

An ostrich was spotted walking and running alongside traffic on a large bridge in Shanxi, China, on Tuesday, April 28. The bird remained near the center of the road, moving forward calmly as if part of the traffic flow.

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional dragon boat race in Okinawa

Traditional marine event Naha Hari is held in Naha in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on May 5, 2026, with three dragon boats taking part in a 600-meter race.

Samurai festival in Wakayama Pref.

Samurai festival in Wakayama Pref.

People in samurai warrior outfits take part in a parade in Kudoyama in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on May 5, 2026, during a festival in honor of three 16th-17th century Sanada-clan warriors.

Hakata Dontaku festival

Hakata Dontaku festival

The two-day Hakata Dontaku festival begins in Fukuoka on May 3, 2026, with people clad in colorful costumes taking part in its main parade in the southwestern Japan city.

Hakata Dontaku festival

Hakata Dontaku festival

The two-day Hakata Dontaku festival begins in Fukuoka on May 3, 2026, with people clad in colorful costumes taking part in its main parade in the southwestern Japan city.

US: May Day Strong Protest in D.C., Demanding ‘Workers Over Billionaires’

Thousands of protesters gathered near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday, May 1, 2026, as part of the nationwide "May Day Strong" campaign, demanding a nation that puts workers over billionaires under the slogan "No School, No Work, No Shopping." The demonstration, organized by a coalition of more than 500 labor unions, student groups, and community organizations, called for taxing the wealthy, abolishing ICE, and expanding democracy in opposition to the Trump administration's policies.

US: Pro-Palestinian Protest at Columbia University on Anniversary of Hind’s Hall

Pro-Palestinian students and faculty gathered outside Columbia University on Thursday, April 30, marking the two-year anniversary of Hind's Hall, chanting "ceasefire now" and calling for the release of detainees in Gaza. The group later marched toward the City University of New York as part of the demonstration.

"Balikatan" military exercise in South China Sea

"Balikatan" military exercise in South China Sea

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Ikazuchi takes part in the U.S.-Philippine annual "Balikatan" military exercise in Philippine waters in the South China Sea on April 28, 2026.

"Balikatan" military exercise in South China Sea

"Balikatan" military exercise in South China Sea

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Ikazuchi (2nd from front) takes part in the U.S.-Philippine annual "Balikatan" military exercise in Philippine waters in the South China Sea on April 24, 2026.

[Breaking News]Robot marathon in Beijing

BEIJING, China, April 19 Kyodo - A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026. (Kyodo)

Parade by Olympic, Paralympic athletes

Parade by Olympic, Paralympic athletes

Figure skating pairs Olympic gold medalists Riku Miura (C, L) and Ryuichi Kihara (C, R) take part in a parade in Tokyo on April 25, 2026, of Japanese athletes who competed in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Parade by Olympic, Paralympic athletes

Parade by Olympic, Paralympic athletes

Japanese athletes who competed in the Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympics take part in a parade in Tokyo's Nihombashi area on April 25, 2026.

Turkey: Communities Rally Against Gold Mine Project in Eskisehir

Residents, politicians, and civil society groups demonstrated in Eskisehir, Turkey, opposing a planned cyanide-based gold and silver mine in the Alpagut-Atalan region. An expert panel, appointed by the court, conducted an on-site inspection on April 20 as part of ongoing litigation challenging the project's environmental approval. Opponents warn of risks to farmland, water sources, and seismic safety. The court-appointed report is expected to be pivotal in the case's outcome.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

Women holding an Iranian national flag take part in a pro-government rally in Tehran on April 21, 2026, amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

A woman holding an Iranian national flag takes part in a pro-government rally in Tehran on April 21, 2026, amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

A woman holding an Iranian national flag takes part in a pro-government rally in Tehran on April 21, 2026, amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

People take part in a pro-government rally in Tehran on April 21, 2026, amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

People take part in a pro-government rally in Tehran on April 21, 2026, amid heightened tensions with the United States.

China: Burning Bicycle Left in Middle of Road After Rider Escapes in Chongqing

On April 3, 2026, in Chongqing, videos captured a man cycling steadily along a city street when the rear part of his bicycle unexpectedly caught fire. The rider appeared startled and immediately reacted by jumping off the bicycle to avoid injury. As the fire intensified within seconds, he moved away from the burning vehicle.

US: EF-1 Tornado Tears Through Belton, Missouri, Leaving Trail of Destruction

An EF-1 tornado struck Belton, Missouri, on Friday, April 17, causing structural and tree damage through a neighborhood and a historic cemetery. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado, which was part of an intense line of thunderstorms moving across the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon

Robot marathon

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

Robot marathon in Beijing

Robot marathon in Beijing

A humanoid robot takes part in a half marathon for robots in Beijing on April 19, 2026.

US: Severe Flooding Hits Milwaukee, Forcing Freeway Closures and Stranding Vehicles 5

Severe storms brought heavy flooding to Milwaukee on Wednesday night, April 15, forcing freeway closures and leaving vehicles stranded in rising water. The flooding was part of a week-long severe weather outbreak, including tornadoes and hail, stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes.

US: Severe Flooding Hits Milwaukee, Forcing Freeway Closures and Stranding Vehicles 6

Severe storms brought heavy flooding to Milwaukee on Wednesday night, April 15, forcing freeway closures and leaving vehicles stranded in rising water. The flooding was part of a week-long severe weather outbreak, including tornadoes and hail, stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes.

US: Severe Flooding Hits Milwaukee, Forcing Freeway Closures and Stranding Vehicles 4

This video shows a flooded millpond in South Milwaukee on Thursday, April 16. Severe storms brought heavy flooding to the city the night before, forcing freeway closures and leaving vehicles stranded in rising water. The flooding was part of a week-long severe weather outbreak, including tornadoes and hail, stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes.

US: American Family Field Springs Leaks During Severe Milwaukee Storms

Severe storms brought heavy flooding to Milwaukee on Wednesday night, April 15, forcing freeway closures and leaving vehicles stranded in rising water. Authorities urged residents to stay off the roads. The flooding was part of a week-long severe weather outbreak, including tornadoes and hail, stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes. This video shows the leaking situation inside American Family Field.

US: Severe Flooding Hits Milwaukee, Forcing Freeway Closures and Stranding Vehicles 3

Severe storms brought heavy flooding to Milwaukee on Wednesday night, April 15, forcing freeway closures and leaving vehicles stranded in rising water. Authorities urged residents to stay off the roads. The flooding was part of a week-long severe weather outbreak, including tornadoes and hail, stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes.

US: Severe Flooding Hits Milwaukee, Forcing Freeway Closures and Stranding Vehicles 2

Severe storms brought heavy flooding to Milwaukee on Wednesday night, April 15, forcing freeway closures and leaving vehicles stranded in rising water. Authorities urged residents to stay off the roads. The flooding was part of a week-long severe weather outbreak, including tornadoes and hail, stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes.

US: Severe Flooding Hits Milwaukee, Forcing Freeway Closures and Stranding Vehicles

Severe storms brought heavy flooding to Milwaukee on Wednesday night, April 15, forcing freeway closures and leaving vehicles stranded in rising water. Authorities urged residents to stay off the roads. The flooding was part of a week-long severe weather outbreak, including tornadoes and hail, stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes.

Nissan's new X-Trail sport utility vehicle

Nissan's new X-Trail sport utility vehicle

Nissan Motor Co. unveils its new all-electric Juke sport utility vehicle in Yokohama near Tokyo on April 14, 2026, part of the automaker's long-term management vision.

Nissan's new X-Trail sport utility vehicle

Nissan's new X-Trail sport utility vehicle

Nissan Motor Co. unveils its new X-Trail sport utility vehicle in Yokohama near Tokyo on April 14, 2026, part of the automaker's long-term management vision.

[Breaking News]Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

ISE, Japan, April 13 Kyodo - Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. (Kyodo)

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Demolition site in Kawasaki

KAWASAKI, Japan, April 8 Kyodo - A photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on April 8, 2026, shows a demolition site within the steelmaking complex of JFE Steel Corp. in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, after part of a crane being dismantled fell and 40-meter-high scaffolding collapsed the previous day. Five workers fell from the crane and the structure, leaving three dead and one worker, who likely fell into the ocean, missing. (Kyodo)

Demolition site in Kawasaki

Demolition site in Kawasaki

A photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on April 8, 2026, shows a demolition site within the steelmaking complex of JFE Steel Corp. in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, after part of a crane being dismantled fell and 40-meter-high scaffolding collapsed the previous day. Five workers fell from the crane and the structure, leaving three dead and one worker, who likely fell into the ocean, missing.