Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

A man stands in an inundated area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 31, 2026, following torrential rain the previous day.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

People stand in an inundated residential area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 31, 2026, following torrential rain the previous day.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

A riverside road is seen inundated in a residential area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 30, 2026, following torrential rain. The river is seen in front.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows Fukui Airport in Sakai in the central Japan prefecture of Fukui inundated following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows wide parts of Sakai, in the central Japan prefecture of Fukui, inundated following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows wide parts of Sakai, in the central Japan prefecture of Fukui, inundated following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows wide parts of Sakai, in the central Japan prefecture of Fukui, inundated following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken on Aug. 30, 2026, shows a submerged road in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken on Aug. 30, 2026, shows a submerged road in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows an inundated area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows an inundated area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows an inundated area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows an inundated area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows an inundated area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows an inundated area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Torrential rain in central Japan

Torrential rain in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Aug. 30, 2026, shows an inundated area in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, following torrential rain.

Japan: Flooding Hits Kinki Region Amid Seasonal Rain Front and Typhoon Mekkhala’s Approach 2

Heavy rain and flooding struck parts of Japan on Friday, June 26, as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the country alongside a stagnant seasonal rain front. Flooded roads, stranded vehicles, landslides, and road collapses were reported across the Kinki region, including Osaka and Kyoto, with the Japan Meteorological Agency issuing weather alerts and evacuation orders for some regions.

Samurai float parade in central Japan

Samurai float parade in central Japan

A procession of floats representing samurai warriors parade through Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, during the traditional "Mikuni" festival, which dates back 300 years, on May 20, 2025.

Samurai float parade in central Japan

Samurai float parade in central Japan

A procession of floats representing samurai warriors parade through Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, during the traditional "Mikuni" festival, which dates back 300 years, on May 20, 2025.

Samurai float parade in central Japan

Samurai float parade in central Japan

A procession of floats representing samurai warriors parade through Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, during the traditional "Mikuni" festival, which dates back 300 years, on May 20, 2025.

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo wrestler Kirishima (top) poses following his re-promotion to the sport's second-highest rank of ozeki in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 25, 2026. The winner of the Emperor's Cup in the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded on March 22, the Mongolian was promoted to ozeki in 2023 but slipped from the position the following year due to poor performance.

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo wrestler Kirishima (L) meets the press following his re-promotion to the sport's second-highest rank of ozeki in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 25, 2026. The winner of the Emperor's Cup in the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded on March 22, the Mongolian was promoted to ozeki in 2023 but slipped from the position the following year due to poor performance.

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo wrestler Kirishima meets the press following his re-promotion to the sport's second-highest rank of ozeki in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 25, 2026. The winner of the Emperor's Cup in the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded on March 22, the Mongolian was promoted to ozeki in 2023 but slipped from the position the following year due to poor performance.

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo wrestler Kirishima (C) celebrates his re-promotion to the sport's second-highest rank of ozeki in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 25, 2026, after winning the Emperor's Cup in the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded on March 22. The Mongolian was promoted to ozeki in 2023 but slipped from the position the following year due to poor performance.

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo wrestler Kirishima (L) accepts his promotion to the sport's second-highest rank of ozeki during a ceremony at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 25, 2026, after winning the Emperor's Cup in the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded on March 22. The Mongolian was promoted to ozeki in 2023 but slipped from the position the following year due to poor performance.

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo wrestler Kirishima (2nd from L) accepts his promotion to the sport's second-highest rank of ozeki during a ceremony at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 25, 2026, after winning the Emperor's Cup in the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded on March 22. The Mongolian was promoted to ozeki in 2023 but slipped from the position the following year due to poor performance.

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo: Kirishima earns re-promotion to ozeki

Sumo wrestler Kirishima (C) accepts his promotion to the sport's second-highest rank of ozeki during a ceremony at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 25, 2026, after winning the Emperor's Cup in the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded on March 22. The Mongolian was promoted to ozeki in 2023 but slipped from the position the following year due to poor performance.

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Kirishima poses during a press conference at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 23, 2026, after winning the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded the previous day.

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Kirishima poses during a press conference at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 23, 2026, after winning the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded the previous day.

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Kirishima poses during a press conference at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 23, 2026, after winning the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded the previous day.

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Kirishima poses during a press conference at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 23, 2026, after winning the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament that concluded the previous day.

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Kirishima holds a press conference at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 23, 2026, after winning the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Kirishima holds a press conference at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 23, 2026, after winning the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Spring Grand Sumo Tournament

Sekiwake Kirishima holds a press conference at his stable in Sakai in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on March 23, 2026, a day after winning the 15-day Spring Grand Sumo Tournament.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Tetsuo Saito makes a stump speech in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

Centrist Reform Alliance co-leader Tetsuo Saito makes a stump speech in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on Jan. 27, 2026, as official campaigning begins across Japan for the House of Representatives election on Feb. 8.

Echizen crabs in central Japan

Echizen crabs in central Japan

Boiled Echizen crabs are shown to the media at a fish wholesaler in Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, on Jan. 21, 2026, as part of an annual event organized by the central Japan prefecture to present the winter delicacy to Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and other imperial family members.

Echizen crabs in central Japan

Echizen crabs in central Japan

Boiled Echizen crabs are shown to the media at a fish wholesaler in Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, on Jan. 21, 2026, as part of an annual event organized by the central Japan prefecture to present the winter delicacy to Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and other imperial family members.

RECAP: Over 50 Injured After Strong M7.5 Quake Strikes Northern Japan

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off Aomori late Monday, December 8, triggering tsunami warnings across Hokkaido and Tohoku before being lifted early Tuesday. Over 50 injuries and power outages were reported. Authorities warn of a heightened risk of another major quake in the coming week.

Japan: M7.5 Quake Hits Off Aomori Prefecture, Tsunami Warning Issued 8

A powerful Magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture around 11:15 p.m. on Monday, December 8, injuring dozens of people and leading to immediate tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for residents. A 70 cm tsunami was observed at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and all warnings were subsequently lifted.

Season's 1st catch of Echizen crabs

Season's 1st catch of Echizen crabs

Photo taken Nov. 6, 2025, shows the season's first catch of Echizen crabs in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan.

Season's 1st catch of Echizen crabs

Season's 1st catch of Echizen crabs

An auction is held for the season's first catch of Echizen crabs in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, on Nov. 6, 2025.

Season's 1st catch of Echizen crabs

Season's 1st catch of Echizen crabs

An auction is held for the season's first catch of Echizen crabs in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, on Nov. 6, 2025.

Season's 1st catch of Echizen crabs

Season's 1st catch of Echizen crabs

An auction is held for the season's first catch of Echizen crabs in Sakai in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, on Nov. 6, 2025.

Pasta made with chestnuts

Pasta made with chestnuts

Undated photo shows packs of "Obuse Chestnut Pasta," made with chestnut skin extract and sold by the Sakai Seimen noodle maker in the central Japan city of Nagano.

CROWN PRINCESS IN TOKYO

CROWN PRINCESS IN TOKYO

TeamLab CEO Daisuke Sakai, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel visit teamLab Borderlessin Tokyo, Japan, on October 14, 2025. Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel are on an official visit to Japan and South Korea from October 9 to 15.Photo: Jessica Gow/TT/Code 10070

CROWN PRINCESS IN TOKYO

CROWN PRINCESS IN TOKYO

TeamLab CEO Daisuke Sakai, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel visit teamLab Borderlessin Tokyo, Japan, on October 14, 2025. Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel are on an official visit to Japan and South Korea from October 9 to 15.Photo: Jessica Gow/TT/Code 10070

World aquatics championships

World aquatics championships

(From L) Japan's Sho Sakai, Sayaka Mikami, Rin Kaneto and Reo Nishida pose after winning bronze in the mixed 3m and 10m team diving event at the world aquatics championships in Singapore on July 26, 2025.

World aquatics championships

World aquatics championships

Japan's Sho Sakai competes in the mixed 3m and 10m team diving event at the world aquatics championships in Singapore on July 26, 2025.

Samurai doll parade in central Japan

Samurai doll parade in central Japan

Floats carrying huge dolls representing samurai warriors parade during a traditional "Mikuni" festival dating back about 300 years in Sakai in the central Japan prefecture of Fukui on May 20, 2025.