Free classes for children of families on welfare

Free classes for children of families on welfare

SAITAMA, Japan - Isao Shiratori teaches a student at a nursing home for the elderly in Fujimino, Saitama Prefecture, on Sept. 4, 2013. Shiratori leads a group of people who provide free after-school tutoring to children of families on welfare under a prefectural government program. The face of the student (front L) is computer-airbrushed for privacy. (Photo by Tatsuya Hagiwara)

Junior high schoolers energize Japan's golf world

Junior high schoolers energize Japan's golf world

TOKYO, Japan - Ryota Ito, 14, a second-year student at Shiratori Junior High School in Mie Prefecture, placed second in the men's amateur tourney.

Japanese men win 1st Asian Games gold in beach volleyball

Japanese men win 1st Asian Games gold in beach volleyball

PUSAN, South Korea - Katsuhiro Shiratori (L) and Satoshi Watanabe celebrate after winning in straight sets over Indonesia's Agus Salim and Koko Prasetyo Darkuncoro to snare Japan's first Asian Games gold medal in men's beach volleyball at Haeundae Beach on Oct. 4. (Asian Games)

Bridge over Nagara River partially destroyed

Bridge over Nagara River partially destroyed

SHIRATORI, Japan - The photo, taken from a Kyodo News helicopter at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 15, shows a bridge over the Nagara River in the town of Shiratori, Gifu Prefecture, washed away by floodwater caused by Typhoon No. 16. About 700 residents in nearby areas took refuge from the swollen river.

Shirotori Bridge

Shirotori Bridge

Looking at the Shiratori Bridge in Muroran City, Hokkaido from the side of Roadside Station Muroran Mitara on the Etomo Peninsula side.

Shirotori Bridge

Shirotori Bridge

A view of the Shiratori Bridge road in Muroran Bay, Muroran City, Hokkaido, Japan.

Bridge over Nagara River partially destroyed

Bridge over Nagara River partially destroyed

SHIRATORI, Japan - The photo, taken from a Kyodo News helicopter at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 15, shows a bridge over the Nagara River in the town of Shiratori, Gifu Prefecture, washed away by floodwater caused by Typhoon No. 16. About 700 residents in nearby areas took refuge from the swollen river.