Japan: Dust Clouds Rise From Mount Mayuyama After Earthquake

On August 12, 2026, in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, a video captured clouds of dust rising from the slope of Mount Mayuyama shortly after a magnitude-4.9 earthquake struck the area. The mountain, located near residential homes, has shown signs of surface erosion since a major earthquake sequence hit the region in late July. Officials monitoring the mountain and the nearby Mount Fugen lava dome said there are currently no signs of a major collapse, though close observation is continuing. Mount Mayuyama is historically significant as the site of a catastrophic collapse in 1792 that triggered a tsunami and killed around 15,000 people in Shimabara and neighboring Kumamoto.

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 10, 2026, following phone talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said.

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 10, 2026, following phone talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said.

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 10, 2026, following phone talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said.

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 10, 2026, following phone talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said.

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japan-Oman phone talks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 10, 2026, following phone talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said.

[Breaking News]Basketball: Hachimura meets press in Nagoya

NAGOYA, Japan, Aug. 6 Kyodo - NBA star Rui Hachimura speaks during a press conference at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Aug. 6, 2026. Hachimura, who recently joined the Los Angeles Clippers, said he wants to play for Japan at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. (Kyodo)

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Photo taken on Aug. 11, 2026, shows the logo of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. at a TSMC factory in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Sony Group Corp.'s chip unit, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., said the same day it will begin mass production of next-generation image sensors with TSMC in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture in 2029, with the two companies investing a combined 747 billion yen ($4.7 billion).

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Photo taken on Aug. 11, 2026, shows the logo of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. at a TSMC factory in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Sony Group Corp.'s chip unit, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., said the same day it will begin mass production of next-generation image sensors with TSMC in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture in 2029, with the two companies investing a combined 747 billion yen ($4.7 billion).

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Photo taken on Aug. 11, 2026, shows the logo of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. at a TSMC factory in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Sony Group Corp.'s chip unit, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., said the same day it will begin mass production of next-generation image sensors with TSMC in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture in 2029, with the two companies investing a combined 747 billion yen ($4.7 billion).

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Photo taken on Aug. 11, 2026, shows the logo of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. at a TSMC factory in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Sony Group Corp.'s chip unit, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., said the same day it will begin mass production of next-generation image sensors with TSMC in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture in 2029, with the two companies investing a combined 747 billion yen ($4.7 billion).

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Photo taken on Aug. 11, 2026, shows a factory of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Sony Group Corp.'s chip unit, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., said the same day it will begin mass production of next-generation image sensors with TSMC in 2029, with the two companies investing a combined 747 billion yen ($4.7 billion).

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Photo taken on Aug. 11, 2026, shows the logo of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. at a TSMC factory in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Sony Group Corp.'s chip unit, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., said the same day it will begin mass production of next-generation image sensors with TSMC in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture in 2029, with the two companies investing a combined 747 billion yen ($4.7 billion).

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Sony unit, TSMC to invest 747 bil. yen in next-gen sensors

Photo taken on Aug. 11, 2026, shows the logo of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. at a TSMC factory in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Sony Group Corp.'s chip unit, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., said the same day it will begin mass production of next-generation image sensors with TSMC in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture in 2029, with the two companies investing a combined 747 billion yen ($4.7 billion).

China: Traffic Light Takes Direct Lightning Strike During Thunderstorm

A lightning strike hit a roadside utility pole and communication cables in Anping Village, Jiangxi Town, Nanning, Guangxi on August 5, producing a bright flash, sparks, and yellow smoke, and briefly knocking out a nearby traffic signal. Local authorities said the strike did not affect residents' daily lives.

Spain: Fireworks Shell Misfire Injures 27 at Altea’s Castell de l’Olla

At least 27 people were injured in Altea, Spain, after a pyrotechnic shell veered off course and landed among spectators during the 40th-anniversary Castell de l'Olla fireworks show on the night of Saturday, August 8 into Sunday, August 9. Some suffered burns, and others were hurt in a subsequent stampede-like panic. Authorities said no injuries were reported as serious.

China: Waterspout Spotted Over Songhua River in Heilongjiang

A dramatic waterspout formed over the Songhua River in Zhaoyuan County, Daqing, Heilongjiang on August 3, sending a towering column of water high into the sky. Local meteorological authorities said it caused no casualties or property damage.

China: Tourists Shelter Under Buddha Statues as Storm Hits Longmen Grottoes

A powerful convective storm brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds to the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan on August 3. Tourists were seen rushing to shelter beneath the Buddha statues, with some crouching close to the stone carvings as rain poured down around them. A visitor said the storm lasted less than 40 minutes before conditions improved.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

China: Landslide Debris and Boulders Crush Vehicle on Mountain Road

A dashcam captured a large boulder rolling down a hillside and crushing a moving vehicle on a mountain road in Shuifu, Zhaotong, Yunnan, China, on August 3, 2026. A passing motorcyclist narrowly avoided being hit. Authorities said the vehicle was damaged but no injuries were reported, and warned some roads remain unstable after heavy rain.

UK: Woman Arrested After Four Men Stabbed in London’s Covent Garden

A woman was arrested Wednesday, August 5, after four men were stabbed in London's Covent Garden. Metropolitan Police said officers recovered a pair of scissors at the scene and that early indications suggest the incident was mental health-related.

Basketball: Hachimura meets press in Nagoya

Basketball: Hachimura meets press in Nagoya

NBA star Rui Hachimura speaks during a press conference at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Aug. 6, 2026. Hachimura, who recently joined the Los Angeles Clippers, said he wants to play for Japan at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Basketball: Hachimura meets press in Nagoya

Basketball: Hachimura meets press in Nagoya

NBA star Rui Hachimura speaks during a press conference at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Aug. 6, 2026. Hachimura, who recently joined the Los Angeles Clippers, said he wants to play for Japan at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Basketball: Hachimura meets press in Nagoya

Basketball: Hachimura meets press in Nagoya

NBA star Rui Hachimura speaks during a press conference at IG Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, on Aug. 6, 2026. Hachimura, who recently joined the Los Angeles Clippers, said he wants to play for Japan at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

Japan Business Federation head Yoshinobu Tsutsui meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

U.S. Treasury Secretary comments on Japan monetary policy

U.S. Treasury Secretary comments on Japan monetary policy

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara holds a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Kihara declined to comment after Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

U.S. Treasury Secretary comments on Japan monetary policy

U.S. Treasury Secretary comments on Japan monetary policy

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara holds a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Kihara declined to comment after Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

U.S. treasury secretary comments on Japan's credit policy

Japan Business Federation head Yoshinobu Tsutsui meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

U.S. Treasury Secretary comments on Japan monetary policy

U.S. Treasury Secretary comments on Japan monetary policy

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara holds a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026, following U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments taken as seeking credit tightening by Japanese monetary authorities. Kihara declined to comment after Bessent said in a CNBC interview the previous day he believes Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda "will do what is needed" when asked whether the BOJ's next move should be a rate hike.

Japan: Earthquake Sparks Deadly Mall Explosion in Kumamoto 2

A massive earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, forcing nearly 9,000 residents to evacuate. The quake also triggered a large explosion at a shopping mall in the town of Kashima, tearing through the building and killing at least four people. This video shows ash covering roads near Kashima. The video owner said a loud explosion was heard, causing the car to shake, while heavy ash filled the air and made it difficult to see ahead.

Japanese-made components found in Russian cruise missile

Japanese-made components found in Russian cruise missile

Photo taken in Kyiv on July 29, 2026, shows wreckage of a new Russian S8000 Banderol cruise missile that was used to attack Ukraine. Ukraine said the same day that foreign-made components, including those manufactured by a Japanese company in May 2021, have been found in a Russian missile.

Japanese-made components found in Russian cruise missile

Japanese-made components found in Russian cruise missile

Photo taken in Kyiv on July 29, 2026, shows wreckage of a new Russian S8000 Banderol cruise missile that was used to attack Ukraine. Ukraine said the same day that foreign-made components, including those manufactured by a Japanese company in May 2021, have been found in a Russian missile.

China: Man Grabs Snake With Bare Hands After Roadside Bite in Hunan

A terrifying roadside encounter was caught on a passing vehicle's dashcam, showing a man grabbing a snake with his bare hands after it bit him. The incident occurred on July 15, 2026, in Huaihua, Hunan, when a snake suddenly rushed out and bit the man's foot as he rode along the road. He stopped, seized the snake with his hands, and brought it under control before heading to a hospital. Medical checks later confirmed the snake was mildly venomous and his condition was not serious. The driver who filmed the video said the road ran close to mountainous terrain, where they encountered three large snakes along the route.

Spain: Security Camera Shows Wildfire Bearing Down on Home in Navas del Rey

Security camera footage captured a wildfire engulfing the surroundings of a home in the El Club neighborhood of Navas del Rey, in Spain's Community of Madrid, on Friday, July 24, with flames spreading across the property as part of the larger Sierra Oeste wildfire. The homeowner said the fire did not enter the house, though the footage shows the surrounding grass and trees completely burned.

France: Tens of Thousands Evacuated From Cap Ferret as Gironde Wildfires Rage

French authorities ordered evacuation of the Cap Ferret peninsula on Friday, July 24, launching boats to help evacuate tens of thousands of holidaymakers as wildfires tore across the Gironde region in southwestern France. Officials said around 40,000 people were evacuated from the tourist destination west of Bordeaux, with fires having burned roughly 10,000 hectares.

Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto dies at 78

Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto dies at 78

Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto is pictured in Beirut while living in exile in the Lebanese capital on May 30 2022. His support group the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said on July 23, 2026, that Okamoto died at 78 near Beirut. Okamoto and two other Red Army members launched the 1972 attack on Tel Aviv's international airport using assault rifles and hand grenades, leaving over 20 people dead.

Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto dies at 78

Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto dies at 78

Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto speaks during an interview in Beirut while living in exile in the Lebanese capital on May 4, 2016. His support group the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said on July 23, 2026, that Okamoto died at 78 near Beirut. Okamoto and two other Red Army members launched the 1972 attack on Tel Aviv's international airport using assault rifles and hand grenades, leaving over 20 people dead. ==Kyodo

US: West Virginia Flash Floods Trigger Rescues, State of Emergency 3

Torrential rains caused flash flooding across West Virginia on Tuesday, July 21, inundating homes and businesses, washing out bridges and roads, and triggering numerous water rescues, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey declaring a state of emergency for all 55 counties. Search and rescue operations continued Wednesday in the hardest-hit areas, including Upshur, Lewis, and Pleasants counties, with hundreds of National Guard members deployed and at least 85 rescues carried out, though officials said no fatalities had been confirmed.

Spain: Wildfire Breaks Out in Cervelló, Near Barcelona

A wildfire broke out in Cervelló, near Barcelona, on Wednesday, July 22, forcing the confinement of about 300 people from Les Rovires and Can Paulet. The fire burned 16 hectares, officials said. No injuries have been reported.

Rainy season ends in eastern, central Japan

TOKYO, Japan, July 21 Kyodo - People walk with parasols under the scorching sun in Tokyo's Shibuya area on July 20, 2026. The rainy season in Tokyo and neighboring areas of the Kanto-Koshin region as well as in the Tokai region of central Japan appears to have ended, the country's weather agency said the same day. (Kyodo)

Baseball: Stanford slugger Sasaki to join Marlins

HANAMAKI, Japan, July 19 Kyodo - Stanford University slugger Rintaro Sasaki holds a press conference in Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on July 19, 2026. The 21-year-old infielder, a graduate of Hanamaki Higashi High School, said he will begin his professional baseball career with the Miami Marlins, following his draft selection by the Major League Baseball team earlier in the month. (Kyodo)

US: West Virginia Flash Floods Trigger Rescues, State of Emergency 2

Torrential rains caused flash flooding across West Virginia on Tuesday, July 21, inundating homes and businesses, washing out bridges and roads, and triggering numerous water rescues, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey declaring a state of emergency for all 55 counties. Search and rescue operations continued Wednesday in the hardest-hit areas, including Upshur, Lewis, and Pleasants counties, with hundreds of National Guard members deployed and at least 85 rescues carried out, though officials said no fatalities had been confirmed.

US: West Virginia Flash Floods Trigger Rescues, State of Emergency

Torrential rains caused flash flooding across West Virginia on Tuesday, July 21, inundating homes and businesses, washing out bridges and roads, and triggering numerous water rescues, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey declaring a state of emergency for all 55 counties. Search and rescue operations continued Wednesday in the hardest-hit areas, including Upshur, Lewis, and Pleasants counties, with hundreds of National Guard members deployed and at least 85 rescues carried out, though officials said no fatalities had been confirmed.

US: Madison Protesters Storm Concert Stage Following Fatal Police Shooting 2

Protesters marched from the scene of a fatal police shooting on the Near East Side to Capitol Square in Madison, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, July 22, taking over the stage set for that night's Concert on the Square. The demonstration followed the fatal shooting of a man in his 30s earlier that afternoon, whom police said had pulled a knife during a struggle to detain him after officers responded to a report of a man checking parked cars.

Rainy season ends in eastern, central Japan

Rainy season ends in eastern, central Japan

People walk with parasols under the scorching sun in Tokyo's Shibuya area on July 20, 2026. The rainy season in Tokyo and neighboring areas of the Kanto-Koshin region as well as in the Tokai region of central Japan appears to have ended, the country's weather agency said the same day.

Rainy season ends in eastern, central Japan

Rainy season ends in eastern, central Japan

People walk with parasols under the scorching sun in Tokyo's Shibuya area on July 20, 2026. The rainy season in Tokyo and neighboring areas of the Kanto-Koshin region as well as in the Tokai region of central Japan appears to have ended, the country's weather agency said the same day.

Baseball: Stanford slugger Sasaki to join Marlins

Baseball: Stanford slugger Sasaki to join Marlins

Stanford University slugger Rintaro Sasaki wipes away some tears during a press conference in Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on July 19, 2026. The 21-year-old infielder, a graduate of Hanamaki Higashi High School, said he will begin his professional baseball career with the Miami Marlins, following his draft selection by the Major League Baseball team earlier in the month.