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Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks at a press conference at the parliament building in Tokyo on May 15, 2026, commenting on a report that Japan is considering exporting the Type 88 surface-to-ship missile system to the Philippines. Koizumi said nothing has been decided at this point.

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China: Glowing White Object Spotted Moving Across Sky in Hangzhou

On May 10, 2026, in Hangzhou, eastern China, a video captured a mysterious white glowing object moving across the sky. The object appeared similar to a UFO, with a bright ring-like glow that seemed to expand and shrink as it traveled overhead.

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Norikura Skyline in central Japan

Norikura Skyline in central Japan

A bus runs along the Norikura Skyline in Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on May 15, 2026, as the 14.4-kilometer mountainous sightseeing road reopened that day following a wintertime closure.

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Norikura Skyline in central Japan

Norikura Skyline in central Japan

A bus runs along the Norikura Skyline in Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on May 15, 2026, as the 14.4-kilometer mountainous sightseeing road reopened that day following a wintertime closure.

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Norikura Skyline in central Japan

Norikura Skyline in central Japan

A bus runs along the Norikura Skyline in Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on May 15, 2026, as the 14.4-kilometer mountainous sightseeing road reopened that day following a wintertime closure.

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Norikura Skyline in central Japan

Norikura Skyline in central Japan

A bus runs along the Norikura Skyline in Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on May 15, 2026, as the 14.4-kilometer mountainous sightseeing road reopened that day following a wintertime closure.

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Putin's Akita dog Yume died in 2025

Putin's Akita dog Yume died in 2025

File photo taken in the city of Akita in July 2012 shows Shoji Hatakeyama and his Akita puppy Yume. The dog, given to Russian President Vladimir Putin by Akita Prefecture later that year, died in 2025.

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Victims' kin commemorate 1991 train accident in western Japan

Victims' kin commemorate 1991 train accident in western Japan

Bereaved family members attend a memorial service in Koka in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on May 14, 2026, the 35th anniversary of a local train collision that killed 42 passengers and staff.

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Victims' kin commemorate 1991 train accident in western Japan

Victims' kin commemorate 1991 train accident in western Japan

Bereaved family members attend a memorial service in Koka in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on May 14, 2026, the 35th anniversary of a local train collision that killed 42 passengers and staff.

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Private space station project

Private space station project

Former Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata meets the press in Tokyo on May 14, 2026, on U.S. firm Axiom Space's plan to develop a private space station to replace the outmoded International Space Station. Axiom Space CEO Jonathan Cirtain said at the press event that Wakata will head the Japan unit of Axiom, to be set up in July.

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Large thermometer in one of Japan's hottest cities

Large thermometer in one of Japan's hottest cities

A 4-meter thermometer is set up in front of a Yagihashi department store on May 14, 2026, in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, known as one of the hottest cities in Japan. The mercury hit 41.1 C in the eastern Japan city in July 2018, the highest temperature on record at that time, before it was surpassed by the nearby city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, at 41.8 C in the summer of 2025.

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Large thermometer in one of Japan's hottest cities

Large thermometer in one of Japan's hottest cities

A 4-meter thermometer is set up in front of a Yagihashi department store on May 14, 2026, in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, known as one of the hottest cities in Japan. The mercury hit 41.1 C in the eastern Japan city in July 2018, the highest temperature on record at that time, before it was surpassed by the nearby city of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, at 41.8 C in the summer of 2025.

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Philippines: Lava Collapse Triggers Pyroclastic Flow at Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano in the Philippines generated a pyroclastic density current (PDC), locally known as "uson," along the Mi-isi Gully on Wednesday, May 13, with a volcanic plume rising to approximately 4,000 meters, as the volcano continued to show intensified magmatic unrest under Alert Level 3. Authorities reiterated that entry into the danger zone remained strictly prohibited, with residents advised to remain alert for possible evacuation.

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China: Clever Owner Lures Hiding Hamster Out With Help From Its Companion

On April 11, 2026, in Hubei, a video recorded an owner trying to bring a hidden hamster out from under a sofa. The owner kept two golden hamsters, but one of them had crawled underneath and refused to come out. The owner then came up with an unusual solution. A string was gently placed around the neck of the second hamster, and that hamster was lowered beneath the sofa. Not long afterward, the hidden hamster followed along and finally emerged from underneath the furniture. The owner’s method appeared to work surprisingly well.

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China: Chicken Survives Sudden Storm That Tears Roof Panels Away

On May 4, 2026, in Heilongjiang, located in northeastern China, a video recorded a quiet rural courtyard moments before strong wind arrived. A chicken was walking calmly across the yard. Suddenly, powerful gusts swept through the area. Dust rose from the ground, and metal roof panels were blown down, leaving the room and yard in disorder. The wind passed quickly, and the ground looked almost swept clean afterward. Despite the chaos, the chicken was still unharmed. After the gusts eased, the chick flapped its wings and ran back indoors.

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US: Several Tornadoes Including EF3 Tear Through Mississippi, Leaving Trail of Damage 2

Several tornadoes, including an EF3, ripped through Mississippi on Wednesday, May 6, spawned by supercell thunderstorms and triggering a tornado emergency. Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that 17 people were injured and more than 300 homes were damaged across several counties, with no deaths reported. This video shows the damaged area in Bogue Chitto, Lincoln County, which was flattened by the tornadoes.

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Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash 3,500 Meters Into Sky

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima erupted on Friday, May 8, sending ash plumes rising 3,500 metres above the crater. Residents in southeastern areas including Kagoshima city were warned to brace for ashfall, with winds carrying the plume in that direction.

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Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash 3,500 Meters Into Sky 2

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima erupted on Friday, May 8, sending ash plumes rising 3,500 metres above the crater. Residents in southeastern areas including Kagoshima city were warned to brace for ashfall, with winds carrying the plume in that direction. This video shows volcanic ash covering the streets of nearby areas.

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China: Massive Dust Whirlwind Spirals Into Sky Over Yongcheng, Henan

On April 29, 2026, in Yongcheng, Henan, a video captured a massive dust whirlwind forming on flat ground as strong winds swept across an open area. The towering column of dust rapidly spiraled upward, creating a long twisting shape that stunned people nearby. Witnesses said the dust tornado remained visible for more than ten minutes as it continued spinning intensely in the distance.

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China: Intense Rainfall Triggers Cliff Waterfall Along Hunan Mountain Road

On April 27, 2026, in Shaoyang, Hunan, a video captured an intense downpour that triggered a dramatic waterfall along a mountain roadside. As the man drove through the stormy weather, he was left stunned after spotting the powerful stream of water cascading down the rocky cliff face beside the road.

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Nintendo's sales in FY 2025 top 2 tril. yen

Nintendo's sales in FY 2025 top 2 tril. yen

File photo taken on April 3, 2025, in Tokyo shows the Switch 2 gaming console of Nintendo Co. The video game company reported on May 8, 2026, that its sales for the year ended March that year rose 98.6 percent from a year earlier to 2.31 trillion yen, the first time the company has topped the 2 trillion yen mark.

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Toyota FY 2025 sales top 50 trillion yen, 1st for Japan firm

Toyota FY 2025 sales top 50 trillion yen, 1st for Japan firm

File photo taken on Aug. 29, 2023, shows the headquarters building of Toyota Motor Corp. in Toyota in Aichi Pref., central Japan. Toyota reported on May 8, 2026, that its sales for the year ended March that year rose 5.5 percent from a year earlier to 50.68 trillion yen, becoming the first Japanese company to post annual sales of over 50 trillion yen.

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China: Mysterious Black Object Captured Hovering Over Xi’an Skyline

On April 28, 2026, in Xi'an, Shaanxi, a video captured a huge black unidentified object hovering high above the city skyline. The object appeared to continuously roll, stretch and curl through the clouds while drifting slowly across the sky, creating an eerie scene that quickly caught the attention of local residents.

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Canada: Another Grey Whale Spotted in Vancouver’s English Bay, Drawing Large Crowds

A whale was spotted in English Bay, Vancouver, on Thursday, drawing large crowds to the shoreline. It remains unclear whether the animal is the same grey whale that made headlines earlier this week after colliding with a jet ski near Stanley Park. That whale was last seen Tuesday, swimming out to sea and reported to be unharmed.

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China: Dramatic Ice Flood Sweeps Through Kanas Scenic Area in Xinjiang

On January 6, 2026, in Altay, Xinjiang, a video captured a dangerous ice flood scene at the Kanas Scenic Area as strong currents carried large slabs of broken ice rapidly down the river. The surging water pushed the floating ice blocks through the river channel, creating a dramatic flowing ice phenomenon that drew attention from onlookers nearby.

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U.S. strike on Iran school

U.S. strike on Iran school

Photo taken on May 6, 2026, shows toys, books and a stuffed doll that belonged to a deceased child following a deadly U.S. strike on an elementary school building in the Minab region in southern Iran at the outset of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran in late February. The death toll from the attack was put at over 150 by Iranian authorities, including at least 120 children.

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China: Violent Winds Knock Down Large Tree in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan

A violent storm swept through Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province, on Sunday, April 27, bringing sudden strong winds that struck the area without warning. A large tree beside a nearby shop collapsed during the storm, captured on video by a witness filming from inside the shop.

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China: Delivery Rider Leaps to Safety as Car Speeds Out in Narrow Alley

This was the terrifying moment that a Chinese delivery rider narrowly avoided a collision after a car suddenly sped out from a blind corner in a narrow residential alley. On April 21, 2026, in Hunan, China, the video captured a tense encounter inside a cramped residential lane where visibility was heavily blocked by surrounding walls and buildings. As the delivery rider was traveling normally through the alley on his electric scooter, a car suddenly rushed out from a blind corner ahead of him after the driver reportedly stepped on the accelerator by mistake while attempting to pass through the narrow lane. The rider reacted within seconds and immediately abandoned his scooter to protect himself. He leaped away while the scooter slid across the alley, allowing him to narrowly escape the speeding vehicle. The footage showed how quickly the incident unfolded in the confined space, leaving almost no reaction time for either side.

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China: Strong Winds Flip Banquet Tent as Guests Scramble for Safety

This is the dangerous moment that a group of Chinese residents scrambled for safety when powerful winds suddenly lifted and flipped over a banquet tent during a gathering. On February 23, 2026, in Guizhou, China, the video captured a dangerous scene when a sudden gust of strong wind struck an outdoor banquet where guests had been dining under a temporary canopy. Dozens of people were enjoying the meal when the wind suddenly intensified. Within seconds, the large tent covering the banquet area began to shake violently before being lifted and overturned by the powerful gust. The video ended with the guests safely rushing indoors.

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China: Monkey Struck by Moving Vehicle During Roadside Fight, Walks Away Unharmed

This was the shocking moment that a group of monkeys fought fiercely by a roadside in China, before one of them was struck and pushed forward by a passing vehicle but somehow survived unharmed. On April 26, 2026, in Guangxi, China, the video captured several monkeys scrambling and fighting beside a busy road, apparently battling for dominance within the troop. As the chaotic scene unfolded near the roadside, one monkey suddenly ran into the path of an approaching vehicle. The fast-moving car hit the monkey and continued pushing it forward for several moments, leaving onlookers stunned. Despite the impact, the animal astonishingly managed to get back on its feet shortly afterward. The monkey even performed a backward flip, appearing energetic and largely unaffected by the collision. The video ended with the monkeys scattering away from the roadside after the frightening encounter.

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US: Thousands Join May Day Strong Rallies Nationwide Demanding Workers’ Rights

Thousands of demonstrators joined "May Day Strong" rallies across the country on Friday, May 1, demanding a nation that puts workers over billionaires under the slogan "No School, No Work, No Shopping."

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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.

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Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on May 1, 2026, kicking off her five-day overseas trip that will also take her to Australia.

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Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on May 1, 2026, kicking off her five-day overseas trip that will also take her to Australia.

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Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on May 1, 2026, kicking off her five-day overseas trip that will also take her to Australia.

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Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on May 1, 2026, kicking off her five-day overseas trip that will also take her to Australia.

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Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japan PM Takaichi begins trip to Vietnam, Australia

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on May 1, 2026, kicking off her five-day overseas trip that will also take her to Australia.

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Japan's intervention to stem yen's fall vs. dollar

Japan's intervention to stem yen's fall vs. dollar

A monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo on May 1, 2026, shows a graph of dollar/yen exchange rate movements, including the dollar's sudden plunge on April 30. Japanese authorities intervened in the currency market that day to stem the dollar's surge to the upper 160 yen range, government sources said.

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Japan's intervention to stem yen's fall vs. dollar

Japan's intervention to stem yen's fall vs. dollar

A monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo on May 1, 2026, shows a graph of dollar/yen exchange rate movements, including the dollar's sudden plunge on April 30. Japanese authorities intervened in the currency market that day to stem the dollar's surge to the upper 160 yen range, government sources said.

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Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Photo taken on Aug. 14, 2016, shows Japan's Kei Nishikori holding his bronze medal during the awards ceremony for the men's singles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. On April 30, 2026, the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 said on social media that he will retire at the end of the season.

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Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Photo taken in Melbourne on Jan. 13, 2026, shows Japan's Kei Nishikori practicing ahead of an Australian Open men's singles qualifier. On April 30, 2026, the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 said on social media that he will retire at the end of the season.

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Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2014, shows Japan's Kei Nishikori in action against Marin Cilic of Croatia in their U.S. Open final in New York. On April 30, 2026, the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 said on social media that he will retire at the end of the season.

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Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Tennis: Kei Nishikori

Photo taken on July 10, 2019, shows Japan's Kei Nishikori in action against Roger Federer of Switzerland in their Wimbledon quarterfinal in London. On April 30, 2026, the Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 said on social media that he will retire at the end of the season.

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ASIMO's predecessor given IEEE Milestones award

ASIMO's predecessor given IEEE Milestones award

Honda Motor Co.'s P2 humanoid robot, the predecessor to its ASIMO robot, is displayed during a ceremony in Wako in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on April 28, 2026, after the U.S.-based Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers gave it the Milestones award for its pioneering natural walking technology. The award is given to important historical technological achievements that were made at least 25 years earlier, with Honda's P2 released in 1996.

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China: Off-Road Team Rescues Camel Trapped in Wire Fencing in Inner Mongolia

On April 24, 2026, in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, a video captured a rescue mission unfolding along a desert crossing route from the sacred tree area of the Ulan Buh Desert to Ji’aobao. Members of an off-road team spotted a camel that had been stuck for three to four days, its leg tightly entangled in wire fencing. The team leader carefully crouched down and began cutting away the metal wires wrapped around the animal’s leg, taking care not to cause further injury. The camel appeared exhausted and weak, remaining motionless even after being freed, its legs stiff from prolonged restraint. The video ended with the camel gradually managing to stand up, wobbling at first before stabilizing itself as the rescuers looked on.

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US: Hail Storm Causes Damage, Over 10,000 Power Outages in Springfield, MO 2

A severe hailstorm struck Springfield, MO on April 28, bringing baseball-sized hail that caused over 10,000 power outages, damaged hundreds of vehicles at the airport, and forced multiple businesses to close.

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China: Pair of Two-Headed Turtles Face Each Other Through Glass

On April 23, 2026, in Guangdong, located in southern China, a video recorded a rare scene involving two two-headed turtles. The owner held a small purple two-headed turtle in hand and brought it close to the glass enclosure of a much larger one. Inside the glass, the bigger two-headed turtle was also purple and stared directly at the smaller turtle. The size difference between them created a strong visual contrast. The larger turtle remained still while watching the small one, making the meeting look unusually intense. The small turtle stayed in the owner’s hand as the two faced each other across the glass. Chinese viewers commented that it is not easy for a two-headed turtle to grow so large. Many described it as rare and said it should be carefully raised.

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US: Hail Storm Causes Damage, Over 10,000 Power Outages in Springfield, MO

A severe hailstorm struck Springfield, MO on April 28, bringing baseball-sized hail that caused over 10,000 power outages, damaged hundreds of vehicles at the airport, and forced multiple businesses to close.

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China: Ice Slowly Forms Over Flowing Water, Creating Natural Topographic Map

This is the mesmerizing moment that a thin sheet of ice slowly take shape, revealing flowing water beneath and turning an ordinary surface into something that looked like a natural contour map. On February 8, 2026, in Henan, China, the video captured a quiet winter scene as a fragile layer of ice formed over shallow water. The camera showed the surface changing minute by minute, with clear channels still moving underneath while the top gradually stiffened. Ripples traced soft lines, and the freezing process followed the subtle height differences of the ground, creating patterns that resembled the lines on a topographic chart. As the cold tightened its grip, the translucent sheet thickened, and the movement below became slower and more deliberate. The contrast between motion and stillness made the process easy to follow, and the viewer could see where water continued to run and where it had already been sealed by ice.

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Japan: Huge Double Rainbow Spotted Over Tokyo Sky After Rain Storm

A huge double rainbow was spotted over central Tokyo on Monday evening, April 27, following rain that had persisted since the early morning hours.

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