Japan: Passenger Captures Moment Bullet Train Grinds to Halt as Powerful Earthquake Hits 2

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region Monday afternoon, April 20, triggering a tsunami warning of up to three meters for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. The footage was shot on a Shinkansen bullet train bound for Tokyo between Ichinoseki Station and Kurikoma-Kogen Station.

Rally against constitutional amendment

Rally against constitutional amendment

Members of citizen groups rally in front of JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo on April 16, 2026, in protest over the proposed revision to Article 9 of the Constitution, which renounces war and prohibits Japan from possessing military forces.

Rally against constitutional amendment

Rally against constitutional amendment

Members of citizen groups rally in front of JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo on April 16, 2026, in protest over the proposed revision to Article 9 of the Constitution, which renounces war and prohibits Japan from possessing military forces.

Rally against constitutional amendment

Rally against constitutional amendment

Members of citizen groups rally in front of JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo on April 16, 2026, in protest over the proposed revision to Article 9 of the Constitution, which renounces war and prohibits Japan from possessing military forces.

[Breaking News]Astronaut Yui meets press

TOKYO, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui poses for a photo at the end of a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station. (Kyodo)

Astronaut Yui meets press

Astronaut Yui meets press

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui poses for a photo at the end of a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station.

Astronaut Yui meets press

Astronaut Yui meets press

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui poses for a photo at the end of a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station.

Astronaut Yui meets press

Astronaut Yui meets press

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station.

Astronaut Yui meets press

Astronaut Yui meets press

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station.

Astronaut Yui meets press

Astronaut Yui meets press

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station.

Astronaut Yui meets press

Astronaut Yui meets press

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station.

Astronaut Yui meets press

Astronaut Yui meets press

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on April 9, 2026, held after returning to Earth in January following a five-month mission at the International Space Station.

Japan: Thousands Rally in Tokyo Against War and Constitutional Revision, Waving Penlights 2

A rally called "4.5 Penlight Rally" was held on Sunday, April 5 at Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, where around 6,000 people gathered to protest against war and constitutional revision. Participants waved penlight sticks — commonly used at concerts — featuring their favorite anime and idol characters. The event was organized by "Civil Alliance for Peace and Constitutionalism".

Japan: Thousands Rally in Tokyo Against War and Constitutional Revision, Waving Penlights 3

A rally called "4.5 Penlight Rally" was held on Sunday, April 5 at Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, where around 6,000 people gathered to protest against war and constitutional revision. Participants waved penlight sticks — commonly used at concerts — featuring their favorite anime and idol characters. The event was organized by "Civil Alliance for Peace and Constitutionalism".

Japan: Thousands Rally in Tokyo Against War and Constitutional Revision, Waving Penlights

A rally called "4.5 Penlight Rally" was held on Sunday, April 5 at Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, where around 6,000 people gathered to protest against war and constitutional revision. Participants waved penlight sticks — commonly used at concerts — featuring their favorite anime and idol characters. The event was organized by "Civil Alliance for Peace and Constitutionalism".

Japan's imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's imperial family's trip to Fukushima

(From R, facing camera) Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko are greeted before getting on a shinkansen bullet train at JR Tokyo Station in the Japanese capital to visit Fukushima Prefecture to inspect the recovery efforts since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Japan's imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's imperial family's trip to Fukushima

(From R, facing camera) Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko are greeted before getting on a shinkansen bullet train at JR Tokyo Station in the Japanese capital to visit Fukushima Prefecture to inspect the recovery efforts since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Japan's imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's imperial family's trip to Fukushima

(From R, facing camera) Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko are greeted before getting on a shinkansen bullet train at JR Tokyo Station in the Japanese capital to visit Fukushima Prefecture to inspect the recovery efforts since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Japan: Man Arrested After Setting Fire at Iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing

A man in his 50s scattered a flammable liquid and set it on fire at the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing on Friday, April 3. He turned himself in at a nearby police station about 20 minutes later, and was arrested on suspicion of obstructing traffic. The fire was put out by police officers and no one was hurt.

Astronaut Furukawa to leave JAXA

Astronaut Furukawa to leave JAXA

Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, 61, receives a bouquet at the end of a press conference in Tokyo on March 30, 2026, after announcing he will leave the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency the next day. A qualified doctor, Furukawa undertook two long-term missions at the International Space Station -- in 2011 and from 2023 to 2024 -- while employed by JAXA.

Astronaut Furukawa to leave JAXA

Astronaut Furukawa to leave JAXA

Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, 61, holds a press conference in Tokyo on March 30, 2026, announcing he will leave the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency the next day. A qualified doctor, Furukawa undertook two long-term missions at the International Space Station -- in 2011 and from 2023 to 2024 -- while employed by JAXA.

Japan: Tokyo Peace Fest Draws 1,400 in Protest Against Constitutional Revision and War

Around 1,400 people gathered near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo on Saturday, March 28, for a rally called "Peace Fest — No to War and Dictatorship," where participants sang anime songs related to peace and called for peace and constitutionalism. Demonstrators protested against Prime Minister Takaichi's push for constitutional revision and the incident involving a Self-Defense Forces member who entered the Chinese Embassy.

Japan: Tokyo Marchers Mark Land Day in Protest Against Israeli-US Aggression

Protesters gathered at two locations across Tokyo on Saturday, March 28, demonstrating against the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran and calling on the Japanese government to take a stronger stance for peace. Demonstrators marched through the streets carrying placards and light sticks, chanting slogans. At a rally held in front of Shinjuku Station,1,400 people gathered to voice their opposition. A separate demonstration was held in front of the National Diet Building, drawing approximately 3,000 participants including online attendees, according to organizers.

31st anniversary of sarin gas attack on Tokyo subway

TOKYO, Japan, March 20 Kyodo - Tokyo Metro employees observe a moment of silence at Kasumigaseki Station in Tokyo at 8:10 a.m. on March 20, 2026, the time the AUM Shinrikyo cult's sarin nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway system took place exactly 31 years earlier, leaving 14 dead and over 6,000 injured. (Pool photo) (Kyodo)

JR East raises fares by 7.1%

TOKYO, Japan, March 14 Kyodo - A worker replaces a fare board at JR Tokyo Station after East Japan Railway Co. raised its fares by an average of 7.1 percent on March 14, 2026, its first hike since the major rail company's privatization in 1987. (Kyodo)

31st anniversary of sarin gas attack on Tokyo subway

31st anniversary of sarin gas attack on Tokyo subway

Tokyo Metro employees observe a moment of silence at Kasumigaseki Station in Tokyo at 8:10 a.m. on March 20, 2026, the time the AUM Shinrikyo cult's sarin nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway system took place exactly 31 years earlier, leaving 14 dead and over 6,000 injured. (Pool photo)

High-rise condominiums in greater Tokyo area

High-rise condominiums in greater Tokyo area

Photo taken on Jan. 25, 2026, shows a cluster of high-rise condominiums near JR Musashikosugi Station in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, in the greater Tokyo area.

High-rise condominiums in greater Tokyo area

High-rise condominiums in greater Tokyo area

Photo taken on Jan. 25, 2026, shows a cluster of high-rise condominiums near JR Musashikosugi Station in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, in the greater Tokyo area.

High-rise condominiums in greater Tokyo area

High-rise condominiums in greater Tokyo area

Photo taken on Jan. 25, 2026, shows a cluster of high-rise condominiums near JR Musashikosugi Station in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, in the greater Tokyo area.

JR East raises fares by 7.1%

JR East raises fares by 7.1%

A worker replaces a fare board at JR Tokyo Station after East Japan Railway Co. raised its fares by an average of 7.1 percent on March 14, 2026, its first hike since the major rail company's privatization in 1987.

JR East raises fares by 7.1%

JR East raises fares by 7.1%

A worker replaces a fare board at JR Tokyo Station after East Japan Railway Co. raised its fares by an average of 7.1 percent on March 14, 2026, its first hike since the major rail company's privatization in 1987.

JR East raises fares by 7.1%

JR East raises fares by 7.1%

A worker replaces a fare board at JR Tokyo Station after East Japan Railway Co. raised its fares by an average of 7.1 percent on March 14, 2026, its first hike since the major rail company's privatization in 1987.

Japan: Power Outage on Yokohama Train Lines Forces Trackside Evacuation

A power outage struck the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Minatomirai Line in Yokohama, Japan, at around 12:20 p.m. on March 13, leaving two trains stranded between Okurayama and Minatomirai stations. Approximately 900 passengers were forced to disembark onto the tracks and walk to the nearest station. The affected lines connect central Yokohama to the Minato Mirai waterfront district and link to Tokyo via the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

A motorist fills gasoline at a gas station in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward on March 12, 2026, as retail gasoline prices are surging amid the Middle East crisis.

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

A motorist fills gasoline at a gas station in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward on March 12, 2026, as retail gasoline prices are surging amid the Middle East crisis.

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

A price board at a gas station in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward shows regular gasoline prices at 185 yen ($1.17) per liter on March 12, 2026, up sharply amid the Middle East crisis.

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

A price board at a gas station in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward shows regular gasoline prices at 185 yen ($1.17) per liter on March 12, 2026, up sharply amid the Middle East crisis.

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

Gasoline prices surging in Japan

A price board at a gas station in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward shows regular gasoline prices at 185 yen ($1.17) per liter on March 12, 2026, up sharply amid the Middle East crisis.

Japan: Shinagawa Station Overcrowded as Train Suspensions Disrupt Rush Hour

On Wednesday, train suspensions caused by a fatal accident disrupted the evening rush hour, leading to severe congestion at stations. At Shinagawa Station, platforms were packed with passengers and became dangerously overcrowded. According to JR East, the accident occurred between Yokohama and Shin-Kawasaki stations on the Yokosuka Line. As a result, services on the Yokosuka Line and several other major lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area were temporarily suspended.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A voter casts a ballot in the House of Representatives election at a polling station in Tokyo on Feb. 8, 2026.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A voter casts a ballot in the House of Representatives election at a polling station in Tokyo on Feb. 8, 2026.

General election in Japan

General election in Japan

A ballot box is pictured at a polling station for the House of Representatives election in Tokyo on Feb. 8, 2026.

Japan: Tokyo Sees Significant Snow Accumulation Amid Widespread Winter Storm 7

A cold air mass brought widespread snow to much of Japan starting Saturday, February 7, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue warnings and advisories nationwide as heavy snow continued along the Sea of Japan coast. As of Sunday, over 3 cm of snow accumulation was reported in Tokyo, covering streets throughout the capital. This video shows the Tokyo Disney Resort area around Maihama Station.

Japan: Tokyo Sees Significant Snow Accumulation Amid Widespread Winter Storm 4

A cold air mass brought widespread snow to much of Japan starting Saturday, February 7, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue warnings and advisories nationwide as heavy snow continued along the Sea of Japan coast. As of Sunday, over 3 cm of snow accumulation was reported in Tokyo, covering streets throughout the capital.

Snow-covered Tokyo

Snow-covered Tokyo

JR Tokyo Station is blanketed with snow on Feb. 8, 2026.

Snow-covered Tokyo

Snow-covered Tokyo

JR Tokyo Station is blanketed with snow on Feb. 8, 2026.

Snow-covered Tokyo

Snow-covered Tokyo

JR Tokyo Station is blanketed with snow on Feb. 8, 2026.

Japan: Smoke Fills Hatchobori Station in Tokyo, Trains Suspended

Smoke was reported at JR Hatchobori Station on the Keiyo Line in Tokyo on Monday evening, February 2, prompting a suspension of services between Tokyo and Shin-Kiba stations. Passengers were guided outside after smoke was seen rising from an escalator connecting the platform and concourse, and entry to the station was restricted as smoke filled the premises.

Power outage disrupts train services in Tokyo

Power outage disrupts train services in Tokyo

An information board at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo on Jan. 30, 2026 notifies passengers of the suspension of train services on the Joban Line, after a power outage at the station.

Power outage disrupts train services in Tokyo

Power outage disrupts train services in Tokyo

An information board at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo on Jan. 30, 2026 notifies passengers of the suspension of train services on the Joban Line, after a power outage at the station.