81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during her visit to a nursing home for atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city.

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) holds talks with Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura at the Kumamoto prefectural government office on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) meets the press at the Kumamoto prefectural government office alongside Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (2nd from R) on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from L) holds talks with Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (2nd from R) at the Kumamoto prefectural government office on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Indonesian frigate calls at Yokosuka

Indonesian frigate calls at Yokosuka

The Indonesian navy frigate I Gusti Ngurah Rai makes a goodwill visit to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026, where it will also replenish stores.

Indonesian frigate calls at Yokosuka

Indonesian frigate calls at Yokosuka

The Indonesian navy frigate I Gusti Ngurah Rai makes a goodwill visit to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026, where it will also replenish stores.

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visit a traditional folding fan workshop in Takashima in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visit a traditional folding fan workshop in Takashima in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visit a traditional folding fan workshop in Takashima in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visit a traditional folding fan workshop in Takashima in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan crown prince visits Shiga

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visit a traditional folding fan workshop in Takashima in Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) joins others in pulling a rope to move a sacred tree trunk during a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026, as part of the rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, conducted every 20 years. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) joins others in pulling a rope to move a sacred tree trunk during a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026, as part of the rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, conducted every 20 years. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) joins others in pulling a rope to move a sacred tree trunk during a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026, as part of the rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, conducted every 20 years. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Princess Aiko visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Princess Aiko (C) joins others in pulling a rope to move a sacred tree trunk during a visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026, as part of the rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, conducted every 20 years. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko visits a lumbermill in Ise in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. The princess will visit Ise Jingu shrine the following day to watch a rite for the "Shikinen Sengu" shrine building reconstruction, which is conducted every 20 years. The rite will be performed using trees processed at the workshop. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko watches a dugong during a visit to Toba Aquarium in Toba in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko watches a sea otter during a visit to Toba Aquarium in Toba in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko watches a dugong during a visit to Toba Aquarium in Toba in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. (Pool photo)

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Princess Aiko visits Mie Pref.

Japanese Princess Aiko watches a sea otter during a visit to Toba Aquarium in Toba in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. (Pool photo)

New Marine commander for Okinawa visits Okinawa governor

New Marine commander for Okinawa visits Okinawa governor

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson (L), U.S. Marine Corps' commander in charge of areas covering Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, holds talks with Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki (R) during a visit to his prefectural government office in Naha on July 21, 2026. Watson assumed the post on July 15.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (L) watches the Kagura Shinto ritual dance during a visit to a high school in Hino in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (R) takes part in a throwing game based on Finland's Molkky during a visit to a high school in Hino in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (2nd from R) takes part in a throwing game based on Finland's Molkky during a visit to a high school in Hino in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Geiko ritual at Kyoto shrine

KYOTO, Japan, July 7 Kyodo - Wearing "yukata" summer kimonos, Geiko and Maiko apprentices visit Yasaka shrine in Kyoto on July 6, 2026, to pray for health and the improvement of their performances in the traditional Osendo ritual. (Kyodo)

Japan imperial couple visit Akasaka Estate

Japan imperial couple visit Akasaka Estate

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo on July 3, 2026, to brief former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko about their recent official visit to the Netherlands and Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako

TOKYO, Japan, June 24 Kyodo - Japan's Crown Princess Kiko and her daughter Princess Kako visit an exhibition featuring works by artists with disabilities in Tokyo on June 24, 2026. (Kyodo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (front, C) visits the plenary session room of the House of Representatives at the Belgian Federal Parliament in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during his official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (front, C) visits the plenary session room of the House of Representatives at the Belgian Federal Parliament in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during his official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (C) talks with President of the House of Representatives Peter De Roover (R) and Speaker of the Senate Vincent Blondel at the Belgian Federal Parliament in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (front, C) visits the Senate at the Belgian Federal Parliament building in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during his official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

(From L) President of the Belgian House of Representatives Peter De Roover, Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Speaker of the Senate Vincent Blondel pose for a photo at the Belgian Federal Parliament building in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (3rd from R) attends a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (3rd from L) at the prime minister's official residence in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (3rd from R) attends a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (3rd from L) at the prime minister's official residence in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (far L) and Empress Masako (2nd from L) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako (C) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (C, L) and Empress Masako (C, R) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (L) and Empress Masako (2nd from L) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (L) and Empress Masako visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (far L) and Empress Masako (2nd from L) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo) ==Kyodo

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako (C) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan.(Pool photo)

Japan Emperor Naruhito in Belgium

Japan Emperor Naruhito in Belgium

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (front, L) and Belgian King Philippe (front, R) are pictured after visiting KU Leuven, a Catholic research university in the city of Leuven, on June 24, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium.

Japan Emperor Naruhito in Belgium

Japan Emperor Naruhito in Belgium

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (front, L) and Belgian King Philippe (front, R) are pictured after visiting KU Leuven, a Catholic research university in the city of Leuven, on June 24, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito in Belgium

Japan's Emperor Naruhito in Belgium

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (3rd from R), accompanied by Belgium's King Philippe (2nd from R), visits the library at KU Leuven, a Catholic research university in the city of Leuven, on June 24, 2026, during his official visit to Belgium.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito in Belgium

Japan's Emperor Naruhito in Belgium

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (L) visits the library at KU Leuven, a Catholic research university in the city of Leuven, on June 24, 2026, during his official visit to Belgium.