•  

Japan: Red Tide Turns Sea Surface Crimson off Aichi Coast

A rare red tide was confirmed off the coast of Aichi Prefecture on Friday, May 22, caused by a bloom of bioluminescent plankton known as Noctiluca, or sea sparkle. While the red tide turned the sea surface crimson during the day, the same plankton lit up the shoreline in glowing blue at night.

  •  

Japan: Noctiluca Lights Up Aichi Coastline in Glowing Blue After Red Tide

A rare red tide was confirmed off the coast of Aichi Prefecture on Friday, May 22, caused by a bloom of bioluminescent plankton known as Noctiluca, or sea sparkle. While the red tide turned the sea surface crimson during the day, the same plankton lit up the shoreline in glowing blue at night.

  •  

China: Pet Fish Tucks Itself Into Favorite Leaf Bed in Hebei

This is the adorable moment that a pet fish in China insisted on swimming onto a leaf before going to sleep, leaving viewers amused by its bedtime routine. On May 6, 2026, in Hebei, China, the video captured a small fish carefully swimming around its tank before finally settling itself onto a leaf floating in the water. Instead of resting freely in the tank, the fish appeared determined to find its favorite “bed” before falling asleep. The footage showed the tiny creature slowly approaching the leaf and adjusting its body position several times as if trying to get comfortable. After finding the right spot, the fish remained motionless on top of the leaf, looking as though it had peacefully drifted off to sleep. The video ended with the fish quietly resting on the leaf while the water around it remained still.

  •  

China: Delivery Rider Surfs Through Flooded Streets Bouncing on Scooter in Zhengzhou

This impressive video was filmed in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, on May 16, 2026. After a heavy downpour overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, streets were submerged under dozens of centimeters of water, bringing traffic to a standstill. One fearless delivery rider refused to let the flood stop him. Standing with both feet on the scooter seat, he grips the brakes and throttle tightly. The scooter glides like a tiny motorboat through the water, while he bounces forward like a frog, bravely delivering packages in the flooded streets.

  •  

US: Crowd Helps Boy Finish National Anthem at Oklahoma Softball Game

An 11-year-old boy broke down in tears while singing the national anthem at a University of Oklahoma softball game on Sunday, May 17. The crowd stepped in to help him finish the song. After the performance, members of the OU softball team embraced him and head coach Patty Gasso offered words of encouragement. Oklahoma went on to beat Michigan 8-1 to advance to the super regional.

  •  
Ex-Emperor Akihito stays at imperial villa in Hayama

Ex-Emperor Akihito stays at imperial villa in Hayama

Former Japanese Emperor Akihito (L) and former Empress Michiko (C) chat with people while taking a walk around an imperial villa in Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, on May 19, 2026. The couple will stay at the villa through May 26. (Pool photo)

  •  
Ex-Emperor Akihito to stay at villa in Hayama

Ex-Emperor Akihito to stay at villa in Hayama

Former Japanese Emperor Akihito (front, 2nd from R) and former Empress Michiko (front, R) chat with people while taking a walk around an imperial villa in Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, on May 19, 2026. The couple will stay at the villa through May 26. (Pool photo)

  •  
Ex-Emperor Akihito stays at imperial villa in Hayama

Ex-Emperor Akihito stays at imperial villa in Hayama

Former Japanese Emperor Akihito (2nd from L) and former Empress Michiko (3rd from L) chat with people while taking a walk around an imperial villa in Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, on May 19, 2026. The couple will stay at the villa through May 26. (Pool photo)

  •  

China: Bystanders Smash Window to Rescue Unconscious Driver in Jiangsu

On May 14, 2026, bystanders in Jingjiang, Jiangsu, China, rescued an unconscious driver after his car lost control when he fainted at the wheel. A woman in a car ahead used her vehicle to block the runaway car, while others smashed the window and pulled the driver to safety.

  •  

China: Tidier Dog Cleans Up After Messier Companion in Chocolate Bean Challenge

On May 6, 2026, in Guangdong, China, two golden retrievers were filmed competing to eat lines of chocolate beans placed in front of them. The lighter-colored dog rushed through its share, leaving several beans behind, while the brown one ate steadily and finished every bean. The brown dog then walked back and cleaned up its companion's leftovers, leaving the ground spotless.

  •  

China: Tibetan Mastiff Puppy Falls Into Ditch While Attempting to Jump Across in Sichuan

On May 10, 2026, in Sichuan, southwestern China, a video captured a small black Tibetan mastiff trying to cross a ditch. The person filming stood on the other side of the ditch. The puppy wanted to come over, so it walked along the grass for a moment and then jumped hard. Because its body was still too small, the puppy fell into the water instead of reaching the other side. The person filming quickly picked it up from the ditch.

  •  

US: Long Lines and Chaos Hit Swatch Stores Over Royal Pop Launch 2

Long lines formed outside Swatch stores across the globe ahead of Saturday's launch of the Royal Pop, a $400–420 pocket watch collaboration with high-end Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet. At least 19 U.S. locations were affected, including the SoHo store in New York City. New York emerged as one of the worst flashpoints: at Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, cops appeared to break out pepper spray to push back surging crowds, while hundreds of shoppers stormed Times Square and SoHo locations, leading to at least one arrest, according to the NYPD. Swatch eventually shut the stores down over public safety concerns.

  •  
Baseball: Dodgers vs. Angels

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Angels

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (C) heads home to score on a throwing error after his two-run triple, while Los Angeles Angels third baseman Vaughn Grissom runs for the ball, in the eighth inning of a baseball game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on May 16, 2026.

  •  

Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

YOKOHAMA, Japan, May 14 Kyodo - Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on May 13, 2026. Nissan posted a net loss of 533.10 billion yen for fiscal 2025, marking a second straight year of red ink, while forecasting a return to profitability in fiscal 2026. (Kyodo)

  •  

Canada: Granville Street Bridge Closed Due to Police Incident in Vancouver

The Granville Street Bridge in Vancouver was closed in both directions on Tuesday afternoon, May 12, during rush hour due to a police incident. While authorities did not confirm details, social media posts suggested the closure was related to a mental health crisis involving a person on the bridge structure.

  •  

China: Mysterious Glowing Objects Flash Across Night Sky Over Jinan

On May 7, 2026, in Pingyin County, Jinan, a video captured bright unidentified objects flashing across the dark sky above the city. The glowing light appeared to move rapidly while emitting a strong white and bluish glow, instantly attracting the attention of people on the ground. The footage showcased the object hovering or streaking through the night sky as nearby residents watched in surprise.

  •  

China: Ostrich Bumps Woman Off Electric Scooter in Liaoning

On May 9, 2026, in Dalian, Liaoning, a video captured an ostrich slowly jogging after a woman riding an electric scooter along a road. The ostrich appeared calm at first as it followed closely behind the scooter while swaying its neck from side to side. As the woman tried to continue riding away, the ostrich suddenly caught up and bumped into the scooter, causing both the rider and the vehicle to fall onto the ground.

  •  

China: Tired Lizard Revived With Refreshing Mist in Jiangsu

On April 2, 2026, in Jiangsu, a video recorded a lizard resting weakly on a platform. At first, the reptile appeared tired and inactive, lying still with little visible movement. The filmer then picked up a manual spray bottle and gently sprayed water over the lizard’s body. Almost immediately, the lizard became alert and lifted its head. It closed its eyes while receiving the mist, looking as if it were enjoying the moisture.

  •  
Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on May 13, 2026. Nissan posted a net loss of 533.10 billion yen for fiscal 2025, marking a second straight year of red ink, while forecasting a return to profitability in fiscal 2026.

  •  
Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on May 13, 2026. Nissan posted a net loss of 533.10 billion yen for fiscal 2025, marking a second straight year of red ink, while forecasting a return to profitability in fiscal 2026.

  •  
Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on May 13, 2026. Nissan posted a net loss of 533.10 billion yen for fiscal 2025, marking a second straight year of red ink, while forecasting a return to profitability in fiscal 2026.

  •  
Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on May 13, 2026. Nissan posted a net loss of 533.10 billion yen for fiscal 2025, marking a second straight year of red ink, while forecasting a return to profitability in fiscal 2026.

  •  
Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on May 13, 2026. Nissan posted a net loss of 533.10 billion yen for fiscal 2025, marking a second straight year of red ink, while forecasting a return to profitability in fiscal 2026.

  •  
Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan's earnings results for FY 2025

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa speaks at a press conference in Yokohama near Tokyo on May 13, 2026. Nissan posted a net loss of 533.10 billion yen for fiscal 2025, marking a second straight year of red ink, while forecasting a return to profitability in fiscal 2026.

  •  

China: Mysterious Ink-Like Shadow Filmed Expanding in Shaanxi Sky

On May 6, 2026, in Shaanxi, a video recorded a strange dark shadow appearing in the sky. After a plane flew past, the black shape gradually spread outward above the filmer. The shadow expanded through the sky like spilled ink, creating an unusual and unclear visual effect. It did not immediately resemble a common cloud shape. Chinese viewers discussed possible explanations in the comments. Some guessed it might be a swarm of flying insects, while others questioned whether the video had been made with AI.

  •  

Turkey: Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Arrives in Marmaris After Israeli Interception

The Global Sumud Flotilla arrived in Marmaris, Turkey, on Sunday, May 10, after being intercepted by Israeli forces near Crete on April 29. The 38-vessel convoy, which departed Barcelona on April 15 carrying nearly 300 activists, was forced to dock for technical maintenance and resupply. Entry procedures and forensic examinations are underway for returning activists, while Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the interception. Officials say the flotilla plans to set sail again on Wednesday to resume its mission of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

  •  

China: Delivery Rider’s Scooter Struck by Car While Waiting for Order in Hunan

On May 5, 2026, in Hunan, located in southern China, a video recorded a delivery rider wearing a black hat sitting inside a restaurant while waiting to pick up an order. Another delivery rider in a yellow hat walked into the restaurant shortly afterward. Outside on the road, a white car suddenly drove toward the parked vehicles and hit the black-hatted rider’s electric scooter. The impact pushed the scooter into another white car nearby. The rider saw what happened from inside the restaurant and became visibly upset. He had not yet received the food order, and now his scooter had also been badly damaged.

  •  

China: Golden Retriever Joins Children on Swing Ride at Henan Amusement Park

On January 3, 2026, at an amusement park in Shangqiu, located in central China’s Henan province, a video recorded children riding a rotating swing chair attraction. Among the riders was a golden retriever sitting calmly on one of the seats. As the ride began spinning, the dog stayed seated and moved along with the chair. It did not appear nervous or panicked while the swing continued circling through the air.

  •  

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.

  •  

China: Bystander Dives Into Lake to Save Toddler and Grandmother in Chongqing

A bystander rescued a two-year-old boy and his grandmother after both became stranded in a lake in Chongqing, China, on April 17. The child had fallen into the water at a tourist area, and his grandmother jumped in to save him despite being unable to swim. A man quickly dived in and kept the pair afloat while bystanders on shore extended poles to pull them to safety. Both were brought to shore without serious injuries.

  •  

China: Sleeping Dog Chews Treat Without Opening Eyes

On November 2, 2025, in Yunnan, located in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, a video captured a village dog lying with its eyes closed. The animal appeared to be deeply asleep. The owner quietly placed a meat strip into the dog’s mouth. The dog’s jaw closed reflexively on the treat while its eyes stayed shut, showing only slight movements around the muzzle. As the dog tasted the meat, the muscles near its mouth twitched repeatedly, but it still refused to open its eyes, as if continuing to sleep while chewing.

  •  

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.

  •  

US: United Flight Hits Light Pole and Truck While Landing at Newark Airport

A United Airlines Boeing 767 struck a light pole and a truck on the New Jersey Turnpike while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday, May 3, with all 231 people on board escaping without injury.

  •  

Turkey: Nationwide May Day Rallies Held on International Workers’ Day

May Day demonstrations took place across Turkey on Friday, May 1, with rallies held in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, as workers and unions gathered to mark International Workers' Day. While protests in Ankara and İzmir remained largely peaceful, police used tear gas and detained hundreds of people in Istanbul as demonstrators attempted to march toward Taksim Square, which authorities had sealed off.

  •  

Turkey: Nationwide May Day Rallies Held on International Workers’ Day 2

May Day demonstrations took place across Turkey on Friday, May 1, with rallies held in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, as workers and unions gathered to mark International Workers' Day. While protests in Ankara and İzmir remained largely peaceful, police used tear gas and detained hundreds of people in Istanbul as demonstrators attempted to march toward Taksim Square, which authorities had sealed off.

  •  
Hidankyo secretary general in New York

Hidankyo secretary general in New York

Jiro Hamasumi (L), secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, holds talks with U.N. Undersecretary General for disarmament affairs Izumi Nakamitsu (R) at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 29, 2026. Hamasumi, who was exposed to radiation from the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing while still in his mother's womb, visited New York to observe the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

  •  

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.

  •  

US: Storms Sweep Through Indiana, Bringing Strong Winds, Heavy Rain and Large Hail

Powerful storms swept through the U.S. state of Indiana from Monday night into Tuesday morning, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and large hail. Winds near 60 mph downed trees in the northwestern cities of Portage and Valparaiso, where a 95-foot radio tower collapsed. South of Indianapolis, hail up to 1.25 inches in diameter was reported near Indiana University, while Monroe County Airport recorded a wind gust of 61 mph.

  •  

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.

  •  

China: Quick-Thinking Bystanders Save Child From Reservoir in Ningbo

On April 19, 2026, in Ningbo, Zhejiang, a video captured a tense rescue after a child accidentally fell into a reservoir about two meters deep near a restaurant. Several people quickly gathered around the reservoir, with some lying flat on the ground and reaching down while others coordinated efforts to pull the child out. Their swift and instinctive response created a chain of support, as bystanders worked together to secure the child and lift them safely back to the surface. The video ended with the child being successfully rescued and brought to safety, surrounded by relieved onlookers.

  •  

China: Pet Cat ‘Dances’ Along to Video Game Soundtrack in Sichuan

On February 11, 2026, in Sichuan, a video recorded a pet cat swaying its body in rhythm of the video game being played at home. Its posture shifted side to side while its paws remained pressed to the screen, creating the appearance of dancing along with the soundtrack.

  •  
NPT review conference kicks off

NPT review conference kicks off

Jiro Hamasumi (C), secretary general of Hidankyo, Japan's leading organization of atomic bomb survivors and winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, observes the opening day of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 27, 2026. Hamasumi was exposed to radiation from the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing while still in his mother's womb.

  •  

China: Riderless E-Bike Keeps Rolling On Alone After Crash in Shandong

On April 22, 2026, in Weifang, Shandong, a video captured a man riding along the road when he accidentally crashed into another road user. The impact threw him off the vehicle. However, while the rider fell to the ground, the e-bike did not topple over. Instead, the unmanned bike remained upright and continued moving forward along the street until it eventually fell as well.

  •  

[Breaking News]Accident at Tokyo amusement park

TOKYO, Japan, April 22 Kyodo - Police investigators head for an on-site probe of the Flying Balloon at Tokyo Dome City Attractions in Tokyo on April 22, 2026, a day after a fatal accident. A worker died after being trapped in the Flying Balloon following a fall during an inspection of the attraction, which seats 12 people and spins around while rising to a height of 10 meters. (Kyodo)

  •  

US: Damage Reported in North Texas as Powerful Storms Produce Apparent Tornado

Powerful storms swept through North Texas on Saturday night, April 25, producing an apparent tornado that struck Runaway Bay and Springtown, killing at least one person and injuring others, while leaving significant damage to structures and vehicles across the region.

  •  

China: Massive Sandstorm Engulfs City in Xinjiang, Turning Day Into Darkness

This is the shocking moment that a towering wall of sandstorm swept across a city in China, rapidly engulfing buildings and streets as strong winds pushed the dense dust forward. On April 17, 2026, in Xinjiang, China, the video captured a powerful sandstorm advancing toward an urban area, forming what appeared to be a massive moving wall of dust. The sky quickly darkened as the storm rolled in, with visibility dropping sharply. Buildings in the distance were gradually swallowed by the thick haze, while the fast-moving sand created an overwhelming sense of pressure and urgency. The footage showcased how the sandstorm surged forward in waves, covering roads, infrastructure, and entire neighborhoods within moments. According to the local meteorological bureau, wind speeds during the event had reached up to 25.2 meters per second, contributing to the intensity and rapid spread of the sandstorm. The video ended with the city almost completely obscured by the dust, leaving only faint outlines of buildings visible through the thick, swirling sand.

  •  

US: Metrobus Catches Fire in DC Tunnel, Sending Thick Smoke Over Downtown 2

A Metrobus caught fire inside the 9th Street Tunnel in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 23, sending a thick plume of black smoke over downtown and forcing road closure. The driver escaped safely with no injuries reported, while the cause of the fire remained unknown.

  •  

US: One Killed, Five Injured in Shooting at Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge

A fight between two groups inside the food court at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge erupted into gunfire on Thursday, April 23, killing one person and injuring five others, including three high school students from Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette. Five people were detained, while police said additional suspects remained at large.

  •  

US: Metrobus Catches Fire in DC Tunnel, Sending Thick Smoke Over Downtown

A Metrobus caught fire inside the 9th Street Tunnel in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, April 23, sending a thick plume of black smoke over downtown and forcing road closure. The driver escaped safely with no injuries reported, while the cause of the fire remained unknown.

  •  
AI robots

AI robots

AI-powered four-legged robots developed by Fujitsu Ltd. walk while shouldering baggage during a media demonstration at the company's laboratory in Kawasaki near Tokyo on April 23, 2026.

  • Main
  • Top
  • Editorial
  • Creative
  • About Us
  • About ILG
  • Terms of use
  • Company
  • BEHIND
  • Price List
  • Single Plan
  • Monthly Plan
  • Services
  • Shooting
  • Rights Clearance
  • Support
  • FAQ
  • How To Buy
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Partner

© KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

All Rights Reserved.

  • Editorial
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS
  • Creative
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Popular
  • #Ukraine
  • #China
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #Thailand
  • #Russia
  • #Ukraine
  • #China
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #Thailand
  • #Russia
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS