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Kanji for "kin," meaning gold or money, chosen as best to characterize 2024

KYOTO, Japan, Dec. 12 Kyodo - Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kin," meaning gold or money, with a calligraphy brush on Dec. 12, 2024. The character was selected as the best single kanji to symbolize the national mood for the year as Japanese athletes had their second-best ever performance at the Olympics with 20 gold medals in Paris, while a money scandal rocked the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. (Kyodo)

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A fellow student helps Ren Xin (L) with her costume prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of train

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Actors and actresses perform "bian lian" during the opening ceremony in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of training not only helped th

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin adjusts her headwear prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of training not only helped tho

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (R) and her fellow performers prepare their "bian lian" costumes prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening cer

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (1st L) helps other "bian lian" performers check their costumes prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening cere

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (R, front) performs with other "bian lian" performers during an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Actors and actresses perform "bian lian" during the opening ceremony in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of training not only helped th

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Actors and actresses perform "bian lian" during the opening ceremony in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of training not only helped th

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (3rd R, front) performs with other "bian lian" performers during an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. D

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Kang Yong (R), leader as well as director of "bian lian" performing squad, helps Ren Xin with her headwear prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skil

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Kang Yong (C), leader as well as director of "bian lian" performing squad, pose with other performers during an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 8, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled perf

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (front) performs with other "bian lian" performers during an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin is pictured prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of training not only helped those studen

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (L top) distributes sunstroke prevention medications to other "bian lian" performers prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (3rd R) and other "bian lian" performers wait prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of tra

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (C) changes her headwear behind a folding screen prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (R) close the folding screen as other performers changing their headwears prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the op

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Kang Yong (C), leader and director of "bian lian" performing squad, talks with other performers prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled perform

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin (L) and her fellow performer walk to the waiting area with "bian lian" costumes prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin prepares her gears prior to an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of training not only helped those

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(Chengdu Universiade)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHENGDU-WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY-BEHIND THE SCENES-FACE CHANGING...

(230729) -- CHENGDU, July 29, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Ren Xin performs during an opening ceremony rehearsal in Chengdu of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on July 23, 2023. Ren Xin, a 19-year-old college student, was fascinated with dancing since her childhood. She was one of the actors and actresses who performed the traditional "bian lian", or face-changing during the opening ceremony of the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu on July 28, 2023. Ren Xin, who was born in a remote mountain village called Changsheng Community in Washi Township of Tongjiang County in Sichuan Province, is now a student majored in dancing performance at Sichuan Film and Television University. Together with other 30 "bian lian" performers, Ren and her fellows were chosen from over 700 dancing performance majors. Four months of intensive "bian lian" training helped those beginners with zero "bian lian" background developed to skilled performers for the opening ceremony. Days of training not only helped those students ma

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Aftermath of Philippine flash floods

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines - Photo taken Dec. 30, 2011, shows people living in an elementary school in Cagayan de Oro on the Philippines' Mindanao island after their houses were destroyed by flash floods caused by tropical storm Washi two weeks ago.

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Aftermath of Philippine flash floods

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines - Photo taken Dec. 30, 2011, shows a house destroyed by flash floods caused by tropical storm Washi two weeks ago in Cagayan de Oro on the Philippines' Mindanao island.

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Aftermath of Philippine flash floods

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines - A man cleans up debris in Cagayan de Oro on the Philippines' Mindanao island on Dec. 30, 2011, after the city was heavily damaged by flash floods caused by tropical storm Washi two weeks ago.

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Aftermath of Philippine flash floods

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines - Photo taken Dec. 30, 2011, shows people living in an elementary school in Cagayan de Oro on the Philippines' Mindanao island after their houses were destroyed by flash floods caused by tropical storm Washi two weeks ago.

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Aftermath of Philippine flash floods

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines - A girl drenches herself with water in Cagayan de Oro on the Philippines' Mindanao island on Dec. 30, 2011, after the city was heavily damaged by flash floods caused by tropical storm Washi two weeks ago.

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Aftermath of Philippine flash floods

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines - A man tries to remove a car buried in soil in Cagayan de Oro on the Philippines' Mindanao island on Dec. 30, 2011, after the city was heavily damaged by flash floods caused by tropical storm Washi two weeks ago.

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Participant helps make world's largest paper collage

KOBE, Japan - A participant from Iwate Prefecture helps make the world's largest paper collage by pasting pieces of colored "washi" Japanese paper to create an image of the traditional "Chagu Chagu Umakko" horse festival in the northeastern prefecture during an event in Kobe, western Japan, on Feb. 2, 2014. The painting, 1.8 meters wide and 40.5 meters long, was recognized as the world's largest paper collage by Guinness World Records.

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Western Japan women develop rush-using object

KOCHI, Japan - Members of a group of women seeking to preserve the waning rush industry in Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, western Japan, show an object made from rushes as an interior product by binding the plant with "washi" Japanese paper on Dec. 15, 2014.

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'Kanji' meaning tax picked as best characterizing 2014

KYOTO, Japan - Seihan Mori (L), the chief priest of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, writes the "kanji" character "zei" meaning tax on a large sheet of "washi" paper on Dec. 12, 2014, at the announcement by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation of the single best kanji symbolizing the year 2014 in Japan.

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'Kanji' meaning tax picked as best characterizing 2014

KYOTO, Japan - Seihan Mori (L), the chief priest of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, writes the "kanji" character "zei" meaning tax on a large sheet of "washi" paper on Dec. 12, 2014, at the announcement by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation of the single best kanji symbolizing the year 2014 in Japan.

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'Washi' craftwork exhibition in Shimane Pref.

MATSUE, Japan - Objects made from "Sekishu washi" traditional handmade paper in Shimane Prefecture are exhibited at the Sekisho Art Museum in Hamada in the western Japanese prefecture in November 2014. Japanese "washi" was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list the same month.

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'Washi' craftwork exhibition in Shimane Pref.

MATSUE, Japan - A foldable "shoji" screen, used as window blinds, made from "Sekishu washi" traditional handmade paper in Shimane Prefecture is exhibited at the Sekisho Art Museum in Hamada in the western Japanese prefecture in November 2014. Japanese "washi" was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list the same month.

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Japanese handmade paper added to UNESCO intangible heritage list

MINO, Japan - Local people celebrate the registration of Japanese traditional handmade paper called "washi" as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO on Nov. 27, 2014, at the city office building of Mino, where one of the registered washi products called "Homminoshi" is produced, in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan. Confetti made of Homminoshi was used in the celebration.

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Japanese handmade paper added to UNESCO heritage list

PARIS, France - Cultural Agency chief Masanori Aoyagi (center L) and Japanese envoy to UNESCO Kenjiro Monji shake hands at the UNESCO headquarter in Paris on Nov. 26, 2014, after UNESCO's decision to add the "washi" Japanese handmade paper craft to its list of intangible cultural heritages.

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Japanese handmade paper added to UNESCO intangible heritage list

SAITAMA, Japan - Local people celebrate the registration of Japanese traditional handmade paper called "washi" as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO before dawn on Nov. 27, 2014, in Higashichichibu, where one of the registered washi products called "Hosokawashi" is produced, in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

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Japan hails UNESCO listing of 'washi' paper as heritage

PARIS, France - Japanese Cultural Agency chief Masanori Aoyagi (L) and Japanese envoy to UNESCO Kenjiro Monji attend a press conference in Paris on Nov. 26, 2014, after UNESCO's decision to add the "washi" Japanese handmade paper craft to its list of intangible cultural heritages.

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Japanese couple seeking to retain 'washi' paper

GIFU, Japan - Takehisa Suzuki (R) learns the traditional craft of "washi" Japanese paper making from his wife and master specialist Toyomi in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on Nov. 7, 2014. Suzuki has started the apprenticeship to preserve washi making, decided to be registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage later in the month.

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Japanese couple seeking to retain 'washi' paper

GIFU, Japan - Takehisa Suzuki (R) receives advice on how to make "washi" Japanese paper from his wife and master specialist Toyomi in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on Nov. 7, 2014. Suzuki has started the apprenticeship to preserve the traditional craft, decided to be registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage later in the month.

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Japanese 'Neputa' sheep manufactured in Aomori Pref.

AOMORI, Japan - "Washi" traditional Japanese paper sheep are manufactured at the "Tsugaruhan Neputamura" tourism facility in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan, on Nov. 14, 2014. Year 2015 falls on the Year of the Sheep.

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Event to mark shortlisting of 'washi' for cultural heritage

GIFU, Japan - Some 100 people take part in a 60-meter-long paper-making event in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, on Nov. 15, 2014. It is highly likely that "washi" traditional Japanese paper of the city will be included on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

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Japan's paper to be included in UNESCO intangible heritage

GIFU, Japan - A woman is seen in the process of making "washi," traditional Japanese handmade paper, in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on Oct. 20, 2014. The paper has been shortlisted for inclusion on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list.

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100th day since death of Prince Katsura observed

TOKYO, Japan - Princess Akiko performs the role of chief mourner at a Tokyo cemetery on Sept. 15, 2014, in a ceremony marking the first 100 days since the death of her uncle Prince Katsura on June 8. She offered a "sakaki" tree branch decorated with strips of "washi" Japanese paper at his grave at the Toshimagaoka Cemetery.

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Paper dianosaurs 'gaze down' at people at Ueno Station

TOKYO, Japan - Handmade decorative paper dinosaurs made of "washi" Japanese paper produced in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, "look down" at people passing through a concourse at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo on July 16, 2014. The dinosaurs will be exhibited through July 22 to promote traditional craft and tourism resources of the western Japan prefecture facing the Sea of Japan.

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Paper dinosaurs set up in Fukui Pref.'s publicity blitz

TOKYO, Japan - Handmade decorative paper dinosaurs made of "washi" Japanese paper produced in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, are hung from the ceiling of a concourse at JR Ueno Station in Tokyo on July 16, 2014, to promote traditional craft and tourism resources of the western Japan prefecture facing the Sea of Japan.

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Young woman ventures into world of washi papermaking

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Photo taken June 21, 2013 shows Yuko Narumi working at the Tenjin paper mill in her hometown of Uchiko in Ehime Prefecture. Narumi once dreamt of becoming an illustration artist but abandoned the pencil and plunged into the ancient craft of making paper by hand, providing new blood to the dying craft.

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Lanterns lit up in Tokyo to encourage disaster-hit areas

TOKYO, Japan - A total of 3,000 lanterns made of Japanese ''washi'' paper illuminate Tokyo's Roppongi district on Oct. 15, 2011, in support of reconstruction of the areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Written on the lanterns were encouraging messages from across Japan and some 70 countries.

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Lanterns lit up in Tokyo to encourage disaster-hit areas

TOKYO, Japan - A total of 3,000 lanterns made of Japanese ''washi'' paper illuminate Tokyo's Roppongi district on Oct. 15, 2011, in support of reconstruction of the areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Written on the lanterns were encouraging messages from across Japan and some 70 countries.

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Kanji meaning 'new' picked to best characterize year 2009

KYOTO, Japan - Seihan Mori (R), chief priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, and Akio Kioi, head of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, pose for photos after Mori wrote the character ''shin'' on a large piece of ''washi'' Japanese paper on Dec. 11, 2009. The character, which means ''new'' in English, has been chosen as the single best kanji to symbolize the year 2009.