[Breaking News]15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

SENDAI, Japan, March 11 Kyodo - People pray in the Arahama coastal area in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami. (Kyodo)

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People on the rooftop of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, which documents the disasters and provides programs on disaster preparedness, in the Fukushima Prefecture town of Futaba pray at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, marking 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. President Tomoaki Kobayakawa observes a moment of silence at the new administration building of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, marking 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan. A subsequent tsunami caused a nuclear disaster at the plant.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People facing the sea in the Fukushima Prefecture town of Namie, northeastern Japan, pray at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that caused a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (back).

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People facing the sea in the Fukushima Prefecture town of Namie, northeastern Japan, pray at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami that caused a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (back).

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People pray in the Iwate Prefecture city of Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan, at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami. The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami can be seen in the background.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People pray in the Iwate Prefecture city of Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan, at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami. The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami can be seen in the background.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People pray in the Arahama coastal area in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People pray in the Arahama coastal area in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People pray in the Arahama coastal area in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami.

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

15th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People pray in the Arahama coastal area in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, at 2:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, exactly 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a massive tsunami.

US: Spectacular Sunset Lights Up Santa Cruz Coast, CA

A spectacular sunset was reported across Santa Cruz, California, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. According to a social media post, vivid colors illuminated the sky for over 30 minutes, with observers calling it one of the area's finest displays in years. The intense hues were visible from iconic coastal spots, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Seabright Beach.

4th anniversary of arson attack on Kyoto Animation studio

KYOTO, Japan, July 18 Kyodo - Kyoto Animation Co. President Hideaki Hatta meets the press on July 18, 2023, after attending a memorial ceremony at the site of an arson attack four years earlier on an animation studio in Kyoto, western Japan, that killed 36 people. (Kyodo)

Japan Emperor Naruhito

Japan Emperor Naruhito

Japanese Emperor Naruhito attends a ceremony for people commended by the justice minister and the Japanese Correctional Association for their years of service, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on March 4, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan Emperor Naruhito

Japan Emperor Naruhito

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) attends a ceremony for people commended by the justice minister and the Japanese Correctional Association for their years of service, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on March 4, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan Emperor Naruhito

Japan Emperor Naruhito

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) attends a ceremony for people commended by the justice minister and the Japanese Correctional Association for their years of service, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on March 4, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno (2nd from R), leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno, leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno (R), leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita (L), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attends the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attends the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita (C), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, and Takahiro Anno (L), leader of Team Mirai, attend the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Feb. 19 Kyodo - A notice board is set up in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years. (Kyodo)

Japan: Hay Fever Alert Issued as Mass Pollen Dispersal Expected to Peak Nationwide

As of February 16, the start of cedar pollen dispersal has been confirmed in parts of the region stretching from Kyushu to Tokai. By late February, dispersal is expected to begin across a wide area ranging from Kyushu to southern Tohoku. In Shizuoka Prefecture specifically, cedar pollen began dispersing in early February 2026; total volume is expected to reach 1.9 times the average of the past 10 years. Thick pollen is visible in the video, creating hazy conditions across the mountain range.

UK: Crowds Fill Trafalgar Square to Mark Four Years Since Ukraine Invasion 2

Large crowds gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square on Tuesday evening, February 24, to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Thousands attended the memorial rally to honor those who have lost their lives in the war.

UK: Crowds Fill Trafalgar Square to Mark Four Years Since Ukraine Invasion

Large crowds gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square on Tuesday evening, February 24, to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Thousands attended the memorial rally to honor those who have lost their lives in the war.

Spain: Final Piece of Central Tower Put in Place on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia

The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, known as the Tower of Jesus Christ, was put in place on Friday, February 20. This historic milestone makes the landmark the world’s tallest church at 172.5 meters, marking a significant step toward the completion of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece 144 years after construction began.

Spain: Final Piece of Central Tower Put in Place on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia 2

The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, known as the Tower of Jesus Christ, was put in place on Friday, February 20. This historic milestone makes the landmark the world’s tallest church at 172.5 meters, marking a significant step toward the completion of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece 144 years after construction began.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

A notice board is hung on the wall of a building in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

A notice board is hung on the wall of a building in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

A notice board is set up in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years.

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

Congress of Workers' Party of Korea

A notice board is set up in Pyongyang on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, being held for the first time in five years.

Japan Tobacco CEO

Japan Tobacco CEO

Takehiko Tsutsui, president and chief executive officer of Japan Tobacco Inc., gives an interview at the company's headquarters in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2026, saying the company plans to invest about 800 billion yen over the next three years to expand its market share in its growing heated tobacco business.

Japan Tobacco CEO

Japan Tobacco CEO

Takehiko Tsutsui, president and chief executive officer of Japan Tobacco Inc., gives an interview at the company's headquarters in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2026, saying the company plans to invest about 800 billion yen over the next three years to expand its market share in its growing heated tobacco business.

Japan Tobacco President, CEO Tsutsui

Japan Tobacco President, CEO Tsutsui

Takehiko Tsutsui, president and chief executive officer of Japan Tobacco Inc., gives an interview at the company's headquarters in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2026, saying the company plans to invest about 800 billion yen over the next three years to expand its market share in its growing heated tobacco business.

Hamburger chain Lotteria renamed after 54 years

Hamburger chain Lotteria renamed after 54 years

Combined photo taken on Jan. 23, 2026, shows Lotteria (top) and Zotteria hamburger chain signs. Lotteria, open since 1972, will be renamed Zetteria after restaurant operator Zensho Holdings Co. acquired Lotteria outlets in 2023.

TEPCO nuclear power plant

TEPCO nuclear power plant

A monitor at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s headquarters in Tokyo displays a live stream of the control room for the No. 6 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex on Feb. 16, 2026, as the company restarted power generation and transmission on a trial basis the same day, gearing up to resume nuclear power supply for the first time in 14 years.

TEPCO nuclear power plant

TEPCO nuclear power plant

A monitor at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s headquarters in Tokyo displays a live stream of the control room for the No. 6 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex on Feb. 16, 2026, as the company restarted power generation and transmission on a trial basis the same day, gearing up to resume nuclear power supply for the first time in 14 years.

TEPCO nuclear power plant

TEPCO nuclear power plant

A monitor at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s headquarters in Tokyo displays a live stream of the control room for the No. 6 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex on Feb. 16, 2026, as the company restarted power generation and transmission on a trial basis the same day, gearing up to resume nuclear power supply for the first time in 14 years.

TEPCO nuclear power plant

TEPCO nuclear power plant

Photo taken on Feb. 16, 2026, shows the control room for the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. The plant restarted power generation and transmission on a trial basis the same day, as the company gears up to resume nuclear power supply for the first time in 14 years. (Pool photo)

TEPCO nuclear power plant

TEPCO nuclear power plant

Takeyuki Inagaki, head of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power complex operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, stands in the central control room for the No. 6 reactor on Feb. 16, 2026, as TEPCO restarted power generation and transmission on a trial basis the same day, gearing up to resume nuclear power supply for the first time in 14 years. (Pool photo)