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)

Lake-jumping religious ritual

Lake-jumping religious ritual

A Buddhist monk jumps into Lake Biwa from a height of about 7 meters in the Shiga Prefecture city of Omihachiman, western Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026, as he completes 100 days of ascetic mountain training. The traditional ritual at Isaki-ji temple dates back nearly 1,000 years.

Lake-jumping religious ritual

Lake-jumping religious ritual

A Buddhist monk jumps into Lake Biwa from a height of about 7 meters in the Shiga Prefecture city of Omihachiman, western Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026, as he completes 100 days of ascetic mountain training. The traditional ritual at Isaki-ji temple dates back nearly 1,000 years.

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)

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Work to replace the "shimenawa" sacred straw rope hanging at the Kagura-den hall at Izumo Taisha shrine in Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, is underway on July 21, 2026, for the first time in eight years.

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Work to replace the "shimenawa" sacred straw rope hanging at the Kagura-den hall at Izumo Taisha shrine in Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, is underway on July 21, 2026, for the first time in eight years.

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Sacred rope replacement at Izumo Taisha shrine

Work to replace the "shimenawa" sacred straw rope hanging at the Kagura-den hall at Izumo Taisha shrine in Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, is underway on July 21, 2026, for the first time in eight years.

Chile: Deadly Storm Pounds Valparaiso, Cuts Power to 400,000 Homes

A powerful storm system battered central Chile, killing four people and prompting Valparaíso to declare a red alert as rainfall exceeded 140 millimeters in under two days and winds reached up to 160 kilometers per hour. The storm, described by Chile's meteorological service as one of the most intense in recent years, affected 10 of the country's 16 regions, cutting power to more than 400,000 homes and forcing evacuations of entire neighborhoods near rivers such as the Marga Marga and Quilpué amid fears of flooding.

Pallas's cat kittens in Kobe

Pallas's cat kittens in Kobe

Kittens born to a Pallas's cat, widely considered to be the world's oldest living feline species dating back some 6 million years, are shown to the press on July 16, 2026, for the first time since their birth on May 12 at Kobe Animal Kingdom in Kobe, western Japan. The litter of five are set to make their public debut on July 21.

Pallas's cat kittens in Kobe

Pallas's cat kittens in Kobe

Kittens born to a Pallas's cat, widely considered to be the world's oldest living feline species dating back some 6 million years, are shown to the press on July 16, 2026, for the first time since their birth on May 12 at Kobe Animal Kingdom in Kobe, western Japan. The litter of five are set to make their public debut on July 21.

Pallas's cat kittens in Kobe

Pallas's cat kittens in Kobe

Kittens born to a Pallas's cat, widely considered to be the world's oldest living feline species dating back some 6 million years, are shown to the press on July 16, 2026, for the first time since their birth on May 12 at Kobe Animal Kingdom in Kobe, western Japan. The litter of five are set to make their public debut on July 21.

Pallas's cat kittens in Kobe

Pallas's cat kittens in Kobe

Kittens born to a Pallas's cat, widely considered to be the world's oldest living feline species dating back some 6 million years, are shown to the press on July 16, 2026, for the first time since their birth on May 12 at Kobe Animal Kingdom in Kobe, western Japan. The litter of five are set to make their public debut on July 21.

Ancient lotus flowers in eastern Japan

Ancient lotus flowers in eastern Japan

Lotus flowers, known as "ancient lotus" because they are believed to have retained their shape and appearance for 1,400-3,000 years, are in full bloom at a park in Gyoda in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on July 11, 2026.

Ancient lotus flowers in eastern Japan

Ancient lotus flowers in eastern Japan

Lotus flowers, known as "ancient lotus" because they are believed to have retained their shape and appearance for 1,400-3,000 years, are in full bloom at a park in Gyoda in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on July 11, 2026.

Ancient lotus flowers in eastern Japan

Ancient lotus flowers in eastern Japan

Lotus flowers, known as "ancient lotus" because they are believed to have retained their shape and appearance for 1,400-3,000 years, are in full bloom at a park in Gyoda in Saitama Prefecture, eastern Japan, on July 11, 2026.

China: Ducks Filmed Spinning in Circles at Farm in Hunan

Footage from a duck farm in Huaihua, Hunan, showed a large flock of ducks spinning in tight, synchronized circles inside a barn. The farmer, who said he had never seen such behavior in his years raising poultry, asked online viewers for an explanation. He later confirmed the ducks had returned to normal.

5th anniversary of Atami landslide

5th anniversary of Atami landslide

Relatives of victims offer silent prayers at the site of a house hit by a deadly landslide five years ago in Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on July 3, 2026, around the time the tragedy occurred.

5th anniversary of Atami landslide

5th anniversary of Atami landslide

Relatives of victims offer silent prayers at the site of a house hit by a deadly landslide five years ago in Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on July 3, 2026, around the time the tragedy occurred.

World Cup 2026 – Mexico: Fans Erupt as Team Scores Against Ecuador

On Wednesday, July 1, Mexico defeated Ecuador 2–0 at Estadio Azteca, securing their first World Cup knockout-stage victory in 40 years. The footage shows Mexican supporters in the stands erupting in celebration, with popcorn and beer flying.

Italy: Powerful Downburst Caught on Camera Felling Tree in Friuli Venezia Giulia

A powerful supercell storm swept through the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy on Monday evening, June 22, generating downbursts and tornadoes that unroofed homes in Basiliano, uprooted trees in Tavagnacco, and knocked out power across Codroipo and surrounding areas in the provinces of Udine, Pordenone, and Gorizia. The footage shows a tree more than 50 years old being toppled by a powerful downburst in Varmo, Udine.

Ceremony to pray for rich grain harvest at Kyoto temple

Ceremony to pray for rich grain harvest at Kyoto temple

A man posing as a monk soldier chops green bamboo stalks, representing a big snake, during a traditional ceremony dating back over 1,000 years to pray for a rich harvest of grain at Kurama Temple in Kyoto on June 20, 2026.

Ceremony to pray for rich grain harvest at Kyoto temple

Ceremony to pray for rich grain harvest at Kyoto temple

Men posing as monk soldiers chop green bamboo stalks, representing a big snake, during a traditional ceremony dating back over 1,000 years to pray for a rich harvest of grain at Kurama Temple in Kyoto on June 20, 2026.

Ceremony to pray for rich grain harvest at Kyoto temple

Ceremony to pray for rich grain harvest at Kyoto temple

A man posing as a monk soldier chops green bamboo stalks, representing a big snake, during a traditional ceremony dating back over 1,000 years to pray for a rich harvest of grain at Kurama Temple in Kyoto on June 20, 2026.

Ceremony to pray for rich grain harvest at Kyoto temple

Ceremony to pray for rich grain harvest at Kyoto temple

A man posing as a monk soldier chops green bamboo stalks, representing a big snake, during a traditional ceremony dating back over 1,000 years to pray for a rich harvest of grain at Kurama Temple in Kyoto on June 20, 2026.

Memorial service for deceased Japanese immigrants in Brazil

Memorial service for deceased Japanese immigrants in Brazil

A Buddhist memorial service is held in Sao Paulo for deceased Japanese immigrants to Brazil on June 18, 2026. Brazil commemorated 118 years of Japanese immigration the same day.

Memorial service for deceased Japanese immigrants in Brazil

Memorial service for deceased Japanese immigrants in Brazil

A Buddhist memorial service is held in Sao Paulo for deceased Japanese immigrants to Brazil on June 18, 2026. Brazil commemorated 118 years of Japanese immigration the same day.

US: Knicks Fans Climb Truck Ahead of Championship Parade

New York City celebrated the NBA champion New York Knicks with a ticker-tape parade on Thursday, June 18, to honor the franchise's first championship title in more than 50 years. This video shows Knicks fans climbing on top of a truck before the parade began.

US: Fans Pack Manhattan Streets Hours Before Knicks’ Championship Parade

New York City celebrated the NBA champion New York Knicks with a ticker-tape parade on Thursday, June 18, to honor the franchise's first championship title in more than 50 years. Massive crowds lined the streets early Thursday morning ahead of the parade.

ECB raises key rate to 2.25%

ECB raises key rate to 2.25%

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde holds a press conference in Frankfurt on June 11, 2026, after the ECB raised its benchmark deposit rate from 2 percent to 2.25 percent at a Governing Council meeting, the first rate hike in two years and nine months.

ECB raises key rate to 2.25%

ECB raises key rate to 2.25%

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde holds a press conference in Frankfurt on June 11, 2026, after the ECB raised its benchmark deposit rate from 2 percent to 2.25 percent at a Governing Council meeting, the first rate hike in two years and nine months.

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

PYONGYANG, North Korea, June 8 Kyodo - Flags of China and North Korea are hoisted in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (Kyodo)

China-N. Korea summit in Pyongyang

China-N. Korea summit in Pyongyang

A man looks at a Chinese newspaper in Beijing on June 9, 2026, a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his first visit to Pyongyang in seven years.

China-N. Korea summit in Pyongyang

China-N. Korea summit in Pyongyang

A man looks at a Chinese newspaper in Beijing on June 9, 2026, a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his first visit to Pyongyang in seven years.

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese and North Korean flags hang on the North Korean Foreign Ministry building in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

A Chinese flag is hoisted in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

A Chinese flag is hoisted in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese and North Korean flags are hoisted in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese and North Korean flags are hoisted in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Chinese President Xi in Pyongyang

Flags of China and North Korea are hoisted in Pyongyang on June 8, 2026, as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.