JAXA unveils space probe for Mars moon project

JAXA unveils space probe for Mars moon project

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency unveils a space probe to be used for the Martian Moons eXploration project at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 13, 2026. An H3 rocket carrying the probe will be launched possibly this fall for the five-year mission, which aims to collect samples from Mars' moon Phobos and return them to Earth.

JAXA unveils space probe for Mars moon project

JAXA unveils space probe for Mars moon project

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency unveils a space probe to be used for the Martian Moons eXploration project at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 13, 2026. An H3 rocket carrying the probe will be launched possibly this fall for the five-year mission, which aims to collect samples from Mars' moon Phobos and return them to Earth.

China: Fallen Trees, Flooding Reported as Typhoon Dolphin Makes Landfall in Yuhuan

Typhoon Dolphin, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones to hit China this year, made landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province at about 5:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, August 9, bringing torrential rain and strong winds. Fallen trees and severe flooding were reported in the area after landfall, while local rescue teams were mobilized.

Pokemon-themed spots on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

Pokemon-themed spots on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

A Pokemon-themed statue at a scenic spot in Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, is pictured on July 7, 2026. The statue is part of efforts to revitalize the Noto Peninsula after a powerful earthquake on New Year's Day in 2024 and heavy rain later that year.

Pokemon-themed spots on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

Pokemon-themed spots on quake-hit Noto Peninsula

A Pokemon-themed statue at a scenic spot in Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, is pictured on July 7, 2026. The statue is part of efforts to revitalize the Noto Peninsula after a powerful earthquake on New Year's Day in 2024 and heavy rain later that year.

Pokemon-themed airport on Noto Peninsula

Pokemon-themed airport on Noto Peninsula

A bus of the world's first Pokemon-themed airport, nicknamed "Noto Satoyama Pokemon With You Airport," departs in Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 2, 2026. The bus service and airport are part of efforts to revitalize the Noto Peninsula after a powerful earthquake on New Year's Day in 2024 and heavy rain later that year.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Football: Japan defender Nagatomo to continue career

Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo holds a press conference at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Aug. 8, 2026. The 39-year-old, who set a national record by appearing in five World Cups, said he will continue his career with J. League first-division club FC Tokyo.

Japanese ex-abductee Soga

Japanese ex-abductee Soga

Hitomi Soga, a 67-year-old Japanese woman who was abducted by North Korea in 1978 and repatriated in 2002, speaks during a seminar for teachers in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, on Aug. 7, 2026.

Japanese ex-abductee Soga

Japanese ex-abductee Soga

Hitomi Soga, a 67-year-old Japanese woman who was abducted by North Korea in 1978 and repatriated in 2002, speaks during a seminar for teachers in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, on Aug. 7, 2026.

Japanese ex-abductee Soga

Japanese ex-abductee Soga

Hitomi Soga, a 67-year-old Japanese woman who was abducted by North Korea in 1978 and repatriated in 2002, speaks during a seminar for teachers in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, on Aug. 7, 2026.

UK: Air Ambulance Lands in Trafalgar Square After Covent Garden Stabbing

Four men were stabbed in London's Covent Garden district on Endell Street on Wednesday, August 5, prompting a major emergency response. A 47-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the incident. A London Air Ambulance helicopter was filmed in Trafalgar Square, where a temporary landing zone had been set up in front of Nelson's Column, though all victims were ultimately transported to hospital by road.

Japan: Performers Balance Towering Lanterns at Akita Kanto Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival, one of the three major festivals in Japan's Tohoku region with roughly 270 years of history, opened Sunday, August 2, in central Akita City and runs through August 6. This year's event features 67 groups—38 neighborhood teams and 29 school and workplace teams—swaying 273 lantern-laden bamboo poles through the night sky in a prayer for a bountiful harvest, the poles representing rice stalks. The largest of the poles measure up to 12 meters long and weigh 50 kilograms, balanced skillfully by performers on their foreheads, palms, and other parts of the body.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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 Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and her ministers are pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a 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.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Photo taken on Aug. 4, 2026, shows a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the prime minister's office in Tokyo later in the day. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Ten-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi (L) poses with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as she receives a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Ten-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi (L) receives a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

10-time Olympic skating medalist Takagi given People's Honor Award

Ten-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi (L) receives a commemorative set of 10 cooking knives from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a ceremony to confer the People's Honor Award at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 4, 2026. Each of the knives is engraved with her name and the award title, as the 32-year old won two gold, four silver and four bronze medals before announcing her retirement in April.

US: Fire Guts Abandoned Centennial Mills Warehouse in Oregon 2

A fast-moving fire heavily damaged the 116-year-old, long-abandoned Centennial Mills warehouse in Northwest Portland, Oregon, Sunday, August 2, leaving the interior severely burned out.

US: Fire Guts Abandoned Centennial Mills Warehouse in Oregon

A fast-moving fire heavily damaged the 116-year-old, long-abandoned Centennial Mills warehouse in Northwest Portland, Oregon, Sunday, Aug. 2, with parts of the interior collapsing.

France: Fire in Paris Apartment Building Kills One, Sends Smoke Over 6th Arrondissement

A fire broke out Tuesday afternoon, July 28, in a residential building on Rue Saint-Placide in Paris's 6th arrondissement, sending a large plume of black smoke. The blaze, which started on the fourth floor of the Paris Habitat building, killed a 51-year-old man who lived alone. Firefighters brought the fire under control by evening.

China: Elderly Man Descends Into Well to Rescue Trapped Boy

On July 14, 2026, in Xinjiang, China, a young boy fell unconscious after accidentally falling into a 3-meter-deep mechanical well. A 62-year-old man volunteered to descend into the narrow well, securing himself with a fire hose. With help from bystanders, the man and the boy were both pulled out safely.

US: Teen Suspect Arrested After Deadly Shooting at Seattle Food Festival

A 15-year-old suspect was arrested after a fatal shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening that killed three people, including 19-year-old Junior Cee Niko Semo, who police believe was one of the suspects. Four others were injured, including a two-year-old boy. Police believe at least three suspects were involved in the gunfire, with the 15-year-old detained on firearms and first-degree assault charges, and are still searching for at least one more suspect. This video shows a person believed to be a suspect being taken into custody by police at the scene.

China: Teenager Rescues Children From Overturned Car in Gansu

Dramatic video captured the moment a Chinese teenager climbed onto an overturned vehicle to rescue children trapped inside after a roadside crash. The accident occurred on July 19, 2026, in Zhangye, Gansu, when a car overturned with five people trapped inside. Mr. Hou and his family, who were passing by, stopped immediately to help. The 18-year-old, wearing a white shirt, climbed onto the vehicle and pulled three children out one by one, while two men worked together to free the remaining passengers. The entire family was successfully rescued from the wreckage.

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

A woman sprinkles water on a street in Mino in Gifu Prefecture on July 24, 2026, as the mercury reaches 40.2 C in the central Japan city, topping 40 C to mark a "cruelly hot day," the term used by the weather agency this year for temperatures of 40 C or higher.

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

A thermometer in Toyota in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, shows the mercury reaching 40 C on July 23, 2026, marking a "cruelly hot day," a term used by the weather agency this year for temperatures of 40 C or higher.

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

A thermometer in Toyota in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, shows the mercury reaching 40 C on July 23, 2026, marking a "cruelly hot day," a term used by the weather agency this year for temperatures of 40 C or higher.

Baseball: Stanford slugger Sasaki to join Marlins

HANAMAKI, Japan, July 19 Kyodo - Stanford University slugger Rintaro Sasaki holds a press conference in Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on July 19, 2026. The 21-year-old infielder, a graduate of Hanamaki Higashi High School, said he will begin his professional baseball career with the Miami Marlins, following his draft selection by the Major League Baseball team earlier in the month. (Kyodo)

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

A thermometer in front of JR Tajimi Station in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, shows the mercury topping 40 C on July 21, 2026, marking the country's first "cruelly hot day" since the weather agency introduced the heat warning term earlier this year. Temperatures reached at least 40 C in three central Japan cities -- Tajimi and Gujo in Gifu Prefecture and Toyota in Aichi Prefecture -- the same day.

Summer heat in Japan

Summer heat in Japan

People walk under mist showers on a sweltering hot day in Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, on July 22, 2026. The mercury topped 40 C in some central Japan cities the same day, the nation marking a "cruelly hot day," a heat warning term used by the country's weather agency this year, for the second straight day.

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

"Cruelly hot day" in central Japan

A thermometer in front of JR Tajimi Station in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, shows the mercury topping 40 C on July 21, 2026, marking the country's first "cruelly hot day" since the weather agency introduced the heat warning term earlier this year. Two central Japan cities -- Tajimi and Toyota in Aichi Prefecture -- recorded temperatures above the threshold the same day.

Dollar trades near 39-year high in lower 163 yen level

Dollar trades near 39-year high in lower 163 yen level

A monitor at a foreign exchange trading company in Tokyo shows the U.S. dollar trading in the lower 163 yen range on July 22, 2026, after hitting 163.24 yen, its highest level since December 1986, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Dollar trades near 39-year high in lower 163 yen level

Dollar trades near 39-year high in lower 163 yen level

Monitors at a foreign exchange trading company in Tokyo show the U.S. dollar trading in the lower 163 yen range on July 22, 2026, after hitting 163.24 yen, its highest level since December 1986, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Dollar trades near 39-year high in lower 163 yen level

Dollar trades near 39-year high in lower 163 yen level

Monitors at a foreign exchange trading company in Tokyo show the U.S. dollar trading in the lower 163 yen range on July 22, 2026, after hitting 163.24 yen, its highest level since December 1986, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Baseball: Stanford slugger Sasaki to join Marlins

Baseball: Stanford slugger Sasaki to join Marlins

Stanford University slugger Rintaro Sasaki wipes away some tears during a press conference in Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on July 19, 2026. The 21-year-old infielder, a graduate of Hanamaki Higashi High School, said he will begin his professional baseball career with the Miami Marlins, following his draft selection by the Major League Baseball team earlier in the month.