[Breaking News]Yosakoi dance festival in western Japan

KOCHI, Japan, Aug. 10 Kyodo - Dancers perform during the Yosakoi dance festival on Aug. 10, 2026, in Kochi, western Japan. About 18,000 people from 197 teams plan to dance during the annual event that began in 1954, running through Aug. 12. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Annual cleaning of Great Buddha of Nara

NARA, Japan, Aug. 7 Kyodo - Monks at the Todai-ji temple in the western Japan city of Nara, sweeps dust off the Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure in Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026, in an annual cleaning event. (Kyodo)

Yosakoi dance festival in western Japan

Yosakoi dance festival in western Japan

Dancers perform during the Yosakoi dance festival on Aug. 10, 2026, in Kochi, western Japan. About 18,000 people from 197 teams plan to dance during the annual event that began in 1954, running through Aug. 12.

Yosakoi dance festival in western Japan

Yosakoi dance festival in western Japan

Dancers perform during the Yosakoi dance festival on Aug. 10, 2026, in Kochi, western Japan. About 18,000 people from 197 teams plan to dance during the annual event that began in 1954, running through Aug. 12.

Yosakoi dance festival in western Japan

Yosakoi dance festival in western Japan

Dancers perform during the Yosakoi dance festival on Aug. 10, 2026, in Kochi, western Japan. About 18,000 people from 197 teams plan to dance during the annual event that began in 1954, running through Aug. 12.

Annual cleaning of Great Buddha of Nara

Annual cleaning of Great Buddha of Nara

Monks at the Todai-ji temple in the western Japan city of Nara, sweeps dust off the Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure in Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026, in an annual cleaning event.

Annual cleaning of Great Buddha of Nara

Annual cleaning of Great Buddha of Nara

Monks at the Todai-ji temple in the western Japan city of Nara, sweeps dust off the Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure in Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026, in an annual cleaning event.

Annual cleaning of Great Buddha of Nara

Annual cleaning of Great Buddha of Nara

Monks at the Todai-ji temple in the western Japan city of Nara, sweeps dust off the Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure in Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026, in an annual cleaning event.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People fill the streets as decorated floats adorned with illuminated lanterns are displayed during the annual Gion Festival's Yoiyama event in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 16, 2026, the eve of the Yamahoko Junko parade, the highlight of the month-long festival.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Kansai Economic Federation Chairman Masayoshi Matsumoto visits a booth of Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. -- where he serves as chairman -- on the opening day of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Photo shows a booth of Panasonic Corp. on the opening day of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Photo shows a booth of Panasonic Corp. on the opening day of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Photo shows a booth of Panasonic Corp. on the opening day of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Photo shows a booth of Nvidia Corp. on the opening day of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang (C) attends the opening ceremony of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang (back, C) makes a speech during the opening ceremony of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang makes a speech during the opening ceremony of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang makes a speech during the opening ceremony of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairperson Shingo Torii heads to the opening ceremony of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairperson Shingo Torii heads to the opening ceremony of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Kansai Economic Federation Chairman Masayoshi Matsumoto (front) heads to the opening ceremony of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

A man takes a selfie on the first day of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

Supply chain expo in Beijing

Supply chain expo in Beijing

A man takes a selfie on the first day of the five-day China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing on June 22, 2026. Over 670 companies and organizations from 85 countries, regions and international agencies are taking part in the annual event, launched in 2023.

UK: Over 1,000 Cyclists Take Part in Naked Bike Ride in London

More than 1,000 cyclists took part in London's annual World Naked Bike Ride on Sunday, June 14. The event has been held in the capital every year since 2004 in protest against oil dependency and car culture, while celebrating body freedom.

US: Manhattanhenge Draws Crowds to Manhattan for Spring Sunset Spectacle

Crowds gathered along 42nd Street and other Midtown Manhattan cross streets on Thursday, May 28, for Manhattanhenge, a twice-yearly phenomenon when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city's east-west street grid.

US: Manhattanhenge Draws Crowds to Manhattan for Spring Sunset Spectacle 2

Crowds gathered along 42nd Street and other Midtown Manhattan cross streets on Thursday, May 28, for Manhattanhenge, a twice-yearly phenomenon when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city's east-west street grid.

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - People stroll at the Japan Mint head office in Osaka on April 9, 2026, as its 560-meter-long, tree-lined path opens to the public for annual cherry blossom viewing through April 15. More than 300,000 visitors are expected for the event, which began in 1883. (Kyodo)

LDP's party convention

LDP's party convention

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at a party convention of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo on April 12, 2026. The annual event was held after Takaichi, who became prime minister in October last year, achieved a landslide victory for the party in a general election on Feb. 8.

LDP's party convention

LDP's party convention

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at a party convention of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo on April 12, 2026. The annual event was held after Takaichi, who became prime minister in October last year, achieved a landslide victory for the party in a general election on Feb. 8.

LDP's party convention

LDP's party convention

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at a party convention of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo on April 12, 2026. The annual event was held after Takaichi, who became prime minister in October last year, achieved a landslide victory for the party in a general election on Feb. 8.

LDP's party convention

LDP's party convention

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at a party convention of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo on April 12, 2026. The annual event was held after Takaichi, who became prime minister in October last year, achieved a landslide victory for the party in a general election on Feb. 8.

LDP's party convention

LDP's party convention

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds an annual party convention in Tokyo on April 12, 2026. It was the first annual event for the party since Sanae Takaichi became LDP leader and prime minister in October last year.

LDP's party convention

LDP's party convention

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds an annual party convention in Tokyo on April 12, 2026. It was the first annual event for the party since Sanae Takaichi became LDP leader and prime minister in October last year.

LDP's party convention

LDP's party convention

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds an annual party convention in Tokyo on April 12, 2026. It was the first annual event for the party since Sanae Takaichi became LDP leader and prime minister in October last year.

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

People stroll at the Japan Mint head office in Osaka on April 9, 2026, as its 560-meter-long, tree-lined path opens to the public for annual cherry blossom viewing through April 15. More than 300,000 visitors are expected for the event, which began in 1883.

US: Chicago Kicks Off St. Patrick’s Day by Dyeing the Chicago River Green

Chicago kicked off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the annual tradition of local plumbers unions dyeing the Chicago River green on Saturday, March 14.

[Breaking News]Japan's "naked festival" leaves 3 unconscious

OKAYAMA, Japan, Feb. 22 Kyodo - Nearly naked men take part in the annual Saidaiji Eyo festival at Saidaiji temple in Okayama, western Japan, on Feb. 21, 2026. Three men became unconscious after the participants, wearing only loincloths, jostled to catch wooden sacred talismans during the traditional event dating back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). (Kyodo)

Japan's "naked festival" leaves 3 unconscious

Japan's "naked festival" leaves 3 unconscious

Nearly naked men take part in the annual Saidaiji Eyo festival at Saidaiji temple in Okayama, western Japan, on Feb. 21, 2026. Three men became unconscious after the participants, wearing only loincloths, jostled to catch wooden sacred talismans during the traditional event dating back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573).

Boat-racing festival for good haul

KUSHIMOTO, Japan, Feb. 15 Kyodo - Youths participate in a boat-racing event in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Feb. 14, 2026, as part of Minato shrine's annual festival to pray for a good haul and business success. (Kyodo)

Boat-racing festival for good haul

Boat-racing festival for good haul

Youths participate in a boat-racing event in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Feb. 14, 2026, as part of Minato shrine's annual festival to pray for a good haul and business success.

Boat-racing festival for good haul

Boat-racing festival for good haul

Youth participate in a boat-racing event in Kushimoto in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Feb. 14, 2026, as part of Minato shrine's annual festival to pray for a good haul and business success.

[Breaking News]Icefall festival in Hokkaido

KAMIKAWA, Japan, Jan. 25 Kyodo - An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8. (Kyodo)

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.