Central Japan city hosts job fair in India

Central Japan city hosts job fair in India

A Japanese automotive parts manufacturer based in Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture holds a recruiting session for people seeking jobs in Japan on Jan. 14, 2026, at a job fair in New Delhi. Five Hamamatsu-based companies took part in the event, which was organized by the central Japan city.

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

Photo taken Jan. 15, 2026, shows a cenotaph for the victims of a 2016 ski trip charter bus crash near the accident site in the mountain resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with flowers offered on its 10th anniversary the same day. The accident left 15 people dead and 26 injured, mostly college students.

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

Photo taken Jan. 15, 2026, shows a cenotaph for the victims of a 2016 ski trip charter bus crash near the accident site in the mountain resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with flowers offered on its 10th anniversary the same day. The accident left 15 people dead and 26 injured, mostly college students.

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

10 years after deadly bus crash in central Japan

Photo taken Jan. 15, 2026, shows a cenotaph for the victims of a 2016 ski trip charter bus crash near the accident site in the mountain resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with flowers offered on its 10th anniversary the same day. The accident left 15 people dead and 26 injured, mostly college students.

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows temporary housing in Wajima in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa, on Nov. 7, 2025, for people affected by the massive Jan. 1, 2024, earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows temporary housing in Wajima in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa, on Nov. 7, 2025, for people affected by the massive Jan. 1, 2024, earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows temporary housing built in Wajima in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa, on Nov. 7, 2025, for people affected by the massive Jan. 1, 2024, earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Photo taken on Dec. 13, 2025, shows temporary housing in Wajima in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa for people affected by the massive Jan. 1, 2024, earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Photo taken on Dec. 13, 2025, shows temporary housing in Wajima in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa for people affected by the massive Jan. 1, 2024, earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Photo taken on Dec. 12, 2025, shows temporary housing in Wajima in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa for people affected by the massive Jan. 1, 2024, earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas.

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Temporary housing for Noto Peninsula quake victims

Photo taken on Dec. 12, 2025, shows temporary housing in Wajima in the central Japan prefecture of Ishikawa for people affected by the massive Jan. 1, 2024, earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas.

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

Traditional thatched roof houses in the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go hamlet in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, are lit up on Jan. 12, 2026.

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

Traditional thatched roof houses in the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go hamlet in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, are lit up on Jan. 12, 2026.

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go houses

Traditional thatched roof houses in the World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go hamlet in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, are lit up on Jan. 12, 2026.

Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan

Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows the Hamaoka nuclear power plant operated by Chubu Electric Power Co. in Omaezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 8, 2026.

Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan

Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows the Hamaoka nuclear power plant operated by Chubu Electric Power Co. in Omaezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 8, 2026.

Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan

Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News airplane shows the Hamaoka nuclear power plant operated by Chubu Electric Power Co. in Omaezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 8, 2026.

Ex-Japan governor sent sexually harassing texts to staff

Ex-Japan governor sent sexually harassing texts to staff

Photo taken Jan. 7, 2026, in Nagoya shows a list of sexually harassing texts that former Fukui Gov. Tatsuji Sugimoto sent to female prefectural government staff, in an investigative report published the same day by external lawyers. The central Japan governor, who stepped down the previous month, sent approximately 1,000 inappropriate messages to multiple female staff members and also touched female staff members' bodies several times.

Ex-Japan governor sent sexually harassing texts to staff

Ex-Japan governor sent sexually harassing texts to staff

Photo taken Jan. 7, 2026, in Nagoya shows a list of sexually harassing texts that former Fukui Gov. Tatsuji Sugimoto sent to female prefectural government staff, in an investigative report published the same day by external lawyers. The central Japan governor, who stepped down the previous month, sent approximately 1,000 inappropriate messages to multiple female staff members and also touched female staff members' bodies several times.

Ex-Japan governor sent sexually harassing texts to staff

Ex-Japan governor sent sexually harassing texts to staff

File photo shows Fukui Gov. Tatsuji Sugimoto speaking at a press conference in Fukui, central Japan, on Dec. 4, 2025, after the prefectural parliament approved his resignation over a sexual harassment allegation. An investigative report by external lawyers said on Jan. 7, 2026, that he sent some 1,000 sexually harassing texts to multiple female staff of the local government and touched female staff members' bodies several times.

Stained glass-made armor in Japan

Stained glass-made armor in Japan

A stained glass Japanese suit of armor is displayed at the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel in Nagoya, central Japan, on Jan. 7, 2026. The 2-meter tall artwork, created by Japanese artist Yoji Uchiyama, was recognized by Guinness World Records in April 2025 as "the largest stained glass sculpture of a samurai armor."

Stained glass-made armor in Japan

Stained glass-made armor in Japan

A stained glass Japanese suit of armor is displayed at the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel in Nagoya, central Japan, on Jan. 7, 2026. The 2-meter tall artwork, created by Japanese artist Yoji Uchiyama, was recognized by Guinness World Records in April 2025 as "the largest stained glass sculpture of a samurai armor."

Stained glass-made armor in Japan

Stained glass-made armor in Japan

A stained glass Japanese suit of armor is displayed at the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel in Nagoya, central Japan, on Jan. 7, 2026. The 2-meter tall artwork, created by Japanese artist Yoji Uchiyama, was recognized by Guinness World Records in April 2025 as "the largest stained glass sculpture of a samurai armor."

Nuclear Regulation Authority meeting

Nuclear Regulation Authority meeting

The Nuclear Regulation Authority, Japan's nuclear watchdog, meets in Tokyo on Jan. 7, 2026, after revelations that Chubu Electric Power Co. may have misused earthquake data in regulatory screening to restart its nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan.

Nuclear Regulation Authority meeting

Nuclear Regulation Authority meeting

Nuclear Regulation Authority Chairman Shinsuke Yamanaka speaks during the Japanese nuclear watchdog's meeting in Tokyo on Jan. 7, 2026, after revelations that Chubu Electric Power Co. may have misused earthquake data in regulatory screening to restart its nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan.

Nuclear Regulation Authority meeting

Nuclear Regulation Authority meeting

The Nuclear Regulation Authority, Japan's nuclear watchdog, meets in Tokyo on Jan. 7, 2026, after revelations that Chubu Electric Power Co. may have misused earthquake data in regulatory screening to restart its nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan.

Nuclear Regulation Authority meeting

Nuclear Regulation Authority meeting

Nuclear Regulation Authority Chairman Shinsuke Yamanaka speaks during the Japanese nuclear watchdog's meeting in Tokyo on Jan. 7, 2026, after revelations that Chubu Electric Power Co. may have misused earthquake data in regulatory screening to restart its nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan.

[Breaking News]New Year's greeting cards

TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 15 Kyodo - A woman posts New Year's greeting cards in a special mailbox at the Tokyo central post office in Tokyo's Marunouchi district on Dec. 15, 2025, as post offices across Japan begin accepting the "nengajo" cards for 2026. (Kyodo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

Preparations for 2026 Asian Games

Preparations for 2026 Asian Games

An officer checks a vending machine in a high-speed ferry with a security dog at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, on Dec. 26, 2025, as the police and the Japan Coast Guard jointly tighten security ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in the central Japan prefecture.

Preparations for 2026 Asian Games

Preparations for 2026 Asian Games

An officer checks the interior of a high-speed ferry with a security dog at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, on Dec. 26, 2025, as the police and the Japan Coast Guard jointly tighten security ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in the central Japan prefecture.

Preparations for 2026 Asian Games

Preparations for 2026 Asian Games

An officer checks the interior of a high-speed ferry with a security dog at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, on Dec. 26, 2025, as the police and the Japan Coast Guard jointly tighten security ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in the central Japan prefecture.

[Breaking News]Chemical explosion at Nagoya University campus

NAGOYA, Japan, Dec. 23 Kyodo - Video shows the area near the scene of a chemical explosion at Nagoya University in Nagoya, central Japan, on Dec. 23, 2025. The explosion, which occurred in a laboratory on the fourth floor of the science department building, left at least three people injured, though all were conscious. (Kyodo)

BOJ raises key rate to 30-year-high of 0.75%

TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 19 Kyodo - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda attends a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on Dec. 19, 2025, following the second day of a two-day policy-setting meeting at which the BOJ raised its key interest rate to a 30-year high of around 0.75 percent from 0.50 percent. (Kyodo)

Chemical explosion at Nagoya University campus

Chemical explosion at Nagoya University campus

Photo shows the area near the scene of a chemical explosion at Nagoya University in Nagoya, central Japan, on Dec. 23, 2025. The explosion, which occurred in a laboratory on the fourth floor of the science department building, left at least three people injured, though all were conscious.

Chemical explosion at Nagoya University campus

Chemical explosion at Nagoya University campus

Photo shows the area near the scene of a chemical explosion at Nagoya University in Nagoya, central Japan, on Dec. 23, 2025. The explosion, which occurred in a laboratory on the fourth floor of the science department building, left at least three people injured, though all were conscious.

Chemical explosion at Nagoya University campus

Chemical explosion at Nagoya University campus

Firefighters work near the scene of a chemical explosion at Nagoya University in Nagoya, central Japan, on Dec. 23, 2025. The explosion that occurred at a laboratory on the fourth floor of the science department building left at least three people injured, but all were conscious.