Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Lanterns illuminate the grounds of Higashi Honganji, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, western Japan, on Aug. 14, 2026, the opening day of the three-day summer event called "Mantoue." Some 10,000 lanterns are featured in the 65th event with about 40,000 people expected to visit.

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Lanterns illuminate the grounds of Higashi Honganji, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, western Japan, on Aug. 14, 2026, the opening day of the three-day summer event called "Mantoue." Some 10,000 lanterns are featured in the 65th event with about 40,000 people expected to visit.

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Summer lantern event at Kyoto temple

Lanterns illuminate the grounds of Higashi Honganji, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, western Japan, on Aug. 14, 2026, the opening day of the three-day summer event called "Mantoue." Some 10,000 lanterns are featured in the 65th event with about 40,000 people expected to visit.

[Breaking News]Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

KUMAMOTO, Japan, Aug. 10 Kyodo - Video taken from a drone on Aug. 10, 2026, shows Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, ahead of its expected reopening to the public, possibly on Aug. 13. The castle closed immediately after a powerful earthquake struck the region on July 28. (Kyodo)

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken from a drone on Aug. 10, 2026, shows Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, ahead of its expected reopening to the public, possibly on Aug. 13. The castle closed immediately after a powerful earthquake struck the region on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken from a drone on Aug. 10, 2026, shows Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, ahead of its expected reopening to the public, possibly on Aug. 13. The castle closed immediately after a powerful earthquake struck the region on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Photo taken from a drone on Aug. 10, 2026, shows collapsed stone walls at Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, ahead of its expected reopening to the public, possibly on Aug. 13. The castle closed immediately after a powerful earthquake struck the region on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Workers cover damaged roofs with waterproof sheeting on Aug. 6, 2026, in Yatsushiro, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28, ahead of the expected approach of a typhoon.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Workers cover damaged roofs with waterproof sheeting on Aug. 6, 2026, in Yatsushiro, a Kumamoto Prefecture city devastated by a powerful earthquake on July 28, ahead of the expected approach of a typhoon.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan: Typhoon Dolphin Brings High Waves to Kagoshima Coast

Typhoon Dolphin, known in Japan as Typhoon No. 13, moved west near Okinawa's Minamidaito Island on Thursday, August 6, and is expected to approach Okinawa and Amami by Friday, with authorities warning of heavy rain and high waves from Kyushu to Kanto. This video shows large waves along the coast of Wadomari on Okinoerabu Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Performers march through the streets on the opening day of the Morioka Sansa dance festival in Morioka in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. About 26,600 people are expected to take part in the four-day event.

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Performers march through the streets on the opening day of the Morioka Sansa dance festival in Morioka in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. About 26,600 people are expected to take part in the four-day event.

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Performers march through the streets on the opening day of the Morioka Sansa dance festival in Morioka in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. About 26,600 people are expected to take part in the four-day event.

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Performers march through the streets on the opening day of the Morioka Sansa dance festival in Morioka in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. About 26,600 people are expected to take part in the four-day event.

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Traditional dance parade in northeastern Japan

Performers march through the streets on the opening day of the Morioka Sansa dance festival in Morioka in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Aug. 1, 2026. About 26,600 people are expected to take part in the four-day event.

US: Outer Bands From Tropical Depression Two Bring Showers to Central Florida

As outer bands from Tropical Depression Two, expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha, moved through Central Florida on Monday, July 20, scattered showers hit the area.

US: Thick Haze From Canada Wildfires Blankets Washington, D.C.

A thick haze from Canadian wildfires spread across a wide swath of the United States on Friday, July 17, causing air quality to plummet, with dangerous conditions expected to persist. The smoke settled over Washington, DC, which had mostly avoided hazardous air until that point.

Japan festival opens in Sao Paulo

Japan festival opens in Sao Paulo

A festival featuring Japanese cuisine, anime, games and music as well as industrial goods opens in Sao Paulo on July 10, 2026. About 200,000 people are expected to visit the three-day Festival do Japao, according to organizers.

Japan festival opens in Sao Paulo

Japan festival opens in Sao Paulo

A festival featuring Japanese cuisine, anime, games and music as well as industrial goods opens in Sao Paulo on July 10, 2026. About 200,000 people are expected to visit the three-day Festival do Japao, according to organizers.

Japan festival opens in Sao Paulo

Japan festival opens in Sao Paulo

A festival featuring Japanese cuisine, anime, games and music as well as industrial goods opens in Sao Paulo on July 10, 2026. About 200,000 people are expected to visit the three-day Festival do Japao, according to organizers.

Japan: Powerful Typhoon Bavi Batters Okinawa Amid Storm Surge Warnings 2

Typhoon Bavi was battering Okinawa's Sakishima Islands early Saturday, July 11, with storm and high wave warnings issued across the prefecture as parts of the region entered the storm's violent wind zone. A Level 4 Urgent Warning for storm surges was in place for parts of the area, with up to 250 millimeters of rain expected as authorities warned of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

Japan: Severe Weather Strikes Western Region, Triggers Hail and Heavy Rainfall

A strong cold air mass destabilized the atmosphere across western Japan, Tokai, and Hokuriku, on Friday, May 1, triggering heavy rain, thunder, and hail, with further sudden weather changes expected.

Turkey: Communities Rally Against Gold Mine Project in Eskisehir

Residents, politicians, and civil society groups demonstrated in Eskisehir, Turkey, opposing a planned cyanide-based gold and silver mine in the Alpagut-Atalan region. An expert panel, appointed by the court, conducted an on-site inspection on April 20 as part of ongoing litigation challenging the project's environmental approval. Opponents warn of risks to farmland, water sources, and seismic safety. The court-appointed report is expected to be pivotal in the case's outcome.

US: Rochester Sees 25°F Temperature Drop as Snow and Rain Mix

Western New York experienced flurries, graupel and rain showers on Sunday, April 19, as temperatures in Rochester dropped more than 25°F (14°C) in 24 hours. Snow showers were expected to continue into Monday, with overnight lows near 29°F (-2°C).

US: Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward Northern Mariana Islands and Guam 8

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far in 2026, has been barreling toward the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially "devastating damage." As of Monday, April 13, Sinlaku carried sustained winds of 175 mph — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — with typhoon warnings in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as typhoon conditions were expected by Tuesday. An island-wide power outage hit the Northern Mariana Islands, while flight cancellations were also reported amid the worsening weather.

US: Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward Northern Mariana Islands and Guam 7

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far in 2026, has been barreling toward the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially "devastating damage." As of Monday, April 13, Sinlaku carried sustained winds of 175 mph — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — with typhoon warnings in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as typhoon conditions were expected by Tuesday. An island-wide power outage hit the Northern Mariana Islands, while flight cancellations were also reported amid the worsening weather.

US: Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward Northern Mariana Islands and Guam 6

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far in 2026, has been barreling toward the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially "devastating damage." As of Monday, April 13, Sinlaku carried sustained winds of 175 mph — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — with typhoon warnings in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as typhoon conditions were expected by Tuesday. An island-wide power outage hit the Northern Mariana Islands, while flight cancellations were also reported amid the worsening weather.

US: Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward Northern Mariana Islands and Guam 5

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far in 2026, has been barreling toward the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially "devastating damage." As of Monday, April 13, Sinlaku carried sustained winds of 175 mph — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — with typhoon warnings in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as typhoon conditions were expected by Tuesday. An island-wide power outage hit the Northern Mariana Islands, while flight cancellations were also reported amid the worsening weather.

US: Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward Northern Mariana Islands and Guam 4

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far in 2026, has been barreling toward the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially "devastating damage." As of Monday, April 13, Sinlaku carried sustained winds of 175 mph — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — with typhoon warnings in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as typhoon conditions were expected by Tuesday. An island-wide power outage hit the Northern Mariana Islands, while flight cancellations were also reported amid the worsening weather.

US: Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward Northern Mariana Islands and Guam 3

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far in 2026, has been barreling toward the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially "devastating damage." As of Monday, April 13, Sinlaku carried sustained winds of 175 mph — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — with typhoon warnings in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as typhoon conditions were expected by Tuesday. An island-wide power outage hit the Northern Mariana Islands, while flight cancellations were also reported amid the worsening weather.

US: Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward Northern Mariana Islands and Guam 2

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far in 2026, has been barreling toward the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially "devastating damage." As of Monday, April 13, Sinlaku carried sustained winds of 175 mph — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — with typhoon warnings in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as typhoon conditions were expected by Tuesday. An island-wide power outage hit the Northern Mariana Islands, while flight cancellations were also reported amid the worsening weather.

US: Super Typhoon Sinlaku Barrels Toward Northern Mariana Islands and Guam

Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth so far in 2026, has been barreling toward the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam in the Pacific Ocean, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially "devastating damage." As of Monday, April 13, Sinlaku carried sustained winds of 175 mph — equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane — with typhoon warnings in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, as typhoon conditions were expected by Tuesday. An island-wide power outage hit the Northern Mariana Islands, while flight cancellations were also reported amid the worsening weather.

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)

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: Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Batter Central and South Florida as Cold Front Stalls Over Peninsula 2

Central Florida was battered by heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday, April 8, as a stalled cold front funneled tropical moisture into the region. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, this weather system was expected to remain through Thursday, bringing a prolonged period of storms to both Central and South Florida.

150-meter-tall fountain completed in Tokyo

150-meter-tall fountain completed in Tokyo

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike (front row, 3rd from L) poses for a photo during the opening ceremony of Tokyo Aqua Symphony, one of the world's largest fountains, at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo on March 28, 2026. The 150-meter-tall, 250-meter-wide fountain is expected to generate about 9.8 billion yen ($61 million) in annual economic activity, as around 30 million people are expected to visit.

150-meter-tall fountain completed in Tokyo

150-meter-tall fountain completed in Tokyo

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike speaks during the opening ceremony of Tokyo Aqua Symphony, one of the world's largest fountains, at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo on March 28, 2026. The 150-meter-tall, 250-meter-wide fountain is expected to generate about 9.8 billion yen ($61 million) in annual economic activity, as around 30 million people are expected to visit.

UAE: Dubai Battered by Heavy Rain and Flooding as Severe Storm System Moves In

Heavy rain, thunder, and flooding struck Dubai and across the UAE beginning March 23, causing widespread disruption to roads and travel. Parts of Abu Dhabi and Ajman recorded rainfall totals that almost reached annual levels, with gauges recording up to 93.3mm. Authorities warned that worse conditions were expected to peak Thursday night into Friday morning, with the possibility of hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. Residents were advised to avoid flood-prone areas and unnecessary travel as the storm system was forecast to continue through Friday, March 27.

Spain: Catalan Teachers Strike on Fourth Day, Demanding Labor Improvements

Thousands of teachers took to the streets across Catalonia, including Girona, Sabadell, Mataró, and Granollers, on Thursday, March 19, on the fourth day of a strike as educators demanded better pay, reduced class sizes, and more support staff. A full Catalonia-wide strike was set to follow on Friday, with even greater turnout expected.

Japan: Long Lines Form at Gas Stations Ahead of Price Hike

Long lines of vehicles formed at gas stations across Japan on Wednesday, March 11, as drivers rushed to fill up before an expected sharp rise in fuel prices. Major oil wholesalers announced plans to raise gasoline wholesale prices by an average of 26 yen per liter starting March 12, prompting a surge in last-minute refueling.

Spain: Storm Regina Brings Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms to Andalusia

Storm Regina brought heavy rain and thunderstorms to Andalusia on Wednesday, March 4. Severe weather is expected to continue over the next few days, with gusty winds also forecast. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued yellow weather alerts for the weekend in several regions, including Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha, among others.

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.

China: Sleepy Husky Struggles to Stay Awake at Dog Party in Chongqing

On January 27, 2026, in Chongqing, located in southwestern China, a video recorded several dogs wearing clothes and gathering together as if attending a small party. Among them, a black-and-white husky stood out for looking extremely tired. The husky lowered its head, nodded repeatedly, and appeared to be dozing off. Its mouth hung slightly open, giving the impression of deep exhaustion rather than excitement. Two other dogs nearby also looked low on energy, standing quietly and showing little movement. None of the dogs displayed the lively behavior usually expected at a party-like gathering.

USS Gerald R. Ford Transit Strait of Gibraltar En Route to Israel

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is expected to dock in Haifa on Monday, February 23, as part of a surge in U.S. reinforcements to the Middle East. Carrier Strike Group 12 entered the Mediterranean after transiting the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday, February 20, as Washington ramps up its regional presence amid escalating tensions with Iran.

Canada: Paradise, NL Buried Under Significant Snowfall After Weekend Storm

Following a weekend blizzard, Eastern Newfoundland is digging out on Monday, February 23. Metrobus and NLC stores are currently closed, with updates expected at noon. The Town of Paradise has closed all municipal facilities, including Town Hall and the Double Ice Complex, for the day. Residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel and respect parking bans to allow crews to clear the significant accumulation safely.

US: Storm Slams Sierra Nevada With Heavy Snow, Travel Disrupted

Heavy snowfall continues across the Sierra Nevada, delivering significant snowpack but creating dangerous conditions. Several feet of snow have already accumulated, with some higher elevations expected to receive well over 10 feet before storms taper off next week. Strong winds and intense snowfall have triggered avalanche warnings and reduced visibility, prompting search and rescue efforts after a backcountry avalanche. Travel has been severely impacted, with whiteout conditions and intermittent closures along Interstate 80 near Donner Summit.

US: Rising Temperatures Trigger Ice Jam Flood Risk in Pennsylvania

Rising temperatures have triggered ice jams on creeks in Venango County, Pennsylvania and nearby areas, causing elevated water levels and flooding concerns. In Oil City, Oil Creek is nearing overflow, flooding several businesses and prompting officials to prepare for possible evacuations. A flood watch and warning remain in effect through Friday, with thick ice and a released ice jam expected to worsen flooding in Oil City and Rouseville. Residents are urged to stay alert and ready to act.