"2 plus 2" Japan-France ministerial meeting

"2 plus 2" Japan-France ministerial meeting

(from L) French Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Minister Catherine Vautrin, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi pose for a photo prior to their "two-plus-two" ministerial meeting in Tokyo on April 1, 2026. (Pool photo)

"2 plus 2" Japan-France ministerial meeting

"2 plus 2" Japan-France ministerial meeting

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (4th from R) and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (5th from R) attend a "two-plus-two" ministerial meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (4th from L) and French Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Minister Catherine Vautrin (5th from L) in Tokyo on April 1, 2026. (Pool photo)

"2 plus 2" Japan-France ministerial meeting

"2 plus 2" Japan-France ministerial meeting

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (far R) and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from R) attend a "two-plus-two" ministerial meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and French Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Minister Catherine Vautrin in Tokyo on April 1, 2026. (Pool photo)

"2 plus 2" Japan-France ministerial meeting

"2 plus 2" Japan-France ministerial meeting

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (L) and French Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Minister Catherine Vautrin (R) attend a "two-plus-two" ministerial meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Tokyo on April 1, 2026. (Pool photo)

Japan: Tokyo Peace Fest Draws 1,400 in Protest Against Constitutional Revision and War

Around 1,400 people gathered near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo on Saturday, March 28, for a rally called "Peace Fest — No to War and Dictatorship," where participants sang anime songs related to peace and called for peace and constitutionalism. Demonstrators protested against Prime Minister Takaichi's push for constitutional revision and the incident involving a Self-Defense Forces member who entered the Chinese Embassy.

Japan: Thousands Gather in Tokyo to Oppose Constitutional Amendment and Hormuz Deployment

Around 24,000 people gathered in front of the National Diet Building in Tokyo on Wednesday, March 25, to protest against war and constitutional revision, calling for the protection of Japan's pacifist constitution and urging the government not to deploy the Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz. Demonstrators holding placards and colorful glow sticks in various shapes filled the streets in scenes resembling an outdoor concert.

Japan: Power Outage on Yokohama Train Lines Forces Trackside Evacuation

A power outage struck the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Minatomirai Line in Yokohama, Japan, at around 12:20 p.m. on March 13, leaving two trains stranded between Okurayama and Minatomirai stations. Approximately 900 passengers were forced to disembark onto the tracks and walk to the nearest station. The affected lines connect central Yokohama to the Minato Mirai waterfront district and link to Tokyo via the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

Japan-U.S. Iron Fist joint exercise in Okinawa

Japan-U.S. Iron Fist joint exercise in Okinawa

Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military personnel salute during the opening ceremony of their Iron Fist joint exercise at U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on Feb. 23, 2026.

Japan-U.S. Iron Fist joint exercise in Okinawa

Japan-U.S. Iron Fist joint exercise in Okinawa

Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military personnel pose for a group photo after the opening ceremony of their Iron Fist joint exercise at U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on Feb. 23, 2026.

Election in Bangladesh

Election in Bangladesh

Security forces patrol in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on Feb. 12, 2026, during a parliamentary election.

Election in Bangladesh

Election in Bangladesh

Security forces patrol in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on Feb. 12, 2026, during a parliamentary election.

Election in Bangladesh

Election in Bangladesh

Security forces stand guard in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on Feb. 12, 2026, during a parliamentary election.

Spain: Overcrowding Forces Temporary Closure of Parla Train Station in Madrid

Madrid’s Cercanías railway closed Parla station on Monday morning, February 9, for safety reasons due to overcrowding, caused by a train drivers’ strike and works on the C-4 line that sharply reduced train frequencies. The station was shut between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., with normal service expected to improve after C-4 works finish next week.

Japan: Self Defense Force Requested for Spreading Wildfire in Western Saitama

A wildfire that was initially contained after breaking out in Chichibu, western Saitama, on Wednesday, February 4, expanded to 40 hectares after reigniting Thursday night. The prefectural government was prompted to request the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces on Friday to combat the spreading blaze.

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Manon Aubry - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Arnaud Rousseau - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Arnaud Rousseau - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Manon Aubry - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Manon Aubry - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Manon Aubry - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Manon Aubry - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Manon Aubry - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Arnaud Rousseau - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Manon Aubry - Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Farmers Demonstrate Against the EU-Mercosur Agreement - Strasbourg

Thousands of angry farmers protest against the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. Gathered in front of the European Parliament, they await the vote of MEPs. In attendance are MEPs, politicians and leaders of agricultural organizations. January 20, 2026, Strasbourg, Eastern France. Photo by Nicolas Roses/ABACAPRESS.COM