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 plaque to be given to 10-time Olympic speed skating medalist Miho Takagi at 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. The four-time Olympian, 32, 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

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.

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.

China: Typhoon Bavi Rips Metal Roof Off Residential Building in Shanghai

Typhoon Bavi tore the metal roof off a residential building in Chongming District, Shanghai on July 12, 2026, with footage showing the structure shaking violently before being ripped apart and blown to the ground by powerful gusts.

Japan: Earthquake Sparks Deadly Mall Explosion in Kumamoto 2

A massive earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, forcing nearly 9,000 residents to evacuate. The quake also triggered a large explosion at a shopping mall in the town of Kashima, tearing through the building and killing at least four people. This video shows ash covering roads near Kashima. The video owner said a loud explosion was heard, causing the car to shake, while heavy ash filled the air and made it difficult to see ahead.

Japan: Deadly Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto, Leaves Widespread Damage

A massive earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and forcing nearly 9,000 residents to evacuate. The quake left extensive damage to structures and roads, and also triggered a large explosion at a shopping mall in the town of Kashima, tearing through the building and killing at least four people.

Japan: Earthquake Sparks Deadly Mall Explosion in Kumamoto

A massive earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, forcing nearly 9,000 residents to evacuate. The quake also triggered a large explosion at a shopping mall in the town of Kashima, tearing through the building and killing at least four people. The footage shows smoke rising from the building as the filmer claims, "I was waiting in the parking lot to calm down, but suddenly I heard what sounded like an explosion from the Aeon Mall, and smoke started coming out."

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.

Chile: Deadly Storm Pounds Valparaiso, Cuts Power to 400,000 Homes

A powerful storm system battered central Chile, killing four people and prompting Valparaíso to declare a red alert as rainfall exceeded 140 millimeters in under two days and winds reached up to 160 kilometers per hour. The storm, described by Chile's meteorological service as one of the most intense in recent years, affected 10 of the country's 16 regions, cutting power to more than 400,000 homes and forcing evacuations of entire neighborhoods near rivers such as the Marga Marga and Quilpué amid fears of flooding.

US: At Least Four Dead as Flash Floods Sweep Through Kentucky After Torrential Rain

At least four people were killed and more than 60 rescues conducted after torrential rain dumped up to eight inches in parts of Kentucky, triggering flash flooding across multiple counties over the weekend. Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency.

UK: Britain First March Met With Mass Counter-Protest in Birmingham

Hundreds of people gathered in Birmingham city center on Saturday, June 20, as supporters of far-right group Britain First held a march and a larger crowd assembled nearby in counter-protest. West Midlands Police arrested four people, three women and one man, on suspicion of assaulting an officer, criminal damage, and obstructing police.

China: Residents Form Human Chain in Floodwater to Rescue Four People from Trapped Car

A group of residents waded into waist-deep floodwater in Pubei, Guangxi, on June 8, 2026, to rescue four people trapped inside a car during heavy rain. Using tools and their own bodies, they formed a human chain between the stranded vehicle and the roadside. The four occupants were pulled out one by one and brought to safety, after which the group pushed the car to the roadside.

Spain: Fire Ravages Arcofrut Cooperative in Lleida, Prompting Evacuations

Firefighters brought a major blaze under control on Tuesday morning, June 9, at the Arcofrut fruit cooperative in Lleida, Spain, after it broke out late Monday night, June 8 and spread rapidly through the facility's exterior and two of its three warehouses. Four people suffered minor injuries, nearby residents were briefly evacuated over fears of an ammonia tank explosion, and authorities are investigating whether the fire was deliberately set after indications it may have started at two separate points.

Asian black bear sighted in Fukushima

Asian black bear sighted in Fukushima

An Asian black bear is spotted on the premises of a company in Fukushima, northeastern Japan, on June 2, 2026. Four people were injured in the bear's attacks the same day.

US: Two Wildfires Force Evacuations in Riverside County, California 3

Two wildfires broke out in Riverside County, California, on Tuesday, May 19, prompting evacuations and warnings for residents. The Bain Fire ignited at 11:22 a.m. in the Santa Ana River bottom in Jurupa Valley, spreading rapidly toward homes in the direction of Riverside, injuring four people. Separately, the Verona Fire in Homeland jumped containment lines and forced additional evacuations. Crews from multiple agencies responded to both blazes.

US: Two Wildfires Force Evacuations in Riverside County, California

Two wildfires broke out in Riverside County, California, on Tuesday, May 19, prompting evacuations and warnings for residents. The Bain Fire ignited at 11:22 a.m. in the Santa Ana River bottom in Jurupa Valley, spreading rapidly toward homes in the direction of Riverside, injuring four people. Separately, the Verona Fire in Homeland jumped containment lines and forced additional evacuations. Crews from multiple agencies responded to both blazes.

US: Two Wildfires Force Evacuations in Riverside County, California 2

Two wildfires broke out in Riverside County, California, on Tuesday, May 19, prompting evacuations and warnings for residents. The Bain Fire ignited at 11:22 a.m. in the Santa Ana River bottom in Jurupa Valley, spreading rapidly toward homes in the direction of Riverside, injuring four people. Separately, the Verona Fire in Homeland jumped containment lines and forced additional evacuations. Crews from multiple agencies responded to both blazes.

US: Four Injured, Fast-Moving Bain Fire Forces Evacuations in Jurupa Valley, CA 3

The Bain Fire, a fast-moving wildfire broke out in Jurupa Valley, Riverside County, California on Tuesday, May 19, quickly spreading to 1,300 acres and injuring four people. Evacuation orders were issued and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

US: Four Injured, Fast-Moving Bain Fire Forces Evacuations in Jurupa Valley, CA

The Bain Fire, a fast-moving wildfire broke out in Jurupa Valley, Riverside County, California on Tuesday, May 19, quickly spreading to 900 acres and injuring four people. Evacuation orders were issued and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

US: Four Injured, Fast-Moving Bain Fire Forces Evacuations in Jurupa Valley, CA 2

The Bain Fire, a fast-moving wildfire broke out in Jurupa Valley, Riverside County, California on Tuesday, May 19, quickly spreading to 900 acres and injuring four people. Evacuation orders were issued and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

UK: Apartment Fire in Battersea Forces 50 Residents to Evacuate, Three Hospitalized

A fire broke out on the seventh floor of a 10-story residential building on Charlotte Despard Avenue in Battersea, London, on Monday evening, May 11. Around 50 residents were evacuated, and three people were hospitalized. Some 60 firefighters responded to the blaze, which destroyed a four-room apartment. The cause is under investigation.

Ainu remains returned to Japan from Britain after 160 years

Ainu remains returned to Japan from Britain after 160 years

Masaru Okawa, executive director of the Ainu Association of Hokkaido, meets the press at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on May 8, 2026, upon his return from Britain where remains of seven Ainu people were handed over to Japan by London's Natural History Museum. Four of the seven sets of remains were returned after 160 years.

Wife of ousted S. Korean president Yoon sentenced to 4 years

Wife of ousted S. Korean president Yoon sentenced to 4 years

People watch a televised Seoul High Court ruling on Kim Keon Hee, wife of South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul on April 28, 2026. The appeals court increased her sentence from 20 months to four years in prison on corruption charges.

Wife of ousted S. Korean president Yoon sentenced to 4 years

Wife of ousted S. Korean president Yoon sentenced to 4 years

People watch a televised Seoul High Court ruling on Kim Keon Hee, wife of South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul on April 28, 2026. The appeals court increased her sentence from 20 months to four years in prison on corruption charges.

Ekiden road relay in India

Ekiden road relay in India

About 1,000 people participate in ekiden road relay in Gurugram, India, on April 5, 2026, in teams of four runners, each including at least one Japanese and one Indian.

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

KAMEYAMA, Japan, March 20 Kyodo - A burned passenger car is taken out from a tunnel of the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Kameyama in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on March 20, 2026, after an accident involving four vehicles -- a truck, trailer and two passenger cars -- occurred inside the tunnel in the early hours of March 20, leaving five people in the passenger cars killed. (Kyodo)

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a burned truck (L) being taken out from a tunnel of the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Kameyama in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on March 20, 2026, after an accident involving four vehicles -- the truck, a trailer and two passenger cars -- occurred inside the tunnel in the early hours of March 20, leaving five people in the passenger cars dead.

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

A burned truck (L) is taken out from a tunnel of the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Kameyama in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on March 20, 2026, after an accident involving four vehicles -- the truck, a trailer and two passenger cars -- occurred inside the tunnel in the early hours of March 20, leaving five people in the passenger cars killed.

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

A burned truck is taken out from a tunnel of the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Kameyama in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on March 20, 2026, after an accident involving four vehicles -- the truck, a trailer and two passenger cars -- occurred inside the tunnel in the early hours of March 20, leaving five people in the passenger cars killed.

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

Multivehicle accident inside expressway tunnel in central Japan

A burned passenger car is taken out from a tunnel of the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Kameyama in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on March 20, 2026, after an accident involving four vehicles -- a truck, trailer and two passenger cars -- occurred inside the tunnel in the early hours of March 20, leaving five people in the passenger cars killed.

4th anniversary of arson attack on Kyoto Animation studio

KYOTO, Japan, July 18 Kyodo - Kyoto Animation Co. President Hideaki Hatta meets the press on July 18, 2023, after attending a memorial ceremony at the site of an arson attack four years earlier on an animation studio in Kyoto, western Japan, that killed 36 people. (Kyodo)

25th anniv. of U.S. sub's collision with school boat

25th anniv. of U.S. sub's collision with school boat

Students of Uwajima Fisheries High School offer flowers during a memorial service at the school in Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture, western Japan, on Feb. 10, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of a fatal accident in which the U.S. Navy submarine Greeneville collided with the institution's training boat Ehime Maru off Hawaii. Among the 35 people aboard the Japanese training vessel, four students, two teachers and three crew members were killed.

US: Four Injured in Metallurgical Plant Explosion in Langeloth, Pennsylvania

Four people were injured after an explosion at the Langeloth Metallurgical Company plant in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, January 29. Authorities initially issued a shelter-in-place order due to a potential hydrogen peroxide release during a chemical transfer, but the notice was later lifted after officials confirmed there was no public health threat.

Japan: Record January Snowfall Hits Aomori, Disrupting Traffic and Trains

On January 28, Aomori City recorded 150 centimeters of snowfall for the first time in 40 years, causing traffic congestion across the city and a series of train service suspensions. Snow depth reached 154 centimeters by 9 p.m., tying for the second-highest January total on record, last seen on January 30, 1986. According to Aomori Prefecture, as of 2 p.m. on January 29, two people had died and 85 others were injured, while damage was confirmed at four residential properties. The video captures conditions in Aomori City on the morning of January 29, showing the extent of the heavy snowfall.

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

One of the carriages of the Iryo train that derailed on 20 January 2026 in Adamuz, Córdoba, Andalusia (Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of people killed in the train derailment reached at least 41 on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Rocío Ruz/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

One of the carriages of the Iryo train that derailed on 20 January 2026 in Adamuz, Córdoba, Andalusia (Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of people killed in the train derailment reached at least 41 on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Rocío Ruz/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

One of the carriages of the Iryo train that derailed on 20 January 2026 in Adamuz, Córdoba, Andalusia (Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of people killed in the train derailment reached at least 41 on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Rocío Ruz/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

One of the carriages of the Iryo train that derailed on 20 January 2026 in Adamuz, Córdoba, Andalusia (Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of people killed in the train derailment reached at least 41 on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Rocío Ruz/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

One of the carriages of the Iryo train that derailed on 20 January 2026 in Adamuz, Córdoba, Andalusia (Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of people killed in the train derailment reached at least 41 on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Rocío Ruz/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

Emergency Services agents work at the scene of the accident, 20 January 2026, in Adamuz, Cordoba, Andalusia (Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Córdoba), has left an extensive emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an investigation open to clarify the causes. The number of people killed in the train derailment reached at least 41 on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

Train Derailment Aftermath - Adamuz

One of the carriages of the Iryo train that derailed on 20 January 2026 in Adamuz, Córdoba, Andalusia (Spain). The derailment of a high-speed train and the subsequent collision with another convoy, which occurred on Sunday afternoon in Adamuz (Cordoba), has left a large emergency operation in place, the suspension of several rail connections and an open investigation to clarify the causes. The number of people killed in the train derailment reached at least 41 on Tuesday, with a total of 122 people being treated in the accident, including 117 adults and five children. There are currently 39 people in hospital - 37 adults and four children. Photo by Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press/ABACAPRESS.COM