Aftermath of torrential rain in eastern Japan

Aftermath of torrential rain in eastern Japan

People take shelter at the Chiba prefectural government office building, opened to stranded commuters, in Chiba, east of Tokyo, in the early morning of Aug. 14, 2026, as public transportation services remain suspended following overnight torrential rain. Japan's weather agency issued its highest Level 5 warning for downpours in parts of Chiba Prefecture.

Torrential rain pounds Chiba Pref.

Torrential rain pounds Chiba Pref.

People stay at a makeshift evacuation center set up at the Chiba prefectural government office in the city of Chiba near Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, as public transportation is disrupted following torrential rain that pounded the region.

U.N. disarmament chief Nakamitsu in Nagasaki

U.N. disarmament chief Nakamitsu in Nagasaki

U.N. high representative for disarmament affairs Izumi Nakamitsu meets the press following a dialogue with young people held at the Nagasaki prefectural government office in Nagasaki on Aug. 10, 2026, a day after the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

U.S. military airlifts drinking water to quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

U.S. military airlifts drinking water to quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass speaks during a visit to the Kumamoto prefectural government headquarters in Kumamoto on Aug. 9, 2026, as a U.S. military KC-130 transport aircraft airlifts 16 tons of drinking water for people affected by a recent massive earthquake.

U.S. military airlifts drinking water to quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

U.S. military airlifts drinking water to quake-hit Kumamoto Pref.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass (R) shakes hands with Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura at the prefectural government headquarters in Kumamoto on Aug. 9, 2026, as a U.S. military KC-130 transport aircraft airlifts 16 tons of drinking water for people affected by a recent massive earthquake.

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.

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school students from across Japan participate in a government-sponsored meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026, aimed at raising public awareness, especially among young people, of North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s. (Kyodo)

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara speaks to junior high school students from across Japan during a government-sponsored meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026, aimed at enhancing public awareness, especially among young people, of North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s.

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school students from across Japan participate in a government-sponsored meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026, aimed at raising public awareness, especially among young people, of North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s.

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school students from across Japan participate in a government-sponsored meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026, aimed at raising public awareness, especially among young people, of North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s.

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara speaks to junior high school students from across Japan during a government-sponsored meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026, aimed at enhancing public awareness, especially among young people, of North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s.

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, speaks to junior high school students from across Japan during a government-sponsored meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026, aimed at raising public awareness, especially among young people, of the abduction issue. Yokota is a younger brother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at the age of 13.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (seated, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (seated, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back, far L) meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. The group complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

Myanmar president in Bangkok

Myanmar president in Bangkok

Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing (R), attends a welcome ceremony with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at the Government House in Bangkok on Aug. 6, 2026.

Myanmar president in Bangkok

Myanmar president in Bangkok

Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing (C), attends a welcome ceremony with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (R) at the Government House in Bangkok on Aug. 6, 2026.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Kunihiko Sakuma (L), head of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, shakes hands with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. Hiroshima A-bomb survivors' groups, including Sakuma's, complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

A-bomb survivors' groups meet PM Takaichi in Hiroshima

Kunihiko Sakuma, head of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 2026, the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the western Japan city. Hiroshima A-bomb survivors' groups, including Sakuma's, complained to Takaichi about discussions by the government and ruling parties on reviewing Japan's nonnuclear principles.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Officials offer silent prayers at a Kumamoto Prefectural government's disaster countermeasures meeting at the prefectural government's head office in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 4, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Officials offer silent prayers at a Kumamoto Prefectural government's disaster countermeasures meeting at the prefectural government's head office in Kumamoto Prefecture on Aug. 4, 2026, after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture on July 28.

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) holds talks with Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura at the Kumamoto prefectural government office on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) meets the press at the Kumamoto prefectural government office alongside Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (2nd from R) on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japan PM Takaichi visits quake-hit Kumamoto

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (3rd from L) holds talks with Kumamoto Gov. Takashi Kimura (2nd from R) at the Kumamoto prefectural government office on Aug. 3, 2026, during her visit to the southwestern Japan prefecture struck by a powerful earthquake on July 28. (Pool photo)

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

People line up at the town government office in Hikawa in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on July 31, 2026, to receive bottles of water three days after a powerful earthquake hit the region.

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Aftermath of strong earthquake in Kumamoto

Citizens wait to apply for a document certifying damage done to their property at the Uki city government office in Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on July 31, 2026, three days after a powerful earthquake struck the southwestern Japan prefecture. The certificate is required to receive such support as temporary housing and tax reduction or exemption.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) speaks during a meeting of the government anti-disaster task force in Tokyo on July 28, 2026, after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto.

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a meeting of the government anti-disaster task force in Tokyo on July 28, 2026, after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto.

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from R) speaks during a meeting of the government anti-disaster task force in Tokyo on July 28, 2026, after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto.

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

The government's anti-disaster task force convenes an emergency meeting in Tokyo on July 28, 2026, after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake jolted the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto.

Hydrogen FCVs used as taxis in Aichi Pref.

Hydrogen FCVs used as taxis in Aichi Pref.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles used as taxis are unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Aichi Prefecture government headquarters in Nagoya, central Japan, on July 24, 2026.

New Marine commander for Okinawa visits Okinawa governor

New Marine commander for Okinawa visits Okinawa governor

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson (L), U.S. Marine Corps' commander in charge of areas covering Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, holds talks with Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki (R) during a visit to his prefectural government office in Naha on July 21, 2026. Watson assumed the post on July 15.

Hon Hai EV at Taiwan Expo

Hon Hai EV at Taiwan Expo

Photo taken on July 17, 2026, shows the Model A electric vehicle developed by Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. and possibly targeting the Japanese market, displayed on the final day of the three-day Taiwan Expo in Tokyo. Over 150 Taiwanese companies took part in the Taiwanese government-sponsored exhibition showcasing Taiwan's cutting-edge technologies.

Australian PM Albanese

Australian PM Albanese

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks about his government's plan for new national standards for artificial intelligence at Sydney University on July 15, 2026.

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 2.9%

Japan's 10-year gov't bond yield hits 2.9%

A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond hitting 2.900 percent on the afternoon of July 9, 2026, for the first time since November 1996 amid concerns about inflation in Japan fueled by heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

Spain: Sentmenat Fire Forces Evacuations Amid Catalonia Blazes

Three major wildfires broke out simultaneously in Catalonia, Spain, on Monday, July 6, near Sentmenat, Anoia, and Artesa de Segre, straining local firefighters and prompting the government to call in Spain's Military Emergencies Unit for help. The Sentmenat fire, sparked by an excavator, burned about 90 hectares and forced evacuations and confinements in nearby towns.

Spain: Sentmenat Fire Forces Evacuations Amid Catalonia Blazes 2

Three major wildfires broke out simultaneously in Catalonia, Spain, on Monday, July 6, near Sentmenat, Anoia, and Artesa de Segre, straining local firefighters and prompting the government to call in Spain's Military Emergencies Unit for help. The Sentmenat fire, sparked by an excavator, burned about 90 hectares and forced evacuations and confinements in nearby towns.

"Confidential birth" at Tokyo hospital

"Confidential birth" at Tokyo hospital

Hitoshi Kato, head of San-Ikukai Hospital in Tokyo, speaks at a press conference at the Tokyo metropolitan government office on July 2, 2026, revealing that seven women had given birth to their babies through the hospital's "confidential birth" system since its launch in March 2025.

"Confidential birth" at Tokyo hospital

"Confidential birth" at Tokyo hospital

Hitoshi Kato, head of San-Ikukai Hospital in Tokyo, speaks at a press conference at the Tokyo metropolitan government office on July 2, 2026, revealing that seven women had given birth to their babies through the hospital's "confidential birth" system since its launch in March 2025.