Public access to Hiroshima Castle tower ends

Public access to Hiroshima Castle tower ends

Hiroshima Castle's tower is illuminated on the final day of its public opening in Hiroshima, western Japan, on March 22, 2026. A 68-year history of public access to the castle tower, rebuilt in 1958 following its destruction in the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing, ended due to its aging.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

Photo taken on March 20, 2026, shows a judiciary-related building (L) and police station (R) in Tehran partially destroyed in U.S. and Israeli attacks.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

Photo taken on March 20, 2026, shows a judiciary-related building (L) and police station (R) in Tehran partially destroyed in U.S. and Israeli attacks.

US: Flooding Prompts Evacuation Warnings on Maui as Second Kona Low Strikes

On Saturday, March 21, the Maui Emergency Management Agency issued evacuation warnings for various areas on Maui due to flood risk as a second Kona Low storm brought significant flooding to the region.

Spain: Storm Therese’s Second Front Brings Heavy Rain to Canary Islands

Storm Therese hitting the Canary Islands continued to cause widespread disruption over the weekend as a second front brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, flight cancellations, and rough seas across the archipelago. Thousands of tourists and locals remained stranded, schools were forced to close, and residents were urged to avoid all unnecessary travel until conditions fully subside.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani flies out in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres in Glendale, Arizona, on March 20, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani flies out in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres in Glendale, Arizona, on March 20, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani flies out in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres in Glendale, Arizona, on March 20, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani flies out in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres in Glendale, Arizona, on March 20, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Baseball: MLB spring training game

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani flies out in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres in Glendale, Arizona, on March 20, 2026.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

A mural of the sailors killed in the sinking of an Iranian warship by the U.S. military is seen in Tehran on March 20, 2026.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

A mural of the sailors killed in the sinking of an Iranian warship by the U.S. military is seen in Tehran on March 20, 2026.

Scene from Tehran

Scene from Tehran

A bazaar in Tehran is quiet on March 20, 2026, amid U.S. and Israeli attacks.

China: Fearless Hamsters Turn Young Crocodile’s Mouth Into Playground

This is the bizarre moment that a pair of hamsters were seen playing inside a young crocodile’s mouth, forming an unlikely cross-species bond in China. On February 20, 2026, in Hunan, China, the video captured two small hamsters fearlessly climbing in and out of a young crocodile’s open jaws.  Rather than showing aggression, the reptile appeared calm and tolerant, allowing the tiny rodents to explore its mouth as if it were a playground.  The hamsters moved freely, pausing occasionally before darting around again, while the crocodile remained still, seemingly treating them as companions rather than prey.  The unusual interaction created a striking contrast between predator instincts and gentle behavior. The video ended with the hamsters still playfully lingering around the crocodile’s mouth as the reptile stayed relaxed and motionless.

China: Sudden Dust Devil Tears Through Farmland in Liaoning

This is the terrifying moment that a Chinese man experienced a sudden dust devil while working on farmland, as strong winds swept across the field and shook his tractor. On March 17, 2026, in Liaoning, China, the video captured a farmer sitting on a tractor as a powerful dust devil formed nearby and moved rapidly across the farmland.  The swirling winds stirred up dust and debris, reducing visibility and creating a chaotic scene.  Despite the danger, the man remained on the tractor, holding steady as the violent gusts whipped around him.  The intensity of the wind could be seen in the way the surrounding crops bent sharply and loose soil spiraled into the air, highlighting the force of the natural phenomenon. The video ended with the dust devil drifting further across the field, leaving behind scattered dust as the winds slowly subsided.

China: Giant Hailstones Pound Yunnan in Violent Storm

On March 15, 2026, giant hailstones pounded Pu'er, Yunnan, China, as a violent storm struck the region. The unusually large hailstones fell rapidly, bouncing off the ground with a loud crashing sound and covering roads and open areas. The intense storm reduced visibility and created hazardous conditions across the area.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Japan Ground Self-Defense Force firefighting operations amid a wildfire in Ueno in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Japan Ground Self-Defense Force firefighting operations amid a wildfire in Ueno in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a wildfire in Ueno in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows a wildfire in Ueno in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Tokyo stocks tumble

Tokyo stocks tumble

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average falling over 2,500 points from the previous trading day's close on the morning of March. 23, 2026, amid the escalating Middle East crisis.

Tokyo stocks tumble

Tokyo stocks tumble

A financial monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average falling over 2,000 points from the previous trading day's close on the morning of March. 23, 2026, amid the escalating Middle East crisis.

Tokyo stocks tumble

Tokyo stocks tumble

A financial monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average falling nearly 2,500 points from the previous trading day's close on the morning of March. 23, 2026, amid the escalating Middle East crisis.

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Shohei Ohtani (R) of the Los Angeles Dodgers hugs his former teammate Mike Trout ahead of a preseason baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Shohei Ohtani (back) of the Los Angeles Dodgers hugs his former teammate Mike Trout ahead of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.

Tokyo stocks tumble

Tokyo stocks tumble

A financial monitor at a currency trading company in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average falling nearly 2,500 points from the previous trading day's close on the morning of March. 23, 2026, amid the escalating Middle East crisis.

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Shohei Ohtani (back) of the Los Angeles Dodgers hugs his former teammate Mike Trout ahead of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Shohei Ohtani (back) of the Los Angeles Dodgers hugs his former teammate Mike Trout ahead of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Shohei Ohtani (R) of the Los Angeles Dodgers hugs his former teammate Mike Trout ahead of a preseason baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Shohei Ohtani (R) of the Los Angeles Dodgers hugs his former teammate Mike Trout ahead of a preseason baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired Japanese figure skater Mao Asada speaks to the press in Tachikawa, western Tokyo, on March 21, 2026, as her figure skating academy Kinoshita Mao Academy holds its first presentation event. She started a full-time coaching career last August at the school.

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired Japanese figure skater Mao Asada speaks to the press in Tachikawa, western Tokyo, on March 21, 2026, as her figure skating academy Kinoshita Mao Academy holds its first presentation event. She started a full-time coaching career last August at the school.

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired Japanese figure skater Mao Asada speaks to the press in Tachikawa, western Tokyo, on March 21, 2026, as her figure skating academy Kinoshita Mao Academy holds its first presentation event. She started a full-time coaching career last August at the school.

Memorial ceremony for Japanese golf legend Ozaki

TOKYO, Japan, March 16 Kyodo - Japanese pro baseball's all-time home run king Sadaharu Oh prays for legendary professional golfer Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki at a memorial ceremony for him in Tokyo. Ozaki died in December 2025 at age 78 after recording 112 wins, the most by a Japanese player, including 94 on the Japan Golf Tour. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]BOJ policy-setting meeting

TOKYO, Japan, March 19 Kyodo - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda holds a press conference at the central bank's headquarters in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, following a two-day policy setting meeting. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Annual wage negotiations in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, March 18 Kyodo - An official of the Japan Council of Metalworkers' Unions writes down responses from its member companies in wage negotiations in Tokyo on March 18, 2026, as many major Japanese companies including Toyota Motor Corp. fully meet their labor unions' pay hike demands. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

TOKYO, Japan, March 19 Kyodo - The Somei Yoshino cherry tree that the Japan Meteorological Agency uses as a benchmark tree to declare the official start of the spring cherry blossom season, comes into bloom at Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on March 19, 2026, five days earlier than the average year. (Kyodo)

Annual wage negotiations in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, March 18 Kyodo - An official of the Japan Council of Metalworkers' Unions writes down responses from its member companies in wage negotiations in Tokyo on March 18, 2026, as many major Japanese companies including Toyota Motor Corp. fully meet their labor unions' pay hike demands. (Kyodo)

Milan Cortina Paralympics: IPC head Parsons

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, March 16 Kyodo - International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons speaks during an interview in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on March 15, 2026, ahead of the Milan Cortina Paralympics closing ceremony later in the day. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

KUMAMOTO, Japan, March 17 Kyodo -Video taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy. (Kyodo)

JR East raises fares by 7.1%

TOKYO, Japan, March 14 Kyodo - A worker replaces a fare board at JR Tokyo Station after East Japan Railway Co. raised its fares by an average of 7.1 percent on March 14, 2026, its first hike since the major rail company's privatization in 1987. (Kyodo)

World Baseball Classic: Japan vs. Venezuela

MIAMI, United States, March 13 Kyodo - Shohei Ohtani of Japan throws in a live batting practice in Miami, Florida, on March 12, 2026, two days ahead of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against Venezuela. (Kyodo)

China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

BEIJING, China, March 12 Kyodo - A passenger train bound for Pyongyang is pictured after departing Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of train services between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Milan Cortina Paralympics: Snowboard

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, March 14 Kyodo - Para snowboarder Daichi Oguri of Japan poses during the medal ceremony after winning silver in the men's banked slalom at the Milan Cortina Paralympics at Cortina Para Snowboard Park in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on March 13, 2026. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]China-N. Korea train service resumes operation

BEIJING, China, March 12 Kyodo - A passenger train bound for Pyongyang is pictured after departing Beijing Railway Station on March 12, 2026, marking the resumption of train services between China and North Korea following a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Kyodo)

National People's Congress in Beijing

BEIJING, China, March 12 Kyodo - People's Liberation Army personnel head to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to attend the closing ceremony of the eight-day National People's Congress on March 12, 2026. (Kyodo)

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Closing ceremony

MILAN, Italy, March 16 Kyodo - A Paralympic cauldron is seen after the flame was extinguished following the closing of the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 15, 2026, in Milan. (Kyodo)

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a three-run double during the third inning of a preseason baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani poses after hitting a three-run double during the third inning of a preseason baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Baseball: MLB preseason game

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a three-run double during the third inning of a preseason baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on March 22, 2026.