Passenger-assisting avatar robot at Hiroshima airport

Passenger-assisting avatar robot at Hiroshima airport

Photo taken on Aug. 21, 2026, at Hiroshima airport in Mihara in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, shows an avatar robot named "newme," developed by an All Nippon Airways group company, assisting a man posing as a passenger with check-in and other procedures. The robot is operated remotely by staff at Kansai airport in Osaka Prefecture.

[Breaking News]81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 18 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. (Kyodo)

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Baseball: Japan, S. Korea batting champion Baek In Chun dies

Baseball: Japan, S. Korea batting champion Baek In Chun dies

File photo taken in 1971 at an unidentified stadium shows Baek In Chun playing for the then Nippon Professional Baseball's Toei Flyers. The South Korean player, who won batting titles in both Japan and South Korea's professional baseball leagues, died at age 82 on Aug. 15, 2026.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) offers flowers at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees offer flowers at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

A memorial ceremony for the war dead is held at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

A memorial ceremony for the war dead is held at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Standing beside him is Empress Masako.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Standing beside him is Empress Masako.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Standing beside him is Empress Masako.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) is pictured after sawing a log during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (2nd from R) is briefed about how to prepare breakfast during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front, L) is taught how to saw a log during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) saws a log during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) prepares breakfast with boy scouts during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (front) prepares breakfast with boy scouts during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 8, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (back) arrives at the venue of the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (back) arrives at the venue of the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (back) arrives at the venue of the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (back) arrives at the venue of the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) watches a boy scout event during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (L) watches a boy scout event during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (C) waves to participants during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito waves to participants during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito waves to participants during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito waves to participants during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito speaks at a ceremony for the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito speaks at a ceremony for the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Prince Hisahito joins boy scout event in western Japan

Japanese Prince Hisahito (2nd from R) sets up a tent during the 19th Nippon Scout Jamboree in Jinsekikogen in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 7, 2026. (Pool photo)