Japan lawmakers meet senior China official

Japan lawmakers meet senior China official

House of Representatives member Shinichi Isa of the Centrist Reform Alliance, Japan's main opposition party, speaks to reporters at the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to China in Beijing on Aug. 27, 2026, after Isa and another Japanese lawmaker held talks with Lu Kang, vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party's International Department.

Japan lawmakers meet senior China official

Japan lawmakers meet senior China official

House of Representatives member Shinichi Isa of the Centrist Reform Alliance, Japan's main opposition party, speaks to reporters at the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to China in Beijing on Aug. 27, 2026, after Isa and another Japanese lawmaker held talks with Lu Kang, vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party's International Department.

Japan lawmakers meet senior China official

Japan lawmakers meet senior China official

House of Representatives member Shinichi Isa of the Centrist Reform Alliance, Japan's main opposition party, speaks to reporters at the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to China in Beijing on Aug. 27, 2026, after Isa and another Japanese lawmaker held talks with Lu Kang, vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party's International Department.

Crown prince, princess off to Paraguay

Crown prince, princess off to Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko (C) are seen off by their daughter Princess Kako at their residence at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, before departing for an official trip to Paraguay to mark 90 years of Japanese immigration to the South American country. (Pool photo)

Crown prince, princess off to Paraguay

Crown prince, princess off to Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko (C) are seen off by their daughter Princess Kako at their residence at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, before departing for an official trip to Paraguay to mark 90 years of Japanese immigration to the South American country. (Pool photo)

Crown prince, princess off to Paraguay

Crown prince, princess off to Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko (C) are seen off by their daughter Princess Kako at their residence at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo on Aug. 18, 2026, before departing for an official trip to Paraguay to mark 90 years of Japanese immigration to the South American country. (Pool photo)

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit earlier in the day to the Russian-held, Japanese-claimed Etorofu Island off Hokkaido "totally unacceptable."

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit earlier in the day to the Russian-held, Japanese-claimed Etorofu Island off Hokkaido "totally unacceptable."

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit earlier in the day to the Russian-held, Japanese-claimed Etorofu Island off Hokkaido "totally unacceptable."

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit earlier in the day to the Russian-held, Japanese-claimed Etorofu Island off Hokkaido "totally unacceptable."

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japan PM meets press over Putin's visit to Etorofu Island

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit earlier in the day to the Russian-held, Japanese-claimed Etorofu Island off Hokkaido "totally unacceptable."

CORRECTED: Japan crown prince ahead of trip to Paraguay

CORRECTED: Japan crown prince ahead of trip to Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito speaks during a press conference at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo ahead of his official trip to Paraguay. Crown Princess Kiko will accompany him during the trip from Aug. 18 to 26 marking the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the South American country. (Pool photo)

CORRECTED: Japan crown prince ahead of trip to Paraguay

CORRECTED: Japan crown prince ahead of trip to Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito speaks during a press conference at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo ahead of his official trip to Paraguay. Crown Princess Kiko will accompany him during the trip from Aug. 18 to 26 marking the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the South American country. (Pool photo)

Japan crown prince ahead of trip to Paraguay

Japan crown prince ahead of trip to Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Akishino speaks during a press conference at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo ahead of his official trip to Paraguay. Crown Princess Kiko will accompany him during the trip from Aug. 18 to 26 marking the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the South American country. (Pool photo)

CORRECTED: Japan crown prince ahead of trip to Paraguay

CORRECTED: Japan crown prince ahead of trip to Paraguay

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito speaks during a press conference at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo ahead of his official trip to Paraguay. Crown Princess Kiko will accompany him during the trip from Aug. 18 to 26 marking the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigration to the South American country. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (3rd from R) attends a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (3rd from L) at the prime minister's official residence in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (3rd from R) attends a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (3rd from L) at the prime minister's official residence in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (far L) and Empress Masako (2nd from L) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako (C) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (C, L) and Empress Masako (C, R) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Japanese nationals living in Belgium before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (L) and Empress Masako (2nd from L) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (L) and Empress Masako visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (far L) and Empress Masako (2nd from L) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo) ==Kyodo

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japan emperor, empress in Brussels

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako (C) visit the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Belgium in Brussels on June 25, 2026, for informal talks with Belgians with ties to Japan before flying back to Japan.(Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Belgium

Japan emperor, empress in Belgium

Photo taken on June 21, 2026, shows the Royal Castle of Ciergnon in Houyet, southern Belgium, a residence and summer retreat of the Belgian royal family, where Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are staying as part of their official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Belgium

Japan emperor, empress in Belgium

Photo taken on June 21, 2026, shows the Royal Castle of Ciergnon in Houyet, southern Belgium, a residence and summer retreat of the Belgian royal family, where Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are staying as part of their official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan emperor, empress in Belgium

Japan emperor, empress in Belgium

Photo taken on June 21, 2026, shows the Royal Castle of Ciergnon in Houyet, southern Belgium, a residence and summer retreat of the Belgian royal family, where Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are staying as part of their official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan PM Takaichi heads for Vietnam, Australia

Japan PM Takaichi heads for Vietnam, Australia

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on May 1, 2026, ahead of a five-day trip to Vietnam and Australia for bilateral summit talks.

Japanese mathematician Hironaka dies

Japanese mathematician Hironaka dies

Japanese mathematician Heisuke Hironaka (L) shakes hands with French Ambassador Bernard de Montferrand at the ambassador's official residence in Tokyo in January 2004 at an event to award Hironaka the Legion of Honor, France's most prestigious award. Kyoto University professor emeritus Hironaka died in Tokyo on March 18, 2026, aged 94.

Japan PM Takaichi's visit to U.S.

Japan PM Takaichi's visit to U.S.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on March 18, 2026, before leaving for the United States for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Japan PM Takaichi's visit to U.S.

Japan PM Takaichi's visit to U.S.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on March 18, 2026, before leaving for the United States for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release 15 days' worth of reserves held by the private sector and then one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Japan to release government-held oil reserves

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets the press at her official residence in Tokyo on March 11, 2026, announcing that Japan would release one month's worth of government-held oil in response to surging crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The announcement was made hours before International Energy Agency member countries unanimously agreed on the largest-ever oil stockpile release.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo, Japan on January 19, 2026, announcing plans to dissolve the House of Representatives on January 23 ahead of a snap general election scheduled for February 8. Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo, Japan on January 19, 2026, announcing plans to dissolve the House of Representatives on January 23 ahead of a snap general election scheduled for February 8. Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo, Japan on January 19, 2026, announcing plans to dissolve the House of Representatives on January 23 ahead of a snap general election scheduled for February 8. Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo, Japan on January 19, 2026, announcing plans to dissolve the House of Representatives on January 23 ahead of a snap general election scheduled for February 8. Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Press Conference - Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo, Japan on January 19, 2026, announcing plans to dissolve the House of Representatives on January 23 ahead of a snap general election scheduled for February 8. Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 9, 2026. Large numbers of Japanese residents rallied in Tokyo on Friday evening to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's evasive stance on U.S. military strikes against Venezuela, as well as a series of dangerous recent military policy moves by her administration. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 9, 2026. Large numbers of Japanese residents rallied in Tokyo on Friday evening to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's evasive stance on U.S. military strikes against Venezuela, as well as a series of dangerous recent military policy moves by her administration. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 9, 2026. Large numbers of Japanese residents rallied in Tokyo on Friday evening to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's evasive stance on U.S. military strikes against Venezuela, as well as a series of dangerous recent military policy moves by her administration. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 9, 2026. Large numbers of Japanese residents rallied in Tokyo on Friday evening to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's evasive stance on U.S. military strikes against Venezuela, as well as a series of dangerous recent military policy moves by her administration. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 9, 2026. Large numbers of Japanese residents rallied in Tokyo on Friday evening to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's evasive stance on U.S. military strikes against Venezuela, as well as a series of dangerous recent military policy moves by her administration. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

Protest In Front Of The Japanese Prime Minister Official Residence -Tokyo

People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 9, 2026. Large numbers of Japanese residents rallied in Tokyo on Friday evening to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's evasive stance on U.S. military strikes against Venezuela, as well as a series of dangerous recent military policy moves by her administration. Photo by Jia Haocheng/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM