1st Google store outside U.S.

1st Google store outside U.S.

Photo taken during a media preview in Tokyo on Aug. 10, 2026, shows the interior of Google Store Omotesando, the tech giant's first official store outside the United States, ahead of its opening on Aug. 13.

1st Google store outside U.S.

1st Google store outside U.S.

Photo taken during a media preview in Tokyo on Aug. 10, 2026, shows the interior of Google Store Omotesando, the tech giant's first official store outside the United States, ahead of its opening on Aug. 13.

Russian President Putin visits Etorofu Island

Russian President Putin visits Etorofu Island

Russian Ambassador to Japan Nikolay Nozdrev leaves the Japanese Foreign Ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, after receiving an official protest from Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi over Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit earlier in the day to the Russian-held, Japanese-claimed Etorofu Island off Hokkaido.

Russian President Putin visits Etorofu Island

Russian President Putin visits Etorofu Island

Russian Ambassador to Japan Nikolay Nozdrev (far R) leaves the Japanese Foreign Ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 13, 2026, after receiving an official protest from Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi over Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit earlier in the day to the Russian-held, Japanese-claimed Etorofu Island off Hokkaido.

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)

Ex-Chinese Premier Zhu dies at 97

Ex-Chinese Premier Zhu dies at 97

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji (R, front) and his wife, Lao An, take a ride on a high-speed maglev train on an experimental track in Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, on Oct. 16, 2000, during his official visit to Japan. Zhu, who played a key role in China's economic reforms as premier from 1998 to 2003 under President Jiang Zemin, died on Aug. 12, 2026, at the age of 97.

Senior Pentagon official Colby in Manila

Senior Pentagon official Colby in Manila

U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby delivers a speech in Manila on Aug. 10, 2026.

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

"Weekly Shonen Jump" circulation falls below 1 million

Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2026, shows a copy of the 2026 No. 36 edition of the "Weekly Shonen Jump" manga magazine. Circulation of Japan's most popular manga magazine, launched in 1968, averaged 985,000 copies during the April-June period, falling below 1 million for the first time since official statistics began in 2008.

[Breaking News]Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

TOKYO, Japan, July 28 Kyodo - A Japan Meteorological Agency official holds a press conference in Tokyo on July 28, 2026, after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 shook Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan. (Kyodo)

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

A Japan Meteorological Agency official holds a press conference in Tokyo on July 28, 2026, after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 shook Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

A Japan Meteorological Agency official holds a press conference in Tokyo on July 28, 2026, after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 shook Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

Strong quake jolts southwestern Japan

A Japan Meteorological Agency official holds a press conference in Tokyo on July 28, 2026, after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 shook Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Nepal's first mountain road tunnel

Nepal's first mountain road tunnel

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for the opening of the Nagdhunga Tunnel, Nepal's first mountain road tunnel, near Kathmandu on July 27, 2026. The tunnel was constructed partly with a Japanese official development assistance loan.

Nepal's first mountain road tunnel

Nepal's first mountain road tunnel

Photo taken on July 27, 2026, shows the Nagdhunga Tunnel, Nepal's first mountain road tunnel, near Kathmandu. The tunnel was constructed partly with a Japanese official development assistance loan.

Nepal's first mountain road tunnel

Nepal's first mountain road tunnel

Photo taken on July 27, 2026, shows the Nagdhunga Tunnel, Nepal's first mountain road tunnel, near Kathmandu. The tunnel was constructed partly with a Japanese official development assistance loan.

Japanese game maker Sega opens shop in Beijing

Japanese game maker Sega opens shop in Beijing

Major Japanese game company Sega Corp. opens an official permanent store in Beijing on July 18, 2026.

Japanese game maker Sega opens shop in Beijing

Japanese game maker Sega opens shop in Beijing

Major Japanese game company Sega Corp. opens an official permanent store in Beijing on July 18, 2026.

[Breaking News]Mt. Fuji climbing season

TOKYO, Japan, July 1 Kyodo - Climbers head to the top of Mt. Fuji along the Yoshida route on July 1, 2026. The route in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as the Subashiri route in Shizuoka Prefecture, opened the same day for the start of the official climbing season through Sept. 10. (Kyodo)

Japan imperial couple visit Akasaka Estate

Japan imperial couple visit Akasaka Estate

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo on July 3, 2026, to brief former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko about their recent official visit to the Netherlands and Belgium. (Pool photo)

Canada: Rally Held in Vancouver Against Ferdinand Marcos’ Official Visit

A rally was held in Vancouver on Wednesday, July 1, against the official visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Marcos' four-day visit is aimed at strengthening trade, energy, labor and tourism ties with Canada, marking the first visit by a Philippine president to the country in over a decade.

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Climbers atop Mt. Fuji take photos of the rising sun on July 1, 2026, as the official climbing season began for Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Climbers head to the top of Mt. Fuji along the Yoshida route in Yamanashi Prefecture on July 1, 2026. The route, as well as the Subashiri route in Shizuoka Prefecture, opened the same day for the start of the official climbing season through Sept. 10.

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Climbers atop Mt. Fuji see the rising sun on July 1, 2026, as the official climbing season began for Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Climbers head to the top of Mt. Fuji along the Yoshida route on July 1, 2026. The route in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as the Subashiri route in Shizuoka Prefecture, opened the same day for the start of the official climbing season through Sept. 10.

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Climbers atop Mt. Fuji pose for a photo on July 1, 2026, as the official climbing season began for Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Mt. Fuji climbing season

Climbers atop Mt. Fuji see the rising sun on July 1, 2026, as the official climbing season began for Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.

Mt. Fuji in climbing season

Mt. Fuji in climbing season

A ritual to cut a sacred shimenawa rope tied to a torii gate is held during the opening ceremony of the Subashiri route in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on Mt. Fuji on July 1, 2026, as the official climbing season began for Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. The route is open through Sept. 10.

Mt. Fuji in climbing season

Mt. Fuji in climbing season

People begin climbing Mt. Fuji along the Subashiri route on July 1, 2026. The route in Shizuoka Prefecture up Japan's highest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, opened the same day for the start of the official climbing season through Sept. 10.

Emperor, empress return home

Emperor, empress return home

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (back, 2nd from L) and Empress Masako (behind him) are greeted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front, R) upon arrival at Tokyo's Haneda airport on June 26, 2026, following their official trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. (Pool photo)

Emperor, empress return home

Emperor, empress return home

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (front, L) and Empress Masako (behind him) are greeted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front, R) upon arrival at Tokyo's Haneda airport on June 26, 2026, following their official trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. (Pool photo)

Emperor, empress return home

Emperor, empress return home

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (front, L) and Empress Masako are greeted upon arrival at Tokyo's Haneda airport on June 26, 2026, following their official trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. Standing behind them is Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (Pool photo)

Emperor, empress return home

Emperor, empress return home

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko (C) wave with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as a government plane carrying Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrives at Tokyo's Haneda airport on June 26, 2026, following their official trip to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Emperor, empress return home

Emperor, empress return home

Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko (C) wave with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi as a government plane carrying Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrives at Tokyo's Haneda airport on June 26, 2026, following their official trip to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Emperor, empress return home

Emperor, empress return home

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at Tokyo's Haneda airport on June 26, 2026, following their official trip to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Emperor, empress return home

Emperor, empress return home

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive at Tokyo's Haneda airport on June 26, 2026, following their official trip to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (front, C) visits the plenary session room of the House of Representatives at the Belgian Federal Parliament in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during his official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (front, C) visits the plenary session room of the House of Representatives at the Belgian Federal Parliament in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during his official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (C) talks with President of the House of Representatives Peter De Roover (R) and Speaker of the Senate Vincent Blondel at the Belgian Federal Parliament 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 (front, C) visits the Senate at the Belgian Federal Parliament building in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during his official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)

Japan's emperor in Brussels

Japan's emperor in Brussels

(From L) President of the Belgian House of Representatives Peter De Roover, Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Speaker of the Senate Vincent Blondel pose for a photo at the Belgian Federal Parliament building in Brussels on June 23, 2026, during the emperor's official visit to Belgium. (Pool photo)