Japan: Cold Front Stalls Over Hokkaido Bringing More Than One Meter Snow to Sapporo 2

A cold front stalled over Hokkaido on Sunday, January 25, leaving more than one meter of snow on the ground in Sapporo — the highest January total recorded in the city in decades. The persistent storm heavily disrupted transportation, leaving thousands stranded at New Chitose Airport.

Japan: Cold Front Stalls Over Hokkaido Bringing More Than One Meter Snow to Sapporo

A cold front stalled over Hokkaido on Sunday, January 25, leaving more than one meter of snow on the ground in Sapporo — the highest January total recorded in the city in decades. The persistent storm heavily disrupted transportation, leaving thousands stranded at New Chitose Airport.

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

A drone photo shows a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on December 15, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. Photo by Wang Song /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

An aerial drone photo shows a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on December 15, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. Photo by Wang Song /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

An aerial drone photo shows a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on December 15, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. Photo by Wang Song /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

An aerial drone photo shows a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on December 15, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. Photo by Wang Song /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

Giant Snowman of Harbin - China

A tourist poses for photos with a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on December 15, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. Photo by Zhang Tao /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

19 Meters Tall Giant Snowman - China

19 Meters Tall Giant Snowman - China

A drone photo shows workers building a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 14, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. (Photo by Liu Yang/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM)

19 Meters Tall Giant Snowman - China

19 Meters Tall Giant Snowman - China

A drone photo shows workers building a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 14, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. (Photo by Liu Yang/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM)

19 Meters Tall Giant Snowman - China

19 Meters Tall Giant Snowman - China

A drone photo shows workers building a giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 14, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. (Photo by Liu Yang/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM)

19 Meters Tall Giant Snowman - China

19 Meters Tall Giant Snowman - China

A drone photo shows visitors posing for photos with an unfinished giant snowman at the Qunli music park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 14, 2025. This year's giant snowman, 19 meters in height and made with some 3,000 cubic meters of snow, is one meter taller than that of last year. (Photo by Liu Yang/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM)

Japan: Strong Cold Front Dumps Heavy Snow On Hokkaido 2

A strong cold front continued to bring sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall to Hokkaido. More than one meter (about 40 inches) of snow was reported in the northern region on Friday, December 13.

Japan: Strong Cold Front Dumps Heavy Snow On Hokkaido

A strong cold front continued to bring sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall to Hokkaido. More than one meter (about 40 inches) of snow was reported in the northern region on Friday, December 13.

China: Melting Snow Due To High Temperatures Causes Flooding In Taklamakan Desert, Xinjiang

On August 24, 2024, a surprising natural event unfolded in the Taklamakan Desert near Aksu, Xinjiang, in northwestern China. A woman who was there for an off-road trip discovered significant flooding across the desert landscape, with water levels reaching as deep as one meter in certain areas, resulting in vehicles that were difficult to drive or even stalled. The local Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography described the phenomenon in an interview as a river overflow caused by high temperatures melting snow on nearby mountains, and that it actually happens once a year and is not uncommon. In particular, this year's high temperatures and heavy precipitation in Xinjiang in July led to extra snow melt.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

The Residential Building Under A Bridge in Guiyang

GUIYANG, CHINA - OCTOBER 31, 2023 - Residents live in more than 10 residential buildings under the 300-meter-long approach bridge of Shuikousi Bridge in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China, October 31, 2023. The shortest distance between the roof of the residential building and the bridge slab is less than one meter. The houses also shake with the bridge every time a heavy car passes by. In the 1990s, part of the land was requisitioned for the construction of the airport expressway. As compensation, the vacant land under the bridge is used to build resettlement housing and low-rent housing for poor families. The bridge was completed in May 1997, and the residential buildings were completed in 1999. These houses still do not have real estate procedures, becoming a "historical problem" in the city.

Small in stature, mighty in service: Inspiring journey of a village doctor

STORY: Small in stature, mighty in service: Inspiring journey of a village doctor DATELINE: Aug. 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:35 LOCATION: YUDU, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of village doctor 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): HUANG ZHENGYUE, Villager of Yudu County 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XIAO QINGHUI, Villager of Yudu County STORYLINE: Xiao Jiulin, a doctor standing less than one meter tall, has been dedicated to the well-being of over 2,000 villagers in Yudu County, China. In the 1960s, an illness left Xiao physically disabled and unable to grow taller. At 18, Xiao dreamed of becoming a painter and also learned to play the Erhu. But his own chronic illness shifted his focus to alleviating the pain of others. He decided to be a village doctor. But he was rejected many times trying to learn medical skills from experienced doctors until an aged doctor finally agreed to give him a try. Yet his appearance continued to spark distrust among villagers at the very beginning of his career as a doctor. S

(EYESONSCI)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHINA JINPING UNDERGROUND LABORATORY-DARK MATTER (CN)

(EYESONSCI)CHINA-SICHUAN-CHINA JINPING UNDERGROUND LABORATORY-DARK MATTER (CN)

(230715) -- XICHANG, July 15, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Doctor Yang Litao checks equipment inside a one-meter-thick polythene door at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory in southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 3, 2023. Jinping Mountain, located in the drainage basin of the Yalong River, the largest tributary of Jinsha River, has the highest altitude of 4,410 meters. The China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) is located in the middle of the 17.5 kilometer-long Jinping tunnel in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The laboratory, inaugurated in 2010, is an underground research facility with a rock overburden of about 2,400 meters. CJPL-I, the first phase of China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL), has an experimental space of 4000 cubic meters. Since its launch, the China Dark Matter Experiment (CDEX) led by Tsinghua University and the PandaX led by Shanghai Jiaotong University have achieved more than 30 internationally leading dark matter research results. At present, the construction of the Deep Un

1,500-year-old grave steles discovered in Türkiye's Istanbul

STORY: 1,500-year-old grave steles discovered in Türkiye's Istanbul DATELINE: July 7, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:13 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Sarachane archaeology park in Istanbul, Türkiye 2. pics of 1,500-year-old grave steles 3. various of Sarachane archaeology park in Istanbul, Türkiye STORYLINE: At least three ancient grave steles have been discovered in downtown Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city, local officials announced Thursday. Mahir Polat, deputy secretary-general of the Istanbul Municipality, said the 1,500-year-old steles were unearthed during the ongoing archeological excavation at the Sarachane Archeology Park. "Our teams have unearthed a magnificent group of historical artifacts just one meter below the surface in the heart of Istanbul," Polat told reporters at a press briefing at the park. The official said another artifact has also been found in the same excavation in the park, but it is still unclear whether it is a grave stele. Xinhua News Ag

Ancient Roman statue unearthed in Istanbul, Türkiye

STORY: Ancient Roman statue unearthed in Istanbul, Türkiye DATELINE: April 4, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:13 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Istanbul 2. various of the ancient Roman statue STORYLINE: Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient statue buried beneath a park in central Türkiye's Istanbul, the Istanbul municipality announced on Monday. The statue, believed to be from the Roman era, is of a torso wearing a himation, an outer wrap worn by men and women in ancient times, the municipality said in a press release. The statue was found one meter underground at the Sarachane Archaeological Park at the Sarachane neighborhood. The park locates at the site of the ruins of the 1,500-year-old Saint Polyeuktos Church. Built between 524-527 AD, the church remained in use until the end of the 10th century. The church remained lost to time until 1960 when the construction of an underpass in Sarachane uncovered ruins. Istanbul Archaeological Museums and Oxford University began exca

Archery event at Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto

Archery event at Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto

KYOTO, Japan - Wearing traditional attire, women who are or will turn 20 years old as of April 1 take aim at targets one meter in diameter and 60 meters away, during an archery event at Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, on Jan. 18, 2015.

Archery event at Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto

Archery event at Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto

KYOTO, Japan - Wearing traditional attire, women who are or will turn 20 years old as of April 1 take aim at targets one meter in diameter and 60 meters away, during an archery event at Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, on Jan. 18, 2015.

Archery event at Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto

Archery event at Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto

KYOTO, Japan - Wearing traditional attire, women who are or will turn 20 years old as of April 1 take aim at targets one meter in diameter and 60 meters away, during an archery event at Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, on Jan. 18, 2015.

Snow-covered Gassho-style farmhouses

Snow-covered Gassho-style farmhouses

TOYAMA, Japan - These ''gassho-style'' farmhouses in Ainokura, Toyama Prefecture, are covered by a one-meter layer of snow on Dec. 13. The houses, which were registered on the World Heritage list in 1995, feature thatched gable roofs that slope down at an angle of 60 degrees. The roofs help the snow to slip off and prevent the houses from collapsing.

Gold Christmas tree shown in Tokyo's Ginza

Gold Christmas tree shown in Tokyo's Ginza

TOKYO, Japan - A Christmas tree made of gold is shown at Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry K.K.'s outlet in Tokyo's Ginza district on Nov. 25. The tree, about one meter high and made of 9 kilograms of pure gold, will be shown through Dec. 25.

Wie fails to make cut versus men at Casio World Open

Wie fails to make cut versus men at Casio World Open

KOCHI, Japan - Michelle Wie is stunned at the 18th hole after missing a one-meter putt in the second round of the Casio World Open at Kochi Kuroshio Country Club in Kochi Prefecture on Nov. 25. She failed to make the cut against the men by only one shot after faltering with a 3-over-par 75 in the round.

Secom unveils security robot to scare away intruders

Secom unveils security robot to scare away intruders

TOKYO, Japan - Security service provider Secom Co. on July 22 unveiled a security robot (L) that can run as fast as humans and scare away intruders by spraying white smoke. The Secom Robot X is designed for use at spacious places such as airports and factories and will be leased for 300,000 yen per month, starting next fiscal year, Secom said. The four-wheeled robot is about one meter long and high and weighs 120 kilograms.

Seal seen swimming in Tokyo's Tama River

Seal seen swimming in Tokyo's Tama River

TOKYO, Japan - A seal puppy is seen swimming in the Tama River near the Maruko Bridge in Tokyo's Ota Ward on Aug. 15. The seal, which is about one meter long, was first seen near the bridge about one week ago. An official at Kamogawa Seaworld in Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture, said the seal, which usually inhabits the Arctic, may have mistakenly gone south to seek food and strayed into the river.

Volunteer shares experience of fight against COVID-19 in China's Fuzhou

STORY: Volunteer shares experience of fight against COVID-19 in China's Fuzhou DATELINE: Nov. 22, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:52 LOCATION: FUZHOU, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of Li Liyong at voluntary service 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI LIYONG, Volunteer 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI LIYONG, Volunteer 4. various of Li Liyong at voluntary service 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LI LIYONG, Volunteer 6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): LI LIYONG, Volunteer STORYLINE: A volunteer who actively fights against a COVID-19 resurgence in east China's Fuzhou has shared his experience. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI LIYONG, Volunteer "Please wear masks and stay one meter away from each other." SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI LIYONG, Volunteer "My name is Li Liyong and I normally reside in Russia. After the local epidemic occurred in Fuzhou, I was wondering what I can do for my hometown. When I learned that the community was short of epidemic prevention workers, I immediately applied to be a volunteer. Although I have never part

Shanghai takes strict, swift measures to stem new COVID-19 infections

STORY: Shanghai takes strict, swift measures to stem new COVID-19 infections DATELINE: March 14, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:09 LOCATION: SHANGHAI, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. residents queuing up to receive nucleic acid tests in Shanghai (Courtesy of Shanghai Jing'an District Media Center) STORYLINE: Shanghai has taken strict and swift measures to stem new COVID-19 infections that have emerged in the city recently. To control the new infections, nucleic acid testing has been carried out for high-risk groups along the main roads. At a testing site in the city's Jing'an district, medical staff conducted over 5,000 tests from last Friday to Saturday. To avoid crowd gathering, people waiting for the nucleic acid test are required to stand in prearranged standpoints and keep a one-meter distance from each other. Volunteers are also seen to offer guidance, communication and translation services for foreigners at the scene. In the first two months of 2022, the megacity, with a population of nearly 25

QPS Research Institute successfully launched the first nano radar satellite.

QPS Research Institute successfully launched the first nano radar satellite.

The QPS Research Institute (Fukuoka, Japan) launched the first micro radar satellite "Izanagi" from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India on the 11th. The satellite, which was loaded on a shared rocket, climbed to an altitude of about 570 kilometers around Australia. The satellite was detached about 17 minutes after takeoff, and the launch was a success. About 500 people, including people from local companies that cooperated in the development of the satellite and children, gathered at the public viewing site of the Fukuoka Prefectural Government. After the launch of the second satellite, Izanami, in 2020, the number of satellites will increase to 36. Using radar, the satellite will have a resolution of one meter and will be able to make observations every 10 minutes, even at night and in bad weather. (= December 11, 2019, Fukuoka Prefectural Government, Credit: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun / Kyodo News Images)

Wie fails to make cut versus men at Casio World Open

Wie fails to make cut versus men at Casio World Open

KOCHI, Japan - Michelle Wie is stunned at the 18th hole after missing a one-meter putt in the second round of the Casio World Open at Kochi Kuroshio Country Club in Kochi Prefecture on Nov. 25. She failed to make the cut against the men by only one shot after faltering with a 3-over-par 75 in the round. (Kyodo)