•  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

People visit a square facing the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. Japan enacted the revised Imperial House Law the same day, permitting the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and allowing female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (front, L) bows after the House of Councillors passed a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stands up after the House of Councillors passed a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stands up after the House of Councillors passed a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stands up after the House of Councillors passed a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's House of Councillors passes a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's House of Councillors passes a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan revises Imperial House Law

Japan's House of Councillors passes a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during a plenary session in Tokyo on July 17, 2026. The amendment to the 1947 law permits the imperial family to adopt males aged 15 or older who are descended from emperors through the male line in 11 former branch families and also allows female members to retain their imperial status even after marrying commoners.

  •  
Japan's Nobel laureate in medicine Tonegawa dies

Japan's Nobel laureate in medicine Tonegawa dies

Susumu Tonegawa receives a congratulatory phone call after being named the winner of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine at his home in the Boston suburbs on Oct. 12, 1987. Tonegawa, Japan's first recipient of the prize and a longtime professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, died on July 11, 2026, aged 86.

  •  
Japan's Nobel laureate in medicine Tonegawa dies

Japan's Nobel laureate in medicine Tonegawa dies

File photo taken in 1996 shows Susumu Tonegawa, Japan's first recipient of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, speaking about his research in the Boston suburbs. Tonegawa, a longtime professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, died on July 11, 2026, aged 86.

  •  

China: Powerful Winds Tear Roof From Shelter in Shanxi

Violent winds tore the roof off a roadside shelter in Xi County, Linfen, Shanxi, on July 9, 2026, as torrential rain flooded the street. Local forecasters had issued a blue alert for thunderstorm gales, warning of winds of force seven or above along with possible hail.

  •  

US: Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Flooding Across New Jersey

Flash flooding hit parts of New Jersey on Thursday, July 9, after heavy rain fell during a Flash Flood Warning. Multiple roads were closed as cars became stuck or submerged in floodwaters across the region.

  •  

US: Wind-Driven Mora Fire Rages Near Kuna Butte, Idaho

The Mora Fire, a fast-moving wildfire that broke out on Sunday, July 5, near Kuna Butte, Idaho, burned more than 2,400 acres amid strong winds, destroying one structure that housed livestock and damaging another outbuilding. No injuries were reported and no evacuations or road closures were in effect as of Tuesday, while the cause remained under investigation.

  •  

US: Storms Slam Maryland After Record Heat on Independence Day

A powerful line of thunderstorms tore through Maryland on Saturday, July 4, capping a record-breaking heatwave with flash flooding, water rescues, widespread power outages and downed trees, forcing the cancellation or delay of Independence Day celebrations across the state, including fireworks in Baltimore. Wind gusts approaching 70 mph knocked out power to about 70,000 customers and closed Interstate 97.

  •  

Venezuela: Candilazo Phenomenon Turns Sky Red Days After Twin Quakes

Days after powerful twin earthquakes battered the country, residents of Venezuela witnessed the sky turn a deep crimson red at sunset on Tuesday, June 30, with videos of the phenomenon spreading rapidly on social media and fueling speculation of a link to the recent seismic activity. Atmospheric scientists said the display, known locally as a candilazo, was a well-understood optical phenomenon caused by sunlight interacting with airborne particles, rather than evidence of "earthquake lights" or other seismic-related causes.

  •  

Venezuela: Skies Over Caracas Turn Red at Sunset Days After Deadly Earthquakes 2

Days after powerful earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, residents of Caracas witnessed the sky turn a deep crimson red at sunset on Tuesday, June 30, with videos of the phenomenon spreading rapidly on social media and fueling speculation of a link to the recent seismic activity. Atmospheric scientists said the display, known locally as a candilazo, was a well-understood optical phenomenon caused by sunlight interacting with airborne particles, rather than evidence of "earthquake lights" or other seismic-related causes.

  •  

Venezuela: Skies Over Caracas Turn Red at Sunset Days After Deadly Earthquakes

Days after powerful earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, residents of Caracas witnessed the sky turn a deep crimson red at sunset on Tuesday, June 30, with videos of the phenomenon spreading rapidly on social media and fueling speculation of a link to the recent seismic activity. Atmospheric scientists said the display, known locally as a candilazo, was a well-understood optical phenomenon caused by sunlight interacting with airborne particles, rather than evidence of "earthquake lights" or other seismic-related causes.

  •  

Denmark: Water Leak Floods Copenhagen Airport Departures Terminal

A water leak caused flooding in the departures terminal at Copenhagen Airport on Wednesday morning, July 1, with water pouring from the ceiling and covering the floor. According to reports, the leak was stopped and largely under control by midday, with the floor now dry. The airport said the incident posed an operational challenge but that no flights or passengers were affected. The cause of the leak remains under investigation.

  •  

Canada: Damaging Storm Tears Through Manitoba

A severe storm system, likely including a small tornado, tore through southern and western Manitoba overnight Monday, June 29 into Tuesday, June 30, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms. In Winnipeg, the storm caused widespread damage including a partial house collapse in the southwest, over a hundred downed or damaged trees, and dozens of sewer and catch basin issues.

  •  
Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Photo shows the U.S. Marine Corps' missile systems -- the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS (front), and the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS -- at Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on June 30, 2026, the final day of the Resolute Dragon Japan-U.S. joint defense drill. A total of 9,600 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Marine Corps personnel took part in the 11-day drill, conducted in Okinawa and the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands.

  •  

China: Stray Cat Saved After Fishhook Removed From Mouth in Dalian

Filmed on June 19, 2026, in Dalian, Liaoning, the video captures a rescue of a stray cat found with a fishhook lodged in its mouth. Working without disinfectant or gloves in an outdoor setting, the rescuer swiftly extracts the hook in a matter of seconds. The brief intervention removes the source of the animal's pain, giving the cat a chance at a healthy life.

  •  
Maiko dance practice

Maiko dance practice

Maiko, or apprentice geiko, from Kyoto's five entertainment districts rehearse in the western Japan city on June 26, 2026, for the two-day Miyako-no-Nigiwai dance performance starting the following day.

  •  
Maiko dance practice

Maiko dance practice

Maiko, or apprentice geiko, from Kyoto's five entertainment districts rehearse in the western Japan city on June 26, 2026, for the two-day Miyako-no-Nigiwai dance performance starting the following day.

  •  
Maiko dance practice

Maiko dance practice

Maiko, or apprentice geiko, from Kyoto's five entertainment districts rehearse in the western Japan city on June 26, 2026, for the two-day Miyako-no-Nigiwai dance performance starting the following day.

  •  
China comments on two 2 detained Japanese

China comments on two 2 detained Japanese

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun holds a press conference in Beijing on June 24, 2026, confirming two Japanese have been detained in China for allegedly violating a Chinse law. The Japanese government said the same day that the two were both detained in May in the northeastern port city of Dalian for allegedly violating a law regarding the smuggling of prohibited imports or exports, without disclosing further details for privacy reasons.

  •  
China comments on two 2 detained Japanese

China comments on two 2 detained Japanese

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun holds a press conference in Beijing on June 24, 2026, confirming two Japanese have been detained in China for allegedly violating a Chinse law. The Japanese government said the same day that the two were both detained in May in the northeastern port city of Dalian for allegedly violating a law regarding the smuggling of prohibited imports or exports, without disclosing further details for privacy reasons.

  •  
China comments on two 2 detained Japanese

China comments on two 2 detained Japanese

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun holds a press conference in Beijing on June 24, 2026, confirming two Japanese have been detained in China for allegedly violating a Chinse law. The Japanese government said the same day that the two were both detained in May in the northeastern port city of Dalian for allegedly violating a law regarding the smuggling of prohibited imports or exports, without disclosing further details for privacy reasons.

  •  
China comments on two 2 detained Japanese

China comments on two 2 detained Japanese

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun holds a press conference in Beijing on June 24, 2026, confirming two Japanese have been detained in China for allegedly violating a Chinse law. The Japanese government said the same day that the two were both detained in May in the northeastern port city of Dalian for allegedly violating a law regarding the smuggling of prohibited imports or exports, without disclosing further details for privacy reasons.

  •  

Spain: Passengers Stranded at Córdoba Station After Power Line Sparks Track Fire Near Seville

Passengers were stranded at Córdoba station on Tuesday, June 23, after a fallen high-voltage power line sparked a track fire and caused a widespread power outage that halted rail services between Seville and Córdoba. More than 20 trains were delayed or stopped, including high-speed AVE services on the Madrid-Andalusia corridor.

  •  

France: Violent Storms Bring Golf Ball-Sized Hail to Normandy Departments

Violent storms swept through the Eure and Seine-Maritime departments of northern France on Friday, June 19, bringing lightning, torrential rain, strong gusts, and hail. Golf ball-sized hailstones — approximately 5 centimeters in diameter or larger — pelted several municipalities across both departments, causing damage.

  •  

US: School Buses Torched Near NYC Port Authority as Knicks Celebrations Turn Violent

Chaos erupted overnight Saturday into Sunday, June 14, as fans celebrated the New York Knicks' NBA championship victory. Five school buses were set on fire or destroyed with bats near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. There was also a shooting report where a 17-year-old boy was shot during celebrations, and 63 people were arrested.

  •  

Spain: Wildfire Breaks Out in Los Garres, Murcia, Prompting Evacuation 4

A wildfire broke out Tuesday, June 2 in Los Garres, Murcia, southern Spain, forcing the evacuation of around 100 residents as flames threatened homes. Those evacuated have since been allowed to return. As of Wednesday morning, June 3, the fire had burned approximately 177 hectares and remained active, with a 300-meter front persisting on the upper hillside. Over 400 personnel, including military units and aerial assets, continue firefighting operations. Authorities say there is no current risk to residents or properties.

  •  

Spain: Wildfire Breaks Out in Los Garres, Murcia, Prompting Evacuation 2

A wildfire broke out Tuesday, June 2 in Los Garres, Murcia, southern Spain, forcing the evacuation of around 100 residents as flames threatened homes. Those evacuated have since been allowed to return. As of Wednesday morning, June 3, the fire had burned approximately 177 hectares and remained active, with a 300-meter front persisting on the upper hillside. Over 400 personnel, including military units and aerial assets, continue firefighting operations. Authorities say there is no current risk to residents or properties.

  •  

Spain: Wildfire Breaks Out in Los Garres, Murcia, Prompting Evacuation 3

A wildfire broke out Tuesday, June 2 in Los Garres, Murcia, southern Spain, forcing the evacuation of around 100 residents as flames threatened homes. Those evacuated have since been allowed to return. As of Wednesday morning, June 3, the fire had burned approximately 177 hectares and remained active, with a 300-meter front persisting on the upper hillside. Over 400 personnel, including military units and aerial assets, continue firefighting operations. Authorities say there is no current risk to residents or properties.

  •  

Spain: Wildfire Breaks Out in Los Garres, Murcia, Prompting Evacuation

A wildfire broke out Tuesday, June 2 in Los Garres, Murcia, southern Spain, forcing the evacuation of around 100 residents as flames threatened homes. Those evacuated have since been allowed to return. As of Wednesday morning, June 3, the fire had burned approximately 177 hectares and remained active, with a 300-meter front persisting on the upper hillside. Over 400 personnel, including military units and aerial assets, continue firefighting operations. Authorities say there is no current risk to residents or properties.

  •  

Japan: Deer Calmly Crosses Road at Zebra Crossing Alongside Pedestrians in Nara

On May 9, 2026, in Nara, Japan, a video captured a deer standing at a zebra crossing as people moved across the street around it. Rather than rushing or wandering off, the deer followed the flow of pedestrians and crossed the road in an orderly manner. It paused briefly on the crossing before continuing forward at a relaxed pace, walking beside the crowd as if it understood the traffic rules. The video ended with the deer slowly making its way across the zebra crossing together with the pedestrians.

  •  
Kyoto Univ. professor Yamanaka

Kyoto Univ. professor Yamanaka

Shinya Yamanaka, director emeritus and professor at Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application and the co-winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, speaks at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on May 27, 2026.

  •  
Kyoto Univ. professor Yamanaka

Kyoto Univ. professor Yamanaka

Shinya Yamanaka, director emeritus and professor at Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application and the co-winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, speaks at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on May 27, 2026.

  •  

Chile: Powerful M6.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Calama 5

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Chile on Monday, May 25, hitting the Atacama Desert region around 31 kilometers from the city of Calama, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

  •  

Chile: Powerful M6.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Calama 2

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Chile on Monday, May 25, hitting the Atacama Desert region around 31 kilometers from the city of Calama, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

  •  

Chile: Powerful M6.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Calama 3

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Chile on Monday, May 25, hitting the Atacama Desert region around 31 kilometers from the city of Calama, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

  •  

Chile: Powerful M6.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Calama 4

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Chile on Monday, May 25, hitting the Atacama Desert region around 31 kilometers from the city of Calama, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

  •  

Chile: Powerful M6.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Calama

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Chile on Monday, May 25th, hitting the Atacama Desert region around 31 kilometers from the city of Calama, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

  •  

Japan: Red Tide Turns Sea Surface Crimson off Aichi Coast

A rare red tide was confirmed off the coast of Aichi Prefecture on Friday, May 22, caused by a bloom of bioluminescent plankton known as Noctiluca, or sea sparkle. While the red tide turned the sea surface crimson during the day, the same plankton lit up the shoreline in glowing blue at night.

  •  

Japan: Noctiluca Lights Up Aichi Coastline in Glowing Blue After Red Tide

A rare red tide was confirmed off the coast of Aichi Prefecture on Friday, May 22, caused by a bloom of bioluminescent plankton known as Noctiluca, or sea sparkle. While the red tide turned the sea surface crimson during the day, the same plankton lit up the shoreline in glowing blue at night.

  •  

China: Toddler and Lamb Share Playful Moment With Toy Horse in Qinghai

On May 14, 2026, a video captured a heartwarming moment in a pasture in Qinghai Province, northwestern China. A toddler, no more than one or two years old, was playing with a toy horse when a small lamb trotted over and began playfully headbutting it. Each time the toy toppled over, the child patiently stood it back up — only for the lamb to knock it down again, turning the exchange into a gentle, lighthearted game between the two.

  •  
Banana-based charcoal

Banana-based charcoal

Photo taken in Tokyo on April 28, 2025, shows banana-based charcoal (L) developed by fruit vendor Dole Japan Inc. for use in barbecues. As a way to reduce food waste, the Tokyo company turned bananas that could not be sold due to problems such as blemishes, bruising or size into the unique charcoal, which is lighter and easier to ignite than regular charcoal.

  •  

China: Mysterious Glowing Objects Flash Across Night Sky Over Jinan

On May 7, 2026, in Pingyin County, Jinan, a video captured bright unidentified objects flashing across the dark sky above the city. The glowing light appeared to move rapidly while emitting a strong white and bluish glow, instantly attracting the attention of people on the ground. The footage showcased the object hovering or streaking through the night sky as nearby residents watched in surprise.

  • Main
  • Top
  • Editorial
  • Creative
  • About Us
  • About ILG
  • Terms of use
  • Company
  • BEHIND
  • Price List
  • Single Plan
  • Monthly Plan
  • Services
  • Shooting
  • Rights Clearance
  • Support
  • FAQ
  • How To Buy
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Partner

© KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

All Rights Reserved.

  • Editorial
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS
  • Creative
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Popular
  • #Ukraine
  • #Thailand
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #China
  • #Russia
  • #Ukraine
  • #Thailand
  • #coronavirus
  • #N. Korea
  • #China
  • #Russia
  • Food
  • Japan
  • Landscape
  • Animal
  • Olympics
  • News
  • Sports
  • Japan
  • Tech
  • Royal
  • Disaster
  • NorthKorea
  • Old Japan
  • SNS