China: Black Swan Seen Scooping Leaves in Reverse at Zhaotong University

On November 15, 2025, in Zhaotong, Yunnan, a video captured the unusual sight of a black swan at Zhaotong University moving backward across a pond while repeatedly scooping leaves toward the shore.

Imperial conferment of decorations

Imperial conferment of decorations

Taku Yamamoto (front), a former House of Representatives lawmaker, heads to a conferment ceremony to receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Nov. 11, 2025. The honoree, whose real surname is Takaichi, is the husband of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Imperial conferment of decorations

Imperial conferment of decorations

Taku Yamamoto (3rd from L), a former House of Representatives lawmaker, is conferred the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan's Emperor Naruhito during a ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Nov. 11, 2025. The honoree, whose real surname is Takaichi, is the husband of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L). (Pool photo)

Illustration - Versailles

Illustration - Versailles

FRANCE. YVELINES (78) PALACE OF VERSAILLES: FACING THE RISING SUN, SILHOUETTE OF THE EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF LOUIS XIV. COMMISSIONED BY LOUIS-PHILIPPE, IT WAS MADE BY CARTELLIER AND PETITOT AND ERECTED IN 1836 Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chhath Puja Assam - Nepal

Chhath Puja Assam - Nepal

A Hindu devotee offers prayers to the setting sun on the occasion of the Chhath festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Oct. 27, 2025. The Chhath festival is dedicated to the sun with Hindu devotees making offerings to the setting and rising sun. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chhath Puja Assam - Nepal

Chhath Puja Assam - Nepal

Hindu devotees offer prayers to the setting sun on the occasion of the Chhath festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Oct. 27, 2025. The Chhath festival is dedicated to the sun with Hindu devotees making offerings to the setting and rising sun. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chhath Puja Assam - Nepal

Chhath Puja Assam - Nepal

Hindu devotees offer prayers to the setting sun on the occasion of the Chhath festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Oct. 27, 2025. The Chhath festival is dedicated to the sun with Hindu devotees making offerings to the setting and rising sun. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Chhath Puja Assam - Nepal

Chhath Puja Assam - Nepal

A Hindu devotee offers prayers to the setting sun on the occasion of the Chhath festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Oct. 27, 2025. The Chhath festival is dedicated to the sun with Hindu devotees making offerings to the setting and rising sun. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Japan PM Ishiba meets ex-Singapore PM Lee in Tokyo

Japan PM Ishiba meets ex-Singapore PM Lee in Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (R) presents the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a conferment ceremony following their meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 25, 2025. Lee, who is visiting Japan to attend the National Day event at the World Exposition in Osaka, was among the eight people honored with the decoration by Emperor Naruhito in April for their notable contributions to Japan.

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise or rising sun amidst a layer of clouds in Paris, France on August 2, 2025. Photo by Mario Fourmy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise or rising sun amidst a layer of clouds in Paris, France on August 2, 2025. Photo by Mario Fourmy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise or rising sun amidst a layer of clouds in Paris, France on August 2, 2025. Photo by Mario Fourmy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise or rising sun amidst a layer of clouds in Paris, France on August 2, 2025. Photo by Mario Fourmy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise or rising sun amidst a layer of clouds in Paris, France on August 2, 2025. Photo by Mario Fourmy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise or rising sun amidst a layer of clouds in Paris, France on August 2, 2025. Photo by Mario Fourmy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise In The Clouds - France

Sunrise or rising sun amidst a layer of clouds in Paris, France on August 2, 2025. Photo by Mario Fourmy/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Loire Valley

Illustration - Loire Valley

INDRE ET LOIRE (37) CHATEAU DE LANGEAIS. AERIAL VIEW FROM THE NORTH, IN THE RISING SUN. IN THE BACKGROUND ON THE LEFT, THE OLDEST KEEP IN FRANCE, BUILT BY FOULQUES NERRA, COUNT OF ANJOU, IN 994. COMMISSIONED BY KING LOUIS XI IN 1465, ITS ARCHITECTURE REPRESENTS A TRANSITION BETWEEN THE MIDDLE AGES AND THE RENAISSANCE: ON ONE SIDE, AN IMPRESSIVE FORTIFIED FACADE, WITH ITS LARGE TOWERS, COVERED WALKWAY AND DRAWBRIDGE. ON THE OTHER, A COURTYARD FACADE WITH NUMEROUS SCULPTED WINDOWS OPENING ONTO THE GARDENS. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Loire Valley

Illustration - Loire Valley

FRANCE. LOIRE VALLEY. MAINE ET LOIRE (49) CHATEAU DE BRISSAC. AERIAL VIEW FROM THE NORTH-EAST, IN THE RISING SUN. AT 48 METRES HIGH, WITH 7 STOREYS AND 204 ROOMS, IT IS THE TALLEST CASTLE IN FRANCE AND WELL DESERVES ITS NICKNAME OF THE ?GIANT OF THE LOIRE VALLEY?. ACQUIRED IN 1502 BY RENE DE COSSE, 1ST LORD OF BRISSAC, IT IS NOW THE RESIDENCE OF THE 13TH DUKE OF BRISSAC. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Loire Valley

Illustration - Loire Valley

FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY - INDRE ET LOIRE (37) - CASTLE OF AZAY LE RIDEAU : AERIAL VIEW FROM NORTHEAST ON RISING SUN. ON FOREGROUND AND ON BACKGROUND, THE INDRE RIVER. THIS JEWEL OF THE RENAISSANCE HAS UNDERGONE IMPRESSIVE WORKS, COMPLETED IN THE SUMMER OF 2017. THE FACADES HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY RESTORED AND THE INTERIORS CAREFULLY RECONSTRUCTED, BECAUSE THE TIME IS FOR THE COMPLETE RESTITUTION OF THE DECORATIONS, CARRIED BY A SCRUPULOUS CARE OF THE LEAST HISTORICAL DETAIL. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Summer Activities

Illustration - Summer Activities

FRANCE. HAUTE-CORSE (2B) GR 20 NORTH. HIKE TO THE MANGANELLU VALLEY. RISING SUN ON MONTE D'ORO 2389 M Photo by Robert Palomba/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Loire Valley

Illustration - Loire Valley

FRANCE. LOIRE VALLEY. MAINE ET LOIRE (49) CHATEAU DE BRISSAC. AERIAL VIEW FROM THE NORTH-EAST, IN THE RISING SUN. AT 48 METRES HIGH, WITH 7 STOREYS AND 204 ROOMS, IT IS THE TALLEST CASTLE IN FRANCE AND WELL DESERVES ITS NICKNAME OF THE ?GIANT OF THE LOIRE VALLEY?. ACQUIRED IN 1502 BY RENE DE COSSE, 1ST LORD OF BRISSAC, IT IS NOW THE RESIDENCE OF THE 13TH DUKE OF BRISSAC. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE - LOIRE VALLEY - MAINE ET LOIRE (49) - CASTLE OF SAUMUR : AERIAL VIEW FROM THE EAST AT RISING SUN. ALL AROUND, THE CITY OF SAUMUR. ON LEFT, THE VINEYARDS. ON FIRST BACKGROUND CENTER, THE CHURCH OF ST. PETER. ON SECOND BACKGROUND CENTER, THE CHURCH OF SAINT NICOLAS. ON RIGHT, THE LOIRE RIVER AND THE CESSARD BRIDGE. REBUILT BY RENE D'ANJOU (1409 - 1480) AND THE ONLY PRINCELY PALACE REMAINING IN FRANCE, IT APPEARS IN THE FAMOUS "VERY RICH HOURS OF THE DUKE OF BERRY" (FOLIO OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER THERE REPRESENTING THE HARVEST). Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. LOIRE VALLEY. MAINE ET LOIRE (49) CHATEAU DE BRISSAC. AERIAL VIEW FROM THE NORTH-EAST, IN THE RISING SUN. AT 48 METRES HIGH, WITH 7 STOREYS AND 204 ROOMS, IT IS THE TALLEST CASTLE IN FRANCE AND WELL DESERVES ITS NICKNAME OF THE ?GIANT OF THE LOIRE VALLEY?. ACQUIRED IN 1502 BY RENE DE COSSE, 1ST LORD OF BRISSAC, IT IS NOW THE RESIDENCE OF THE 13TH DUKE OF BRISSAC. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. LOIRE VALLEY. MAINE ET LOIRE (49) CHATEAU DE BRISSAC. AERIAL VIEW FROM THE NORTH-EAST, IN THE RISING SUN. AT 48 METRES HIGH, WITH 7 STOREYS AND 204 ROOMS, IT IS THE TALLEST CASTLE IN FRANCE AND WELL DESERVES ITS NICKNAME OF THE ?GIANT OF THE LOIRE VALLEY?. ACQUIRED IN 1502 BY RENE DE COSSE, 1ST LORD OF BRISSAC, IT IS NOW THE RESIDENCE OF THE 13TH DUKE OF BRISSAC. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

FRANCE. LOIRE VALLEY. MAINE ET LOIRE (49) CHATEAU DE BRISSAC. AERIAL VIEW FROM THE NORTH-EAST, IN THE RISING SUN. AT 48 METRES HIGH, WITH 7 STOREYS AND 204 ROOMS, IT IS THE TALLEST CASTLE IN FRANCE AND WELL DESERVES ITS NICKNAME OF THE ?GIANT OF THE LOIRE VALLEY?. ACQUIRED IN 1502 BY RENE DE COSSE, 1ST LORD OF BRISSAC, IT IS NOW THE RESIDENCE OF THE 13TH DUKE OF BRISSAC. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

INDRE ET LOIRE (37) CHATEAU DE LANGEAIS. AERIAL VIEW FROM THE NORTH, IN THE RISING SUN. IN THE BACKGROUND ON THE LEFT, THE OLDEST KEEP IN FRANCE, BUILT BY FOULQUES NERRA, COUNT OF ANJOU, IN 994. COMMISSIONED BY KING LOUIS XI IN 1465, ITS ARCHITECTURE REPRESENTS A TRANSITION BETWEEN THE MIDDLE AGES AND THE RENAISSANCE: ON ONE SIDE, AN IMPRESSIVE FORTIFIED FACADE, WITH ITS LARGE TOWERS, COVERED WALKWAY AND DRAWBRIDGE. ON THE OTHER, A COURTYARD FACADE WITH NUMEROUS SCULPTED WINDOWS OPENING ONTO THE GARDENS. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Illustration - Aerial View of France

Illustration - Aerial View of France

INDRE ET LOIRE (37) CHATEAU DE LANGEAIS. AERIAL VIEW FROM THE NORTH, IN THE RISING SUN. IN THE BACKGROUND ON THE LEFT, THE OLDEST KEEP IN FRANCE, BUILT BY FOULQUES NERRA, COUNT OF ANJOU, IN 994. COMMISSIONED BY KING LOUIS XI IN 1465, ITS ARCHITECTURE REPRESENTS A TRANSITION BETWEEN THE MIDDLE AGES AND THE RENAISSANCE: ON ONE SIDE, AN IMPRESSIVE FORTIFIED FACADE, WITH ITS LARGE TOWERS, COVERED WALKWAY AND DRAWBRIDGE. ON THE OTHER, A COURTYARD FACADE WITH NUMEROUS SCULPTED WINDOWS OPENING ONTO THE GARDENS. Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Sunrise in Kyiv

Sunrise in Kyiv

The rising sun casts red light on high-rise residential buildings at the Rusanivka Canal, Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Eugen Kotenko/Ukrinform)

Sunrise in Kyiv

Sunrise in Kyiv

The rising sun casts red light on high-rise residential buildings, Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Eugen Kotenko/Ukrinform)

Sunrise in Kyiv

Sunrise in Kyiv

The rising sun casts red light on high-rise residential buildings, Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Eugen Kotenko/Ukrinform)

Sunrise in Kyiv

Sunrise in Kyiv

The rising sun casts red light on high-rise residential buildings, Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Eugen Kotenko/Ukrinform)

Sunrise in Kyiv

Sunrise in Kyiv

The rising sun casts red light on high-rise residential buildings, Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Eugen Kotenko/Ukrinform)

Sunrise in Kyiv

Sunrise in Kyiv

The rising sun casts its first rays on high-rise buildings and the Motherland Monument, Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Eugen Kotenko/Ukrinform)

Sunrise in Kyiv

Sunrise in Kyiv

The rising sun casts red light on high-rise residential buildings, Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 19, 2025. (Photo by Eugen Kotenko/Ukrinform)

Imperial conferment of decorations

Imperial conferment of decorations

TOKYO, Japan, May 14 Kyodo - Recipients of Japanese grand cordons pose for photos following a ceremony of conferment at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 9, 2025. Former Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan (9th from L) and former speaker of the House of Representatives Tadamori Oshima (10th from L) received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, while International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach (2nd from L) was among the recipients of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. (Kyodo)

Imperial conferment of decorations

Imperial conferment of decorations

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach (C) heads to a ceremony to receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 9, 2025.

US: Spectacular ‘California Henge’ Dazzles San Francisco

San Francisco experienced a spectacular 'California Henge,' a celestial sunrise event, on Wednesday morning, April 9. This phenomenon happens when the rising sun aligns perfectly with the Bay Bridge and California Street in downtown.

US: Spectacular ‘California Henge’ Dazzles San Francisco 2

San Francisco experienced a spectacular 'California Henge,' a celestial sunrise event, on Wednesday morning, April 9. This phenomenon happens when the rising sun aligns perfectly with the Bay Bridge and California Street in downtown.

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Ambassador of Japan to Chile ITO Takako (R) presents the "Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon" Decoration to Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán (L) at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Ambassador of Japan to Chile ITO Takako (R) presents the "Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon" Decoration to Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán (L) at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Ambassador of Japan to Chile ITO Takako (R) presents the "Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon" Decoration to Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán (L) at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán gives a speech after receiving the Decoration “Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon” at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Ambassador of Japan to Chile ITO Takako (R) presents the "Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon" Decoration to Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán (L) at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Ambassador of Japan to Chile ITO Takako gives a speech during the award ceremony of the “Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon” to Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán, at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán gives a speech after receiving the Decoration “Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon” at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán gives a speech after receiving the Decoration “Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon” at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Ambassador of Japan to Chile ITO Takako gives a speech during the award ceremony of the “Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon” to Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán, at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Ambassador of Japan to Chile ITO Takako gives a speech during the award ceremony of the “Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon” to Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán, at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Ambassador of Japan to Chile ITO Takako (L) congratulates Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán (R) after receiving the “Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon” at the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

Senator Francisco Javier Chahuán was awarded the "Order of the

SANTIAGO, CHILE - MARCH 24: Senator of the Republic of Chile Francisco Javier Chahuán shows the Decoration "Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Neck Ribbon" received at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan on March 24, 2025 in Santiago (Photo by Sebastián Vivallo Oñate/Agencia Makro)