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Preparations for 2026 Year of Horse

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, Dec. 26 Kyodo - A giant "ema" votive plaque bearing an illustration of a horse is put up at Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 15, 2025, ahead of the start of the Year of the Horse in 2026. (Kyodo)

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[Breaking News]New Year's traditional card game ceremony in Kyoto

KYOTO, Japan, Jan. 3 Kyodo - Women dressed in traditional attire from ancient Heian period play karuta traditional card game in a New Year's ceremony at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 3, 2026.

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Year-end ritual at Nachi Falls

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, Dec. 27 Kyodo - Priests from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a giant sacred "shimenawa" rope with a new one above Nachi Falls during a year-end ritual in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 27, 2025. (Kyodo)

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Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Onosato (2nd from L) performs a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

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Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Onosato performs a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

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Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Onosato (R) performs a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

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Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Hoshoryu (2nd from L) performs a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

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Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Hoshoryu performs a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

  •  
Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Hoshoryu (R) performs a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

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Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Hoshoryu meets the press after performing a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

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Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Onosato meets the press after performing a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

  •  
Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo: Ring-entering ceremony at Tokyo shrine

Sumo grand champion Onosato meets the press after performing a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo on Jan. 6, 2026.

  •  

[Breaking News]Aftermath of strong earthquake in Aomori Pref.

HACHINOHE, Japan, Dec. 10 Kyodo - Video taken on Dec. 9, 2025, shows a collapsed stone lantern at a shrine in Hachinohe in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Aomori, following a strong earthquake the previous night. (Kyodo)

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Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

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Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year press conference after visiting Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026.

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Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Jan. 3, 2026, shows the World heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine dusted with snow (front) in Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan.

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Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Jan. 3, 2026, shows the World heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine dusted with snow in Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

  •  
Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japan PM Takaichi visits Ise Jingu shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 5, 2026. Visiting the shinto shrine during the New Year period is an annual custom for the sitting prime minister.

  •  
Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

People clad in traditional attire play "kemari," a football game played by nobles in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), at Shimogamo shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 4, 2026.

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Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

People clad in traditional attire play "kemari," a football game played by nobles in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), at Shimogamo shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 4, 2026.

  •  
Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

People clad in traditional attire play "kemari," a football game played by nobles in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), at Shimogamo shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 4, 2026.

  •  
Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

People clad in traditional attire play "kemari," a football game played by nobles in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), at Shimogamo shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 4, 2026.

  •  
Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

People clad in traditional attire play "kemari," a football game played by nobles in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), at Shimogamo shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 4, 2026.

  •  
Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

People clad in traditional attire play "kemari," a football game played by nobles in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), at Shimogamo shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 4, 2026.

  •  
Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

People clad in traditional attire play "kemari," a football game played by nobles in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), at Shimogamo shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 4, 2026.

  •  
Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

Ancient court football at Kyoto shrine

People clad in traditional attire play "kemari," a football game played by nobles in Japan's Heian period (794-1185), at Shimogamo shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 4, 2026.

  •  

[Breaking News]Aftermath of strong quake in northeastern Japan

HACHINOHE, Japan, Dec. 9 Kyodo - A torii gate at a shrine lies toppled in Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 9, 2025, following a strong earthquake the previous night. (Kyodo)

  •  
New Year's traditional card game ceremony in Kyoto

New Year's traditional card game ceremony in Kyoto

Women dressed in traditional attire from ancient Heian period play karuta traditional card game in a New Year's ceremony at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 3, 2026. ==Kyodo

  •  
New Year's traditional card game ceremony in Kyoto

New Year's traditional card game ceremony in Kyoto

Women dressed in traditional attire from ancient Heian period play karuta traditional card game in a New Year's ceremony at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 3, 2026. ==Kyodo

  •  
New Year's traditional card game ceremony in Kyoto

New Year's traditional card game ceremony in Kyoto

Women dressed in traditional attire from ancient Heian period play karuta traditional card game in a New Year's ceremony at Yasaka shrine in Kyoto on Jan. 3, 2026. ==Kyodo

  •  
2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a shrine in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, creating illumination reading "Noto" on Jan. 1, 2026, exactly two years after a powerful earthquake hit central Japan's Noto Peninsula area.

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2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a shrine in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Jan. 1, 2026, exactly two years after a powerful earthquake hit central Japan's Noto Peninsula area.

  •  
2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

2nd anniv. of Noto Peninsula quake

Bamboo lanterns are lit at a shrine in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Jan. 1, 2026, exactly two years after a powerful earthquake hit central Japan's Noto Peninsula area.

  •  
Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Lebanon , Beirut, 2025/12/24 Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve at the Maronite monastery of Saint Maron, which houses the shrine of Saint Charbel, in the mountain village of Annaya Photo by Raymond Chihane / Catholic Press Photo / ABACAPRESS.COMo

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Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Lebanon , Beirut, 2025/12/24 Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve at the Maronite monastery of Saint Maron, which houses the shrine of Saint Charbel, in the mountain village of Annaya Photo by Raymond Chihane / Catholic Press Photo / ABACAPRESS.COMo

  •  
Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Lebanon , Beirut, 2025/12/24 Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve at the Maronite monastery of Saint Maron, which houses the shrine of Saint Charbel, in the mountain village of Annaya Photo by Raymond Chihane / Catholic Press Photo / ABACAPRESS.COMo

  •  
Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Lebanon , Beirut, 2025/12/24 Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve at the Maronite monastery of Saint Maron, which houses the shrine of Saint Charbel, in the mountain village of Annaya Photo by Raymond Chihane / Catholic Press Photo / ABACAPRESS.COMo

  •  
Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Lebanon , Beirut, 2025/12/24 Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve at the Maronite monastery of Saint Maron, which houses the shrine of Saint Charbel, in the mountain village of Annaya Photo by Raymond Chihane / Catholic Press Photo / ABACAPRESS.COMo

  •  
Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Mass Celebrated on Christmas Eve - Lebanon

Lebanon , Beirut, 2025/12/24 Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve at the Maronite monastery of Saint Maron, which houses the shrine of Saint Charbel, in the mountain village of Annaya Photo by Raymond Chihane / Catholic Press Photo / ABACAPRESS.COMo

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