Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japan PM meets with Tokyo governor

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 7, 2026. Koike told the press afterward that she called for the central government to address the capital's expected tax revenue fall following the planned cut to 1 percent from the current 8 percent in the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japan Cabinet endorses 2-year consumption tax cut on food

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) and her ministers are pictured ahead of an extraordinary Cabinet meeting at the premier's office in Tokyo on Aug. 5, 2026. The Cabinet approved a plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during a baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 4, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during a baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 4, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during a baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 4, 2026.

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Baseball: Dodgers vs. Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during a baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 4, 2026.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japan to cut consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during a press conference in Tokyo on July 30, 2026, explains the government's plan to cut the consumption tax rate on food and beverages to 1 percent from the current 8 percent for two years starting in April 2027.

Football: Cerezo Osaka vs. Borussia Dortmund

Football: Cerezo Osaka vs. Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund's starting eleven pose for a photo ahead of a friendly football match against Cerezo Osaka at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium in Osaka on July 29, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Spain's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of the World Cup football final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Argentina's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of the World Cup football final against Spain at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Spain's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of the World Cup football final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Argentina's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of the World Cup football final against Spain at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

France's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of the World Cup third-place football match against England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 18, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

England's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of the World Cup third-place football match against France at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 18, 2026.

Spain: Lozoyuela Fire Burns Over 700 Hectares, Suspect Arrested

The Lozoyuela wildfire in Madrid, Spain, remained active after starting Thursday, July 16, burning roughly 700 hectares. Authorities arrested a 52-year-old man found with a lighter on suspicion of starting the fire.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Argentina's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup semifinal football match against England at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 15, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

England's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup semifinal football match against Argentina at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 15, 2026.

US: King Tides Bring Flooding Risk to San Diego Coastal Areas

King tides brought temporary flooding risks to low-lying coastal areas along San Diego and the state starting Monday, July 13, with officials warning the threat would continue through at least Wednesday.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Spain's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup semifinal football match against France at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 14, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

France's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup semifinal football match against Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on July 14, 2026.

Sumo: Ritual ahead of Nagoya tournament

Sumo: Ritual ahead of Nagoya tournament

A ritual is held at IG Arena in Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on July 11, 2026, to pray for safety during the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament starting the following day.

Sumo: Ritual ahead of Nagoya tournament

Sumo: Ritual ahead of Nagoya tournament

A ritual is held at IG Arena in Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on July 11, 2026, to pray for safety during the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament starting the following day.

Japan: Balck-and-White Calbee Chips Spotted in Store Before Color Return

Major snack maker Calbee announced on July 9 that it will gradually restore color packaging for eight products starting in late July, after switching them to black-and-white printing due to naphtha supply concerns. The "black-and-white potato chips" ended up on shelves for about two months since late May, sparking varied reactions on social media. Some said they never saw the black-and-white version in stores at all, since only the full-color packaging was available, while others speculated the black-and-white chips could become a collector's item.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Argentina's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup quarterfinal football match against Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 11, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Switzerland's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup quarterfinal football match against Argentina at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 11, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

England's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup quarterfinal football match against Norway at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 11, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Norway's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup quarterfinal football match against England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 11, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

England's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup quarterfinal football match against Norway at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 11, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Norway's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup quarterfinal football match against England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 11, 2026.

Football: 2026 World Cup

Football: 2026 World Cup

Belgium's starting XI pose for a team photo ahead of a World Cup quarterfinal football match against Spain at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on July 10, 2026.