Baseball: U.S. WBC warm-up game

Baseball: U.S. WBC warm-up game

Aaron Judge of the U.S. national baseball team hits a two-run single in the first inning of a warm-up game against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona, on March 3, 2026, ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Baseball: U.S. WBC warm-up game

Baseball: U.S. WBC warm-up game

Aaron Judge of the U.S. national baseball team hits a two-run single in the first inning of a warm-up game against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona, on March 3, 2026, ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Baseball: U.S. WBC warm-up game

Baseball: U.S. WBC warm-up game

Aaron Judge of the U.S. national baseball team hits a two-run single in the first inning of a warm-up game against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona, on March 3, 2026, ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

US: Gunfire Erupts at Marathon Burger Launch in Downtown Long Beach, One Killed

A deadly shooting sent crowds scrambling for safety near the grand opening of the newest Marathon Burger in downtown Long Beach on Sunday, March 1, turning a celebratory event into a scene of chaos and tragedy. Long Beach police confirmed that three men were shot and rushed to a local hospital, where one later died of his injuries. The two other victims remained in stable condition as of Sunday night.

Japan Embassy in Beijing promotes dinosaur-related tourist spots in Japan

Japan Embassy in Beijing promotes dinosaur-related tourist spots in Japan

The Japanese government pitches two tourist spots in Japan related to dinosaurs -- Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and Junglia Okinawa theme park -- during an event held at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on March 1, 2026, for about 140 Chinese elementary school students and their guardians.

Japan Embassy in Beijing promotes dinosaur-related tourist spots in Japan

Japan Embassy in Beijing promotes dinosaur-related tourist spots in Japan

The Japanese government pitches two tourist spots in Japan related to dinosaurs -- Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and Junglia Okinawa theme park -- during an event held at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on March 1, 2026, for about 140 Chinese elementary school students and their guardians.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno (2nd from R), leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from L) speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss her pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno, leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Takahiro Anno (R), leader of Team Mirai, speaks at the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita (L), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attends the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026, shows the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, attends the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Japan cross-party council discusses food tax cut

Fumitake Fujita (C), co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, and Takahiro Anno (L), leader of Team Mirai, attend the first meeting of a cross-party "national council" to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pledge to suspend the consumption tax on food for two years at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Kazuma Okamoto runs after hitting a two-run double in the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Kazuma Okamoto hits a two-run double in the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Kazuma Okamoto is pictured after hitting a two-run double in the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: MLB spring training

Baseball: MLB spring training

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Kazuma Okamoto hits a two-run double in the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2026.

Baseball: Japan team ahead of WBC

Baseball: Japan team ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (L) and Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, members of Japan's national team, attend a press conference in Nagoya, central Japan, on Feb. 26, 2026, ahead of the World Baseball Classic in March. (Pool photo)

Baseball: Japan team ahead of WBC

Baseball: Japan team ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani, a member of Japan's national team, smiles at a press conference in Nagoya, central Japan, on Feb. 26, 2026, ahead of the World Baseball Classic in March. (Pool photo)

Baseball: Japan team ahead of WBC

Baseball: Japan team ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani, a member of Japan's national team, speaks at a press conference in Nagoya, central Japan, on Feb. 26, 2026, ahead of the World Baseball Classic in March. (Pool photo)

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

OSAKA, Japan, Feb. 19 Kyodo - University of Osaka professor Yoshiki Sawa holds a press conference in Osaka on Feb. 19, 2026, after Japan's health ministry panel approved the commercialization of two regenerative medicine products prepared from iPS cells, the first of their kind in the world. One of the two drugs, ReHeart, heart muscle sheets derived from human iPS cells, was developed by a startup originating from Sawa's team at the university. (Kyodo)

South Korea: Major Fire Erupts at Historic 91-Year-Old Restaurant in Downtown Seoul

A fire broke out on Thursday evening, February 26, at a restaurant in Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. The blaze sent thick smoke across the city center, disrupting the evening commutes. Fire authorities deployed 96 personnel and 42 fire vehicles to the scene. Built in 1935, the dilapidated two-story structure made the operation particularly hazardous for first responders.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is pictured during a workout at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is pictured during a workout at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is pictured during a workout at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is pictured during a workout at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is pictured during a workout at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is pictured during a workout at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is pictured during a workout at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani works out at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani plays catch at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (L) works out at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani plays catch at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani works out at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani plays catch at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani plays catch at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani plays catch at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Ohtani joins Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani plays catch at Vantelin Dome Nagoya in the central Japan city of Nagoya on Feb. 26, 2026, joining the Japan national team at training camp as they continued tuning up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March. Ohtani took part in practice ahead of warmup games against the Chunichi Dragons on Feb. 27 and 28.

Baseball: Hawks-CTBC Brothers friendly

Baseball: Hawks-CTBC Brothers friendly

Tomoya Inoue of Japanese pro baseball team the SoftBank Hawks is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run homer in the fourth inning of a friendly game against Taiwan's CTBC Brothers at Taipei Dome on Feb. 25, 2026.

Baseball: Hawks-CTBC Brothers friendly

Baseball: Hawks-CTBC Brothers friendly

Tomoya Inoue of Japanese pro baseball team SoftBank Hawks hits a two-run homer in the fourth inning of a friendly game against Taiwan's CTBC Brothers at Taipei Dome on Feb. 25, 2026.

China: Dog Balances Calmly on Moving E-Bike, Turning Heads in Yunnan Street

A video filmed on February 12, 2026, in Yunnan, China, shows a dog calmly standing on the shoulder of two riders traveling on an electric bike. The dog maintained its balance with surprising confidence as the bike moved along the street, drawing attention and smiles from passersby.

Nikkei stock index ends at record high

Nikkei stock index ends at record high

A roadside monitor in Tokyo shows the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average at 58,583.12, an all-time closing high, on Feb. 25, 2026, as speculation about further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan receded after the government's nomination of two new BOJ policymakers.