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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.

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China: Playful Tiger Cub Sneaks Up on Caretaker in Harbin Zoo

This video was filmed at a zoo in Harbin, Heilongjiang, on August 26, 2025. It captured the cute moment when a tiger cub tried to catch his caretaker off guard, but was quickly noticed, scooped into his arms, and turned into a cuddly kitten.

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Australia: Record Flooding Batters Northern NSW After Heavy Rainfall 7

Flooding has battered cities and towns across the Mid-North Coast and the Hunter Region in northern New South Wales, leaving many residents stranded or forced to evacuate after days of heavy rainfall. In the city of Taree, the Manning River surpassed its 1929 record of six meters and was still rising as of Wednesday morning, May 21. Authorities have issued 13 emergency-level alerts. This video shows a man trying to save his mowers from the flooding.

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CHINA-BEIJING-CENTRAL AXIS-UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE-RUNNING ENTHUSIASTS (CN)

(240727) -- BEIJING, July 27, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Running enthusiasts warm up in front of a bookstore at Di'anmen Gate in Beijing, capital of China, July 20, 2024. The Beijing Central Axis is a running route full of cultural vibe in the eyes of running enthusiasts. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Saturday announced the inclusion of the Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital, into its world heritage list. Beijing Central Axis, initially established in the 13th century and formed in the 16th century, runs through the old city of Beijing from north to south. It has become the longest urban axis in the world today, spanning 7.8 kilometers. The heritage area of the Beijing Central Axis covers 589 hectares, with a buffer zone of 4,542 hectares. Its location, layout, urban form, and design reflect the ancient Chinese tradition of urban planning, serving as an important emblem that highlights the

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CHINA-WUHAN-FRANCE-ECOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATION CITY (CN)

(240320) -- WUHAN, March 20, 2024 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on March 19, 2024 shows the Energy station of the start-up area of the Sino-French Wuhan Ecological Demonstration City in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. This year marks the 10th anniversary since China and France signed the agreement to build the Sino-French Wuhan Ecological Demonstration City. The eco city, covering an area of 39 square kilometers, has integrated Chinese and French ecological urban construction concepts and is rising as a popular region for residents and companies. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

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CHINA-WUHAN-FRANCE-ECOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATION CITY (CN)

(240320) -- WUHAN, March 20, 2024 (Xinhua) -- A staff member works at an energy station of the start-up area of the Sino-French Wuhan Ecological Demonstration City in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 19, 2024. This year marks the 10th anniversary since China and France signed the agreement to build the Sino-French Wuhan Ecological Demonstration City. The eco city, covering an area of 39 square kilometers, has integrated Chinese and French ecological urban construction concepts and is rising as a popular region for residents and companies. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen)

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Riverway dredging underway in flood-hit district in Beijing

STORY: Riverway dredging underway in flood-hit district in Beijing DATELINE: Aug. 20, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:48 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the dredging operation 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ZHANG HEWEI, Official of Water affairs bureau of Mentougou District 3. various of rainfall in Beijing STORYLINE: The dredging operation in the riverways of Beijing's Mentougou District has made major progress after the suburban area was heavily battered by rainpours and floods earlier this month. About 260 kilometers of riverways covered by sludge, tree branches and garbage had been cleaned up as of August 17. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): ZHANG HEWEI, Official of Water affairs bureau of Mentougou District "We speed up cleaning up the riverways in our district to ensure the safety of flood flowing in case of rainfall and eliminate the risk of epidemic transmission. At the same time, we are working with municipal departments to restore the riverways as soon as possible." From July 29 to Aug. 2, Beijing

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CHINA-BEIJING-CENTRAL AXIS-SUMMER (CN)

(230725) -- BEIJING, July 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on June 20, 2023 shows a turret of the Forbidden City in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 kilometers between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis. Gates, palaces, temples, squares and gardens of the old city are all linked up to the axis. As they witnessed the folk activities along the line from old days to new ones, they themselves are a joy to behold at all times. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

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CHINA-BEIJING-CENTRAL AXIS-SUMMER (CN)

(230725) -- BEIJING, July 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on June 20, 2023 shows a turret of the Forbidden City in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 kilometers between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis. Gates, palaces, temples, squares and gardens of the old city are all linked up to the axis. As they witnessed the folk activities along the line from old days to new ones, they themselves are a joy to behold at all times. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

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CHINA-BEIJING-CENTRAL AXIS-SUMMER (CN)

(230725) -- BEIJING, July 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on July 20, 2023 shows the Zhengyang Gate in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 kilometers between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis. Gates, palaces, temples, squares and gardens of the old city are all linked up to the axis. As they witnessed the folk activities along the line from old days to new ones, they themselves are a joy to behold at all times. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of the financial center in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of the stadium of the Zibo Sports Center in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of the gymnasium (R) and indoor swimming pool of the Zibo Sports Center in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of the Zibo Convention and Exhibition Center in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of Poly Grand Theatre in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of Zibo Urban Planning Exhibition Hall in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows people enjoying Zibo-style barbecue cuisine in Linzi District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows people enjoying Zibo-style barbecue cuisine in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of Qisheng Lake in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of Qidu cultural center in Linzi District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of the Zibo Ceramic and Glass Museum in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of Qilu Chemical Industry Park in Linzi District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows people enjoying Zibo-style barbecue cuisine in Linzi District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of Guan Zhong Memorial Hall in Linzi District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of Taigong Lake park in Linzi District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows a view of Haidai building, a bookstore, in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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(SkyEye)CHINA-SHANDONG-ZIBO-AERIAL VIEW (CN)

(230510) -- ZIBO, May 10, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This aerial photo taken on May 8, 2023 shows people enjoying Zibo-style barbecue cuisine in Zhangdian District of Zibo, east China's Shandong Province. Zibo, a city with over 3,000 years of history located in central Shandong Province, is uniquely made up of several districts that are about 20 kilometers from each other but well-connected with traffic lines. The city shot to national fame earlier this year after social media influencers hyped up the unique local barbecue -- grilled meat wrapped in pancakes with shallots. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

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SENEGAL-CHINA-AIDED-WATER PROJECT-VILLAGE-WELL KEEPER

(230323) -- DAKAR, March 23, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Mamadou Dieng climbs up a water tower to check and clean the water storage tank in Tenefoul Toucouleur Village, Diourbel, Senegal, March 20, 2023. Mamadou Dieng, 40, an employee of the Chinese construction company CGCOC Group Senegal Branch, has been responsible for maintaining a Chinese-aided well in Tenefoul Toucouleur Village. Checking the machine's functions and filling the engine with diesel, Dieng's work may seem simple and tedious, but means a lot to the locals. Tenefoul Toucouleur Village was once a place afflicted with a severe lack of water. According to Dieng, residents there used to walk 1.5 kilometers every day and wait in long queues to fetch water from a 25-meter-deep well in a neighboring village. The well, part of the Chinese-funded rural well-drilling project in Senegal, has brought significant changes to local people's lives. In Senegal, the rural well-drilling project officially began on March 5, 2017. The project covers 12 of the 14

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U.S.-SAN DIEGO-ANTI-WAR-RALLY

(230319) -- SAN DIEGO, March 19, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A protester is seen in front of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, 25 kilometers north of downtown San Diego, California, the United States, March 18, 2023. Anti-war organizations held rallies in Los Angeles and San Diego on Saturday in the run-up to the 20th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, which started on March 20, 2003. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

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China's "Snow Town" attracts tourists with unique snow views

STORY: China's "Snow Town" attracts tourists with unique snow views DATELINE: Feb. 20, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:25 LOCATION: HARBIN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the "Snow Town" in China's Heilongjiang Province STORYLINE: Located about 280 kilometers from Harbin, the capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the "Snow Town" attracts visitors with its unique snow views. Used to be a forest farm, the snow town has seen a sea change over the past two decades after embracing tourism. The snow season here can last up to seven months a year, and the annual average snowfall thickness can reach 2.6 meters. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Harbin, China. (XHTV)

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Fukushima villager sees cherry blossoms in own garden

KAWAUCHI, Japan - Katsutoshi Kusano looks at cherry blossoms in his garden on April 26, 2014, in Kawauchi Village, Fukushima Prefecture. The government permitted evacuees living in parts of the village's evacuation zone up to 20 kilometers from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, where the amount of radiation is relatively low, to return and stay overnight at their own homes for three months from the same day.

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Fukushima evacuee sees 'bonsai' trees at home

KAWAUCHI, Japan - Katsutoshi Kusano holds a "bonsai" plant, which he raised at an evacuation center, on April 26, 2014, as he returns home to Kawauchi Village, Fukushima Prefecture. The government permitted evacuees living in parts of the village's evacuation zone up to 20 kilometers from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, where the amount of radiation is relatively low, to stay overnight at their own homes for three months from the same day.

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Honda unveils Accord hybrid

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows the Accord hybrid vehicle made by Honda Motor Co. The new sedan, featuring fuel efficiency of up to 30.0 kilometers per liter, was unveiled on June 20, 2013, and will be launched the following day.

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Honda unveils Accord hybrid

TOKYO, Japan - Honda Motor Co. President Takanobu Ito poses in front of the Accord hybrid vehicle in Tokyo on June 20, 2013. The new sedan vehicle, featuring a fuel efficiency of up to 30.0 kilometers per liter, will be launched the following day.

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Honda unveils Accord hybrid

TOKYO, Japan - Honda Motor Co. President Takanobu Ito speaks at a press conference to unveil the Accord hybrid vehicle in Tokyo on June 20, 2013. The new sedan vehicle, featuring a fuel efficiency of up to 30.0 kilometers per liter, will be launched the following day.

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Honda unveils Accord hybrid

TOKYO, Japan - Honda Motor Co. President Takanobu Ito speaks at a press conference to unveil the Accord hybrid vehicle in Tokyo on June 20, 2013. The new sedan vehicle, featuring a fuel efficiency of up to 30.0 kilometers per liter, will be launched the following day.

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TEPCO's Fukushima headquarters starts operations

NARAHA, Japan - (From L to R) Tokyo Electric Power Co. Vice President Yoshiyuki Ishizaki, President Naomi Hirose and Chairman Kazuhiko Shimokobe attend a ceremony to launch TEPCO's Fukushima headquarters in Naraha, some 20 kilometers south of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, on Jan. 4, 2013. The utility set up the headquarters to better deal with issues stemming from the nation's worst-ever nuclear accident at the plant.

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TEPCO's Fukushima headquarters starts operations

NARAHA, Japan - Representing the Tokyo head office of Tokyo Electric Power Co., Vice President Yoshiyuki Ishizaki (R in the background) gives a speech during a ceremony to launch TEPCO's Fukushima headquarters in Naraha, some 20 kilometers south of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, on Jan. 4, 2013. The utility set up the headquarters to better deal with issues stemming from the nation's worst-ever nuclear accident at the plant.

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TEPCO's Fukushima headquarters starts operations

NARAHA, Japan - Representing the Tokyo head office of Tokyo Electric Power Co., Vice President Yoshiyuki Ishizaki gives a speech during a ceremony to launch TEPCO's Fukushima headquarters in Naraha, some 20 kilometers south of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, on Jan. 4, 2013. The utility set up the headquarters to better deal with issues stemming from the nation's worst-ever nuclear accident at the plant.

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Nissan stretches Leaf electric car's mileage

TOKYO, Japan - Nissan Motor Co. unveils a restyled Leaf electric car in Tokyo on Nov. 20, 2012. The vehicle, released in Japan the same day, can run up to 228 kilometers (142 miles) on one charge, an improvement from 200 km for the previous model, thanks to reduced body weight and enhanced energy-saving technologies.

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Soccer facility made base for work at Fukushima plant

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on April 21, 2011, shows a supply storage set up at the soccer training facility J Village in Fukushima Prefecture, approximately 20 kilometers south of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. J Village was made into a base of work to put the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant under control. The facility was built in 1997 by the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. at a cost of 13 billion yen and was donated to the prefecture.

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Soccer facility made base for work at Fukushima plant

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on April 21, 2011, shows a radiation decontamination area for vehicles set up at the soccer training facility J Village in Fukushima Prefecture, approximately 20 kilometers south of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The area which used to be part of a grass field is now a coated surface site as J Village was made into a base of work to put the plant under control. The facility was built in 1997 by the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. at a cost of 13 billion yen and was donated to the prefecture.

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Whirlpools at Naruto Strait

TOKUSHIMA, Japan - A pleasure ship is seen sailing near whirlpools in the Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and the Shikoku region, western Japan, on April 28, 2010. The strait connecting the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean is only 1.3 kilometers wide and seawater flows in and out from the Seto Inland Sea. The height difference between high tide and low tide reaches up to 1.5 meters, creating numerous whirlpools. At this time of the year, the diameter of whirlpools can be over 20 meters.

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Winter Olympic Village ready for arrival of athletes

VANCOUVER, Canada - Photo shows a mobile medical unit set up at the Whistler Athletes' Village for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in Whistler, Canada. The mobile hospital has 12 beds, an operating room with two surgical beds and an intensive care unit. Olympic facilities at Whistler, some 120 kilometers north of Vancouver, were opened to the media on Jan. 20, 2010.

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Winter Olympic Village ready for arrival of athletes

VANCOUVER, Canada - Photo shows the inside of a mobile medical unit set up at the Whistler Athletes' Village for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in Whistler, Canada. The mobile hospital has 12 beds, an operating room with two surgical beds and an intensive care unit. Olympic facilities at Whistler, some 120 kilometers north of Vancouver, were opened to the media on Jan. 20, 2010.

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Imperial couple visit earthquake-stricken islanders on Genkai

FUKUOKA, Japan - Emperor Akihito (2nd R) and Empress Michiko (C) speak to local residents during a visit to the earthquake-stricken Genkai island off Fukuoka Prefecture on Oct. 30. The imperial couple traveled to the island, about 18 kilometers off Fukuoka, by boat and about 450 people -- virtually the entire population of the island -- turned up at the quay to welcome the imperial visitors. An earthquake with its epicenter near the island struck on March 20, 2005, damaging 150 houses on the island, and at one point all the islanders were evacuated to the mainland.

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Whirlpools at Naruto Strait

TOKUSHIMA, Japan - A pleasure ship is seen sailing near whirlpools in the Naruto Strait between Awaji Island and the Shikoku region, western Japan, on April 28, 2010. The strait connecting the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean is only 1.3 kilometers wide and seawater flows in and out from the Seto Inland Sea. The height difference between high tide and low tide reaches up to 1.5 meters, creating numerous whirlpools. At this time of the year, the diameter of whirlpools can be over 20 meters. (Kyodo)

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Imperial couple visit earthquake-stricken islanders on Genkai

FUKUOKA, Japan - Emperor Akihito (2nd R) and Empress Michiko (C) speak to local residents during a visit to the earthquake-stricken Genkai island off Fukuoka Prefecture on Oct. 30. The imperial couple traveled to the island, about 18 kilometers off Fukuoka, by boat and about 450 people -- virtually the entire population of the island -- turned up at the quay to welcome the imperial visitors. An earthquake with its epicenter near the island struck on March 20, 2005, damaging 150 houses on the island, and at one point all the islanders were evacuated to the mainland. (Kyodo)

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Soccer facility made base for work at Fukushima plant

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on April 21, 2011, shows a radiation decontamination area for vehicles set up at the soccer training facility J Village in Fukushima Prefecture, approximately 20 kilometers south of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The area which used to be part of a grass field is now a coated surface site as J Village was made into a base of work to put the plant under control. The facility was built in 1997 by the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. at a cost of 13 billion yen and was donated to the prefecture. (Kyodo)

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Soccer facility made base for work at Fukushima plant

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken on April 21, 2011, shows a supply storage set up at the soccer training facility J Village in Fukushima Prefecture, approximately 20 kilometers south of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. J Village was made into a base of work to put the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant under control. The facility was built in 1997 by the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. at a cost of 13 billion yen and was donated to the prefecture. (Kyodo)