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Japan: Cedar Pollen Reaches Its Peak With Heavy Dispersal Reported 3

Cedar pollen levels reached their peak across a wide area of Japan, including Tokyo, on Saturday, February 28, as strong winds and rising temperatures created ideal conditions for mass dispersal. In several regions, a "pollen corona" was observed around the sun, a visual phenomenon indicating an extreme concentration of pollen in the atmosphere.

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Japan: Cedar Pollen Reaches Its Peak With Heavy Dispersal Reported 5

Cedar pollen levels reached their peak across a wide area of Japan, including Tokyo, on Saturday, February 28, as strong winds and rising temperatures created ideal conditions for mass dispersal. In several regions, a "pollen corona" was observed around the sun, a visual phenomenon indicating an extreme concentration of pollen in the atmosphere.

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Japan: Cedar Pollen Reaches Its Peak With Heavy Dispersal Reported 4

Cedar pollen levels reached their peak across a wide area of Japan, including Tokyo, on Saturday, February 28, as strong winds and rising temperatures created ideal conditions for mass dispersal. In several regions, a "pollen corona" was observed around the sun, a visual phenomenon indicating an extreme concentration of pollen in the atmosphere.

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Japan: Cedar Pollen Reaches Its Peak With Heavy Dispersal Reported

Cedar pollen levels reached their peak across a wide area of Japan, including Tokyo, on Saturday, February 28, as strong winds and rising temperatures created ideal conditions for mass dispersal. In several regions, a "pollen corona" was observed around the sun, a visual phenomenon indicating an extreme concentration of pollen in the atmosphere.

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Japan: Cedar Pollen Reaches Its Peak With Heavy Dispersal Reported 2

Cedar pollen levels reached their peak across a wide area of Japan, including Tokyo, on Saturday, February 28, as strong winds and rising temperatures created ideal conditions for mass dispersal. In several regions, a "pollen corona" was observed around the sun, a visual phenomenon indicating an extreme concentration of pollen in the atmosphere.

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China: Trained Detection Dog Swims Wearing Custom Space-Style Helmet in Guangxi

On November 13, 2023, in Guangxi, located in southern China, a video showed a diver swimming underwater with a trained dog. The dog wore a specially customized helmet resembling a space suit. The helmet was designed to make underwater movement more comfortable. Together, the diver and dog moved smoothly beneath the surface. The dog was described as a trained narcotics detection dog. The video showed it performing confidently both on land and underwater.

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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)

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China: Villagers Use Crane to Rescue Pregnant Cow Trapped in Deep Pit in Guangxi

A video filmed on February 6, 2026, in Hechi, Guangxi, shows villagers rescuing a pregnant cow that had fallen into a deep pit. Using ropes and a crane, they carefully lifted the animal to safety, after which it stood steady and was led away.

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China: Driver Encounters Bear Family on Dark Road in Yunnan

A video filmed on January 10, 2026, in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, shows several Tibetan blue bears running along a dark road at night. As the car approached, the mother bear lunged at the car, hitting the right front of it. The filmer later said the car suffered only a minor scrape and that the bear was unharmed.

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Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Photo shows Tokyo Skytree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

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Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

An emergency vehicle is seen in front of Tokyo SkyTree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

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Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Photo shows Tokyo Skytree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

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Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Tokyo SkyTree elevator halt

Emergency vehicles are seen in front of Tokyo SkyTree tower in the Japanese capital on the night of Feb. 22, 2026, after 20 visitors were trapped in an elevator that stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck. The visitors were rescued after more than five hours, and no one was injured.

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US: Fierce Snow and Icy Winds at Point Judith Pond in Rhode Island During Historic Blizzard

A powerful winter storm brought Rhode Island to a standstill Monday, February 23 dumping wind-driven snow, causing widespread power outages, and prompting a statewide travel ban that remained in effect into Tuesday. This video captures the blizzard at Point Judith Pond, with wind-driven snow whipping across the pond, limited visibility, and icy surfaces covering nearby trees, walls, and a small house from which the footage was shot.

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Court grants posthumous retrial for man over 1984 murder

Court grants posthumous retrial for man over 1984 murder

Koji Sakahara (R), whose father Hiromu was convicted in a 1984 robbery-murder case, celebrates with Hideko Hakamata, sister of Iwao Hakamata, who was acquitted in a 2024 retrial, at a gathering in Tokyo on Feb. 25, 2026, after the Supreme Court granted a posthumous retrial for Hiromu.

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Court grants posthumous retrial for man over 1984 murder

Court grants posthumous retrial for man over 1984 murder

Koji Sakahara smiles during a gathering in Tokyo on Feb. 25, 2026, a day after the Supreme Court granted a posthumous retrial for his deceased father Hiromu who was convicted in a 1984 robbery-murder case.

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Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy 2

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

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US: Man Detained After Running Onto Active Runway at Phoenix Airport

A man experiencing a mental health crisis was detained Monday evening, February 23, after breaching security and running onto an active runway at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Pilots alerted air traffic control after spotting the individual approaching aircraft with his hands raised, prompting an immediate police response and a temporary disruption to airport operations.

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South Africa: Passengers Evacuated as Fire Breaks Out at Cape Town Airport

A fire broke out at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday, February 24, prompting passenger evacuations and disrupting flights. While the blaze was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported, the incident caused significant power outages and IT system failures, leading to diverted flights and temporary suspensions of international departures.

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Mexico: Resort City Puerto Vallarta Rocked by Violence After Cartel Leader Death 5

Puerto Vallarta woke Sunday, February 22 to scenes of smoke, fires and road blockades after armed groups burned at least eight vehicles and scattered tire spikes across the city and nearby municipalities in Jalisco state. The violence, which prompted a “Code Red” alert and shelter-in-place calls from authorities, was reportedly triggered by a federal operation in Tapalpa and unconfirmed reports of the killing of alleged CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.

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US: Powerful Blizzard Hits NYC, Travel Bans Issued Across Northeast

A powerful blizzard — the first to strike the New York City area in a decade — began late Sunday night, February 22, and brought much of the U.S. Northeast to a standstill by Monday, February 23, prompting travel bans, school closures, and emergency measures. Central Park recorded 19.7 inches of snow, while parts of Long Island saw up to 31 inches. The storm produced heavy snow, fierce winds, coastal flooding risks, and widespread power outages, with states of emergency declared and millions under weather warnings across the region. This video was captured on the Manhattan side beneath the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge), along the East River, on Sunday night, February 22.

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Japan: Baby Macaque “Punch” Wins Hearts After Finding Comfort in Plush Surrogacy

A six-month-old Japanese macaque named Punch at Ichikawa City Zoo has gained attention in Japan and abroad. After being rejected by his first-time mother, he was hand-raised by staff and often clung to an orangutan plush toy as a surrogate comfort, touching many hearts. Even after rejoining the troop, he kept the toy for a while, but he is gradually bonding with other monkeys and growing stronger. On social media, the hashtag “#GoPunch” has spread, with visitors continuing to cheer him on.

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Mexico: Resort City Puerto Vallarta Rocked by Violence After Cartel Leader Death 4

Puerto Vallarta woke Sunday, February 22 to scenes of smoke, fires and road blockades after armed groups burned at least eight vehicles and scattered tire spikes across the city and nearby municipalities in Jalisco state. The violence, which prompted a “Code Red” alert and shelter-in-place calls from authorities, was reportedly triggered by a federal operation in Tapalpa and unconfirmed reports of the killing of alleged CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. This video shows the Mexican Navy ship coming into Puerto Vallarta on Monday afternoon.

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Milan Cortina Olympics: Closing ceremony

Milan Cortina Olympics: Closing ceremony

Photo shows the cauldron at the Arch of Peace in Milan after the Olympic flame was extinguished on Feb. 22, 2026, as the closing ceremony of the Milan Cortina Olympics takes place in Verona, Italy.

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Mexico: Resort City Puerto Vallarta Rocked by Violence After Alleged Cartel Leader Death 2

Puerto Vallarta woke Sunday, February 22 to scenes of smoke, fires and road blockades after armed groups burned at least eight vehicles and scattered tire spikes across the city and nearby municipalities in Jalisco state. The violence, which prompted a “Code Red” alert and shelter-in-place calls from authorities, was reportedly triggered by a federal operation in Tapalpa and unconfirmed reports of the killing of alleged CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.

  •  

Mexico: Resort City Puerto Vallarta Rocked by Violence After Alleged Cartel Leader Death

Puerto Vallarta woke Sunday, February 22 to scenes of smoke, fires and road blockades after armed groups burned at least eight vehicles and scattered tire spikes across the city and nearby municipalities in Jalisco state. The violence, which prompted a “Code Red” alert and shelter-in-place calls from authorities, was reportedly triggered by a federal operation in Tapalpa and unconfirmed reports of the killing of alleged CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.

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Forum on abduction issue in Nagoya

Forum on abduction issue in Nagoya

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks during a government-sponsored forum on the abduction issue in Nagoya, central Japan, on Feb. 21, 2026. His elder sister Megumi (R in picture) was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

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Forum on abduction issue in Nagoya

Forum on abduction issue in Nagoya

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks during a government-sponsored forum on the abduction issue in Nagoya, central Japan, on Feb. 21, 2026. His elder sister Megumi (R in picture) was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

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Spain: Final Piece of Central Tower Put in Place on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia

The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, known as the Tower of Jesus Christ, was put in place on Friday, February 20. This historic milestone makes the landmark the world’s tallest church at 172.5 meters, marking a significant step toward the completion of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece 144 years after construction began.

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Spain: Final Piece of Central Tower Put in Place on Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia 2

The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, known as the Tower of Jesus Christ, was put in place on Friday, February 20. This historic milestone makes the landmark the world’s tallest church at 172.5 meters, marking a significant step toward the completion of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece 144 years after construction began.

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Relocation of Osaka expo mascot monuments

Relocation of Osaka expo mascot monuments

Photo shows a statue of Myaku-Myaku (R), the official mascot of the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, and the Tower of the Sun, a symbol of the 1970 Osaka expo, on Feb. 21, 2026, at Expo'70 Commemorative Park in Suita in Osaka Prefecture. A ceremony to celebrate the relocation of the Myaku-Myaku statue from the expo venue was held the same day.

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Relocation of Osaka expo mascot monuments

Relocation of Osaka expo mascot monuments

Photo shows a statue of Myaku-Myaku (L), the official mascot of the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, and the Tower of the Sun, a symbol of the 1970 Osaka expo, on Feb. 21, 2026, at Expo'70 Commemorative Park in Suita in Osaka Prefecture. A ceremony to celebrate the relocation of the Myaku-Myaku stutue from the expo venue was held the same day.

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Mexico: Wildfire Breaks Out in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico 3

Firefighters in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, contained a major forest fire on Wednesday, February 18. The blaze erupted around 2:00 p.m. in the Lomas de Atizapán area, spreading rapidly through dry brush and fueled by strong winds. By late evening, Municipal President Pedro Rodríguez Villegas confirmed the fire was under control and all previously blocked roads had been reopened to traffic. No civilian injuries or structural losses were reported.

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US: Storm Damage in Bloomington After Tornado-Warned Storm

Much of southern Indiana, including Indianapolis, was under a tornado watch Thursday evening, February 19, with at least 12 warnings issued as severe storms moved through the region. Storm damage was reported in Bloomington, where homes, a bank, and the county airport sustained damage, and power outages and downed lines were also reported. This video shows damage to buildings and power lines, with debris scattered on the ground near 3415 W. Third St. in Bloomington.

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US: Icy Spectacle as Waterfalls Freeze in Letchworth State Park

As subzero temperatures continue across western New York, a spectacular frozen waterfall was captured on video on February 17 at Letchworth State Park.

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US: Sirens Blare as Storms Trigger Tornado Watch Across Southern Indiana 4

Much of southern Indiana, including Indianapolis, was under a tornado watch Thursday evening, February 19, with at least 12 warnings issued as severe storms moved through the region. Storm damage was reported in Bloomington, where homes, a bank, and the county airport sustained damage, and power outages and downed lines were reported. The video was shot from the Echo Park apartments on the south side of Bloomington, looking north.

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US: Sirens Blare as Storms Trigger Tornado Watch Across Southern Indiana

Much of southern Indiana, including Indianapolis, was under a tornado watch Thursday evening, February 19, with at least 12 warnings issued as severe storms moved through the region. Storm damage was reported in Bloomington, where homes, a bank, and the county airport sustained damage, and power outages and downed lines were reported.

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US: Sirens Blare as Storms Trigger Tornado Watch Across Southern Indiana 2

Much of southern Indiana, including Indianapolis, was under a tornado watch Thursday evening, February 19, with at least 12 warnings issued as severe storms moved through the region. Storm damage was reported in Bloomington, where homes, a bank, and the county airport sustained damage, and power outages and downed lines were reported.

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US: Tornado Reported in Crawford County, Illinois as Severe Storms Strike

A tornado warning was issued Thursday, Feb. 19, for parts of east-central Illinois as severe storms moved through the region. A tornado was reportedly spotted in Crawford County, causing significant damage. Video from Robinson shows large hail falling and what appears to be a funnel cloud forming amid the intense storm.

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China: Firework Displays Light Up Harbin Skies to Celebrate Lunar New Year

Fireworks illuminated the night sky over Harbin as crowds celebrated the start of the 2026 Lunar New Year with cheers and festive excitement. This video was taken at Harbin Ice and Snow World Festival.

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Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

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.

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Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

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.

  •  
Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

Japan gov't panel approves 2 iPS-derived drugs

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.

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NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

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NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

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NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

NASA SLS model on display at Osaka museum

Photo taken at the Osaka Science Museum on Feb. 19, 2026, shows a one-32nd model of NASA's Space Launch System bound for the moon under the Artemis mission. The model was donated to the museum having previously been displayed at the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka.

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Mexico: Wildfire Breaks Out in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico

Firefighters in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, contained a major forest fire on Wednesday, February 18. The blaze erupted around 2:00 p.m. in the Lomas de Atizapán area, spreading rapidly through dry brush and fueled by strong winds. By late evening, Municipal President Pedro Rodríguez Villegas confirmed the fire was under control and all previously blocked roads had been reopened to traffic. No civilian injuries or structural losses were reported.

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Mexico: Wildfire Breaks Out in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico 2

Firefighters in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, contained a major forest fire on Wednesday, February 18. The blaze erupted around 2:00 p.m. in the Lomas de Atizapán area, spreading rapidly through dry brush and fueled by strong winds. By late evening, Municipal President Pedro Rodríguez Villegas confirmed the fire was under control and all previously blocked roads had been reopened to traffic. No civilian injuries or structural losses were reported.

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Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Japan training camp ahead of WBC

San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (back) visits Japan's training camp in Miyazaki, southwestern Japan, on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Darvish, a member of the 2023 WBC champion Japan, was asked by current Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata to play an advisory role at the camp.

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Japan training camp ahead of WBC

Japan training camp ahead of WBC

San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (far L) visits Japan's training camp in Miyazaki, southwestern Japan, on Feb. 19, 2026, ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Darvish, a member of the 2023 WBC champion Japan, was asked by current Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata to play an advisory role at the camp.

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