[Breaking news]Fire festival in western Japan

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, July 15 Kyodo - White-robed men carry giant flaming torches during an annual fire festival at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 14, 2026. (Kyodo)

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People stroll by a decorated float illuminated by lanterns in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 14, 2026, ahead of a parade three days later, a highlight of the month-long Gion Festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People stroll by a decorated float illuminated by lanterns in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 14, 2026, ahead of a parade three days later, a highlight of the month-long Gion Festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People stroll by a decorated float illuminated by lanterns in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 14, 2026, ahead of a parade three days later, a highlight of the month-long Gion Festival.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festival in Kyoto

People stroll by a decorated float illuminated by lanterns in Kyoto, western Japan, on July 14, 2026, ahead of a parade three days later, a highlight of the month-long Gion Festival.

Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

White-robed men carry giant flaming torches during an annual fire festival at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 14, 2026.

Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

White-robed men carry giant flaming torches during an annual fire festival at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 14, 2026.

Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

White-robed men carry giant flaming torches during an annual fire festival at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 14, 2026.

Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

White-robed men carry giant flaming torches during an annual fire festival at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 14, 2026.

Fire festival in western Japan

Fire festival in western Japan

White-robed men carry giant flaming torches during an annual fire festival at the World Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine in Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 14, 2026.

Fast-speed flying car demonstration

Fast-speed flying car demonstration

Photo shows SkyDrive's flying vehicle during a fast-speed demonstration flight in Yamaguchi, western Japan, on July 13, 2026. The three-seat vehicle, operated remotely, flew about 2 kilometers at a maximum speed of 86 km per hour, with the Aichi Prefecture-based company eying commercial flight possibly from 2028.

Fast-speed flying car demonstration

Fast-speed flying car demonstration

Photo shows SkyDrive's flying vehicle during a fast-speed demonstration flight in Yamaguchi, western Japan, on July 13, 2026. The three-seat vehicle, operated remotely, flew about 2 kilometers at a maximum speed of 86 km per hour, with the Aichi Prefecture-based company eying commercial flight possibly from 2028.

Fast-speed flying car demonstration

Fast-speed flying car demonstration

Photo shows SkyDrive's flying vehicle during a fast-speed demonstration flight in Yamaguchi, western Japan, on July 13, 2026. The three-seat vehicle, operated remotely, flew about 2 kilometers at a maximum speed of 86 km per hour, with the Aichi Prefecture-based company eying commercial flight possibly from 2028.

Fast-speed flying car demonstration

Fast-speed flying car demonstration

Photo shows SkyDrive's flying vehicle during a fast-speed demonstration flight in Yamaguchi, western Japan, on July 13, 2026. The three-seat vehicle, operated remotely, flew about 2 kilometers at a maximum speed of 86 km per hour, with the Aichi Prefecture-based company eying commercial flight possibly from 2028.

[Breaking News]Sacred rope exchange at Nachi Falls

NACHIKATSUURA, Japan, July 9 Kyodo - Priests from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a giant sacred "shimenawa" rope with a new one above Nachi Falls during a pre-festival ritual in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026. (Kyodo)

Crown Princess Kiko attends blood donation event

Crown Princess Kiko attends blood donation event

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko chats with people awarded for contributing to blood donation promotion after the award ceremony in Yonago in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 10, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko attends blood donation event

Crown Princess Kiko attends blood donation event

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko chats with people awarded for contributing to blood donation promotion after the award ceremony in Yonago in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 10, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko attends blood donation event

Crown Princess Kiko attends blood donation event

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko speaks at a blood donation promotion event in Yonago in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 10, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko attends blood donation event

Crown Princess Kiko attends blood donation event

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (C) speaks at a blood donation promotion event in Yonago in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 10, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (L) watches the Kagura Shinto ritual dance during a visit to a high school in Hino in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (R) takes part in a throwing game based on Finland's Molkky during a visit to a high school in Hino in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits high school in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (2nd from R) takes part in a throwing game based on Finland's Molkky during a visit to a high school in Hino in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Crown Princess Kiko visits facility for disabled in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits facility for disabled in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (L) visits a facility run by a nonprofit organization for disabled people in Hoki in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026. (Pool photo)

Crown Princess Kiko visits facility for disabled in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits facility for disabled in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (back, L) visits a facility run by a nonprofit organization for disabled people in Hoki in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026. (Pool photo)

Crown Princess Kiko visits facility for disabled in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits facility for disabled in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (back, L) visits a facility run by a nonprofit organization for disabled people in Hoki in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026. (Pool photo)

Crown Princess Kiko visits facility for disabled in western Japan

Crown Princess Kiko visits facility for disabled in western Japan

Japan's Crown Princess Kiko (L) visits a facility run by a nonprofit organization for disabled people in Hoki in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026. (Pool photo)

Sacred rope exchange at Nachi Falls

Sacred rope exchange at Nachi Falls

Priests from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a giant sacred "shimenawa" rope with a new one above Nachi Falls during a pre-festival ritual in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Sacred rope exchange at Nachi Falls

Sacred rope exchange at Nachi Falls

Priests from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a giant sacred "shimenawa" rope with a new one above Nachi Falls during a pre-festival ritual in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Sacred rope exchange at Nachi Falls

Sacred rope exchange at Nachi Falls

Priests from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine replace a giant sacred "shimenawa" rope with a new one above Nachi Falls during a pre-festival ritual in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Marigold flowers in full bloom at Tottori park

Marigold flowers in full bloom at Tottori park

Marigold flowers are in full bloom at Tottori Hanakairo flower park in Nambu in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Marigold flowers in full bloom at Tottori park

Marigold flowers in full bloom at Tottori park

Marigold flowers are in full bloom at Tottori Hanakairo flower park in Nambu in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, on July 9, 2026.

Baseball: Swallows vs. Tigers

Baseball: Swallows vs. Tigers

Hanshin Tigers infielder Teruaki Sato is pictured in an at-bat during a Central League baseball game against the Yakult Swallows at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Oct. 2, 2025.

Baseball: Swallows vs. Tigers

Baseball: Swallows vs. Tigers

Hanshin Tigers infielder Teruaki Sato is pictured in an at-bat during a Central League baseball game against the Yakult Swallows at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Oct. 2, 2025.

[Breaking News]4th anniv. of ex-Japan PM Abe's killing

NARA, Japan, July 8 Kyodo - Flowers are offered at a flower stand for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the western Japan city of Nara on July 8, 2026, the fourth anniversary of his assassination in the city. (Kyodo)

4th anniv. of ex-Japan PM Abe's killing

NARA, Japan, July 8 Kyodo - Flowers are offered at a flower stand for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the western Japan city of Nara on July 8, 2026, the fourth anniversary of his assassination in the city. (Kyodo)

4th anniv. of ex-Japan PM Abe's killing

4th anniv. of ex-Japan PM Abe's killing

Akie Abe, the widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, offers a prayer at the Abe family grave in Nagato in Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan, on July 8, 2026, the fourth anniversary of his assassination in Nara Prefecture.

4th anniv. of ex-Japan PM Abe's killing

4th anniv. of ex-Japan PM Abe's killing

Flowers are offered at a flower stand for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the western Japan city of Nara on July 8, 2026, the fourth anniversary of his assassination in the city.

4th anniv. of ex-Japan PM Abe's killing

4th anniv. of ex-Japan PM Abe's killing

Flowers are offered at a flower stand for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the western Japan city of Nara on July 8, 2026, the fourth anniversary of his assassination in the city.

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

A pedestrian is pictured with a parasol under the scorching sun in a commercial district of Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on July 8, 2026. Japan's weather agency announced the same day that the rainy season appears to have ended in the northern part of the Kyushu region, including Fukuoka, as well as western Japan's Chugoku and Kinki regions.

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

A pedestrian is pictured with a parasol under the scorching sun in a commercial district of Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on July 8, 2026. Japan's weather agency announced the same day that the rainy season appears to have ended in the northern part of the Kyushu region, including Fukuoka, as well as western Japan's Chugoku and Kinki regions.

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

Rainy season ends in parts of Japan

A woman walks with a portable fan under the scorching sun in a commercial district of Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on July 8, 2026. Japan's weather agency announced the same day that the rainy season appears to have ended in the northern part of the Kyushu region, including Fukuoka, as well as western Japan's Chugoku and Kinki regions.

[Breaking News]2 typhoons pass along Japan's Pacific coast

HIRAO, Japan, June 28 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on June 27, 2026, shows the site of a landslide in Hirao in Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan, after two typhoons brought downpours to wide areas while passing along the country's Pacific coast. A man in his 70s was killed and three others injured at the site. (Kyodo)

Canada: Damaging Storm Tears Through Manitoba

A severe storm system, likely including a small tornado, tore through southern and western Manitoba overnight Monday, June 29 into Tuesday, June 30, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms. In Winnipeg, the storm caused widespread damage including a partial house collapse in the southwest, over a hundred downed or damaged trees, and dozens of sewer and catch basin issues.

Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Lt. Gen. Seiji Toriumi (R), commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Western Army, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of the U.S. Marine Corps' III Marine Expeditionary Force, during a press conference at the Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on June 30, 2026, the final day of the Resolute Dragon joint defense drill. A total of 9,600 GSDF and Marine Corps personnel took part in the 11-day drill, conducted in Okinawa and the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands.

Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Lt. Gen. Seiji Toriumi (R), commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Western Army, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of the U.S. Marine Corps' III Marine Expeditionary Force, during a press conference at the Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on June 30, 2026, the final day of the Resolute Dragon joint defense drill. A total of 9,600 GSDF and Marine Corps personnel took part in the 11-day drill, conducted in Okinawa and the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands.

Square watermelon

Square watermelon

Cube-shaped watermelons are prepared for shipment in Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture, western Japan, on June 30, 2026.

Square watermelon

Square watermelon

Cube-shaped watermelons are prepared for shipment in Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture, western Japan, on June 30, 2026.

Square watermelon

Square watermelon

A cube-shaped watermelon is put into a corrugated-paper box for shipment in Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture, western Japan, on June 30, 2026.

Square watermelon

Square watermelon

A cube-shaped watermelon is put into a corrugated-paper box for shipment in Zentsuji, Kagawa Prefecture, western Japan, on June 30, 2026.

Canada: Large Tornado Touches Down Near Rossburn, Destroying Century-Old Farmhouse

At least one large tornado touched down southwest of Rossburn, Manitoba, on Sunday, June 28, Environment and Climate Change Canada confirmed. The tornado destroyed a century-old brick farmhouse and damaged buildings on a neighboring farm.