Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Vehicles are displayed at the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on its opening day on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Vehicles are displayed at the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on its opening day on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Vehicles are displayed at the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on its opening day on April 24, 2026.

Beijing motor show

Beijing motor show

Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles are displayed at the Beijing motor show in the Chinese capital on April 24, 2026.

Int'l forum in Beijing

Int'l forum in Beijing

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (front, R) and Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo (far L) are pictured ahead of the opening ceremony for an international forum on global action for shared development hosted by China in Beijing on April 22, 2026.

US: Explosion and Fire Erupt at Oil Well Site in Nacogdoches County, Texas

An explosion and fire were reported at an oil well site in southern Nacogdoches County, Texas late Monday, April 20. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office confirmed that all workers have been accounted for and evacuated. Emergency response teams are on scene, and nearby residents are being evacuated as a precaution.

Football: ACLE

Football: ACLE

Vissel Kobe players are pictured after the Japanese team lost to Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli in an Asian Champions League Elite semifinal match on April 20, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Auction for tea leaves

Auction for tea leaves

New Japanese tea leaves are pictured in Shizuoka in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on April 20, 2026, after fetching 1.18 mil. yen ($7,425) per kilogram, the highest price at the season's inaugural auction for tea leaves grown in the renowned green tea-producing prefecture.

Football: Friendly between Japan and U.S.

Football: Friendly between Japan and U.S.

Japan players are pictured after losing to the United States in a women's football international friendly in Commerce City, Colorado, on April 17, 2026.

Nemophila flowers in eastern Japan

Nemophila flowers in eastern Japan

Nemophila flowers are in full bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on April 18, 2026.

Nemophila flowers in eastern Japan

Nemophila flowers in eastern Japan

Nemophila flowers are in full bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on April 18, 2026.

Nemophila flowers in eastern Japan

Nemophila flowers in eastern Japan

Nemophila flowers are in full bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on April 18, 2026.

Nemophila flowers in eastern Japan

Nemophila flowers in eastern Japan

Nemophila flowers are in full bloom at Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan, on April 18, 2026.

Japanese imperial garden party

Japanese imperial garden party

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (front) and Ryuichi Kihara are pictured at the spring imperial garden party at the Akasaka Imperial Gardens in Tokyo on April 17, 2026. The pair, who won Japan's first pairs gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, announced their retirement from competition the same day.

Japanese imperial garden party

Japanese imperial garden party

Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura (front, L) and Ryuichi Kihara are pictured at the spring imperial garden party at the Akasaka Imperial Gardens in Tokyo on April 17, 2026. The pair, who won Japan's first pairs gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, announced their retirement from competition the same day.

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms are in bloom at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 15, 2026.

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms are lit up at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 15, 2026.

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms are lit up at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 15, 2026.

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms are lit up at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 15, 2026.

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms are lit up at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 15, 2026.

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan

Cherry blossoms are lit up at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 15, 2026.

Takayama Spring Festival in central Japan

Takayama Spring Festival in central Japan

Floats are paraded in Takayama in the central Japan prefecture of Gifu on April 14, 2026, the first day of the two-day annual Spring Takayama Festival that was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Bamboo lanterns are lit in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first of a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

10th anniversary of Kumamoto quakes

Candles are lit in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on April 14, 2026, the 10th anniversary of the first of a pair of massive earthquakes in April 2016. A total of 278 people were killed in the southwestern Japan prefectures of Kumamoto and Oita in the quakes on April 14 and 16, 2016.

Japan Prize award ceremony

Japan Prize award ceremony

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are pictured after attending an award ceremony for the Japan Prize in Tokyo on April 14, 2026. The Japan Prize is awarded annually to scientists and engineers from around the world who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology.

Takayama Spring Festival in central Japan

Takayama Spring Festival in central Japan

Colorful floats are pictured in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on April 14, 2026, during the Takayama Spring Festival.

Takayama Spring Festival in central Japan

Takayama Spring Festival in central Japan

Colorful floats are carried in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, on April 14, 2026, during the Takayama Spring Festival.

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan, April 9 Kyodo - People stroll at the Japan Mint head office in Osaka on April 9, 2026, as its 560-meter-long, tree-lined path opens to the public for annual cherry blossom viewing through April 15. More than 300,000 visitors are expected for the event, which began in 1883. (Kyodo)

[Breaking News]Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

ISE, Japan, April 13 Kyodo - Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall. (Kyodo)

Hungary: Thousands Flood Streets After Magyar Ousts Orbán in Historic Election 6

Hungary's parliamentary election was held on Sunday, April 12, with opposition leader Péter Magyar's Tisza party claiming a landslide victory over Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party, ending Orbán's 16-year rule. In Budapest, thousands flooded the streets to celebrate the result that marks a significant shift for Hungary's relationship with the EU and Russia.

Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts Twice in Two Days for First Time This Year 2

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, southern Japan, erupted explosively on consecutive days for the first time this year. The blasts from the Minamidake summit crater on April 11 and 12 sent ash plumes up to 3,400 meters high and scattered volcanic rocks up to 1,000 meters from the crater. No pyroclastic flows were observed. The eruptions are the first and second of the year, following the previous event on December 13 last year. Volcanic alert level 3 — prohibiting entry into the mountain — remains in effect, with authorities warning of large projectiles and pyroclastic flows within 2 kilometers of the crater.

Japan: Sakurajima Volcano Erupts Twice in Two Days for First Time This Year

Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, southern Japan, erupted explosively on consecutive days for the first time this year. The blasts from the Minamidake summit crater on April 11 and 12 sent ash plumes up to 3,400 meters high and scattered volcanic rocks up to 1,000 meters from the crater. No pyroclastic flows were observed. The eruptions are the first and second of the year, following the previous event on December 13 last year. Volcanic alert level 3 — prohibiting entry into the mountain — remains in effect, with authorities warning of large projectiles and pyroclastic flows within 2 kilometers of the crater.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Rite at Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Pref.

Citizens transport a tree on the Isuzu River in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on April 12, 2026, as part of rites for the "Shikinen Sengu" Ise Jingu shrine building reconstruction every 20 years at the Shinto shrine in the central Japan city. Over 30 rites are planned for the 63rd "Shikinen Sengu," with a history of about 1,300 years. It culminates in 2033 when an object believed to contain the spirit of the shrine's deity will be transferred to the shrine's newly reconstructed main hall.

Japan: Nara’s Wild Deer Spotted Eating Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

Cherry blossoms in Nara Prefecture are in full bloom, and deer were seen enjoying the blossoms on Sunday, April 5. In Nara Park, where over 1,000 wild sika deer considered sacred in Shinto tradition freely roam, deer are frequently spotted in spring eating fallen cherry blossom petals from the ground as well as flowers blooming directly on the branches. According to the filmer, deer standing on their hind legs to feed is a rare sight even in Nara Park.

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

Cherry blossom viewing in Osaka

People stroll at the Japan Mint head office in Osaka on April 9, 2026, as its 560-meter-long, tree-lined path opens to the public for annual cherry blossom viewing through April 15. More than 300,000 visitors are expected for the event, which began in 1883.

Ireland: Fuel Protests Block Dublin Streets for Second Day Over Iran-Linked Price Hikes

Fuel protests disrupted traffic and cross-border travel in Ireland for a second consecutive day, with slow-moving convoys blocking key roads in Dublin and other urban areas. In the capital, protesters blocked O'Connell Bridge and the North and South Quays, disrupting traffic along the city's main thoroughfare. The protests are against high fuel prices, which demonstrators attribute to the ongoing US and Israeli conflict with Iran.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko listen to a person affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in Okuma, Fukushima, on April 7, 2026. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (far L), Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko meet a person (R) affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in Okuma, Fukushima, on April 7, 2026. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R), Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko on April 7, 2026, visit a roadside rest area in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (2nd from R), Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko on April 7, 2026, visit a roadside rest area in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

(Facing camera, from L) Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko talk with a person affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in Okuma, Fukushima, on April 7, 2026. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand. (Pool photo)

CORRECTED: Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

CORRECTED: Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (far L), Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko on April 7, 2026, visit a roadside rest area in the tsunami-devastated northeastern Japan town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

(Facing camera, from L) Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko talk with a person affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake at a memorial museum in Futaba, a town in Fukushima Prefecture that co-hosts the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, on April 6, 2026. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko arrive at a memorial museum in Futaba, a town in Fukushima Prefecture that co-hosts the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, on April 6, 2026. Fifteen years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters that struck northeastern Japan in March 2011, they are visiting the prefecture to see the recovery efforts firsthand.

Japan: Scaffold Collapse at JFE Steel Plant in Kawasaki Leaves Three Critical, One Missing

A scaffold approximately 40 meters high collapsed at JFE Steel's East Japan Works in Kawasaki City on Tuesday afternoon, April 7, causing five workers to fall. Three are unconscious and in critical condition, one is missing, and one remains conscious. Police are investigating possible professional negligence.

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japan imperial family's trip to Fukushima

Japanese Princess Aiko is greeted upon her arrival at the J-Village facility in Fukushima Prefecture on April 6, 2026. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko are visiting Fukushima Prefecture to observe the recovery efforts after a massive earthquake and tsunami struck the region in March 2011, triggering a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. (Pool photo)