Police searched the offices of a bus company on May 8th following a crash on the Banetsu Expressway in Fukushima Prefecture on May 6th that left one high school student dead and 20 others injured, with the driver of the microbus claiming he was not asleep at the wheel. (News On Japan)

The "Okihiki" ceremony, in which citizens transport timber to the Outer Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine ahead of its next Shikinen Sengu reconstruction seven years from now, began in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, on May 9th. (News On Japan)

A man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder after a woman was killed at a hotel in Osaka’s Minami district. (News On Japan)

As bears increasingly appear in residential areas across Japan, emergency gun hunts to eliminate the animals have also been carried out repeatedly in Aomori Prefecture, where a local hunter has spoken publicly about the difficulties involved in firing a weapon in populated areas. (News On Japan)

The fifth annual "Japan Parade" was held in Manhattan on May 9th, drawing large crowds as around 100 groups and approximately 2,700 participants showcased Japanese culture through martial arts performances, traditional dance, and cosplay. (News On Japan)

Officials are investigating what caused the explosion at a popular marina in southern Florida.

Officials are investigating what caused the explosion at a popular marina in southern Florida.

The Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero holds one of the most revered positions in the Buddhist world.

The Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero holds one of the most revered positions in the Buddhist world.

With almost a month to go until the start of the World Cup Simon King looks ahead to the weather's potential to disrupt the tournament this summer.

BBC's Sarah Rainsford reports from the port in Tenerife where the MV Hondius is soon to dock, after a deadly hantavirus outbreak.

The Russian leader sees potential for Ukraine negotiations, but condemns the West's backing for President Zelensky.

Bhavitha Mandava’s Met Gala debut has brought a new wave of attention to her - and to her understated aesthetic.

Fans are grappling with how to react to the withdrawal of Spain, Ireland and others over Israel's participation.

The country has seen its biggest military recruitment surge in 30 years, a major turnaround after years of falling behind on defence capabilities.

Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire despite a ceasefire deal being announced last month.

Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire despite a ceasefire deal being announced last month.

The federal government faces widespread anger for saying the school year could end on 5 June to accommodate the football tournament.

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has presented Fifa with 10 conditions for participation at the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has presented Fifa with 10 conditions for participation at the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.