Japan's Silver Week began on September 19 with five consecutive days off for the first time in 11 years, drawing crowds to food and festival events across the country despite rainy weather in the Kanto region as Typhoon No. 25 approached. (News On Japan)

Volcanic smoke continues to rise from Mount Tokachi (Tokachidake), an active volcano in Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, one week after its eruption alert level was raised to Level 3, restricting entry to the mountain and prompting a series of cancellations at nearby hot spring inns just before the peak autumn foliage season. (News On Japan)

The 20th Asian Games opened on September 19 with a ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, launching competition across venues in five prefectures through October 4. (News On Japan)

The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate from 1.0% to 1.25% on September 18, taking borrowing costs to their highest level in 31 years and accelerating the pace of monetary tightening as persistent inflation and concerns over fiscal expansion put upward pressure on interest rates. (News On Japan)

Drinking parties remain a lively part of social life in Kansai even as younger generations increasingly turn away from alcohol and izakaya bankruptcies rise at a record pace, with customers describing the gatherings less as occasions to drink heavily and more as opportunities to maintain friendships, meet new people and build connections across generations. (News On Japan)

The police have since set up a task team to investigate the murders and have urged women in the Kempton Park area to avoid walking or running alone "particularly in isolated areas".

Greg O'Neill "loved the ocean", his family say, as police boats and helicopters patrol Perth's beaches in search of his body and the shark that attacked him.

Widespread power outages have become increasingly common due to fuel shortages made worse by a US blockade.

Widespread power outages have become increasingly common due to fuel shortages made worse by a US blockade.

Police boats and helicopters are patrolling Perth's beaches as authorities continue their search for the swimmer's body, and the shark that attacked him.

The AI model accessed the internet and guessed credentials to three websites, a Google official told the BBC.

Residents later received the all-clear after explosions were reported in the capital.

Residents later received the all-clear after explosions were reported in the capital.

The BBC’s Caitríona Perry spoke to the late president's niece, as protesters gathered at the venue to condemn demolition threats.

The BBC’s Caitríona Perry spoke to the late president's niece, as protesters gathered at the venue to condemn demolition threats.

Mary Timby flew to Ireland on a whim last year and met her boyfriend at a matchmaking festival.

The Tata boardroom battle has intensified over a re-appointment of its chairman and a diktat to go public.

Dineo Motapane is one of nine recent victims whose deaths have left a nation traumatised over the level of violence against women.

Dineo Motapane is one of nine recent victims whose deaths have left a nation traumatised over the level of violence against women.

Dineo Motapane is one of nine recent victims whose deaths have left a nation traumatised over the level of violence against women.