Here is a selection of Kyodo News photos taken this week in Japan and beyond.

Photo taken July 17, 2021, shows devastated houses in Altenahr, western Germany, following a recent deadly flood. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
People gather in front of the State Guest House in Tokyo on July 18, 2021, to protest against the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and against a welcome party being held for International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach inside the building. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Photo taken July 18, 2021, in Tokyo's Koto Ward shows a new exclusive lane for Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic-related vehicles. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Photo taken on July 19, 2021, shows Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the venue of table tennis for the Tokyo Olympics starting later in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi is pictured during official practice at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach in the Chiba Prefecture town of Ichinomiya on July 20, 2021, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics starting later in the week. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
People wearing masks for protection against the coronavirus walk in Pyongyang amid the scorching summer heat on July 20, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Mongolian-born sumo wrestler Terunofuji (2nd from R) accepts his promotion in Tokyo as he becomes the ancient sport's 73rd grand champion, or yokozuna, on July 21, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team drawing the five Olympic rings with smoke in the sky over central Tokyo on July 21, 2021, in rehearsal for performance planned on July 23, the day of the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
A volunteer wipes down seats in the empty stands at Fukushima Azuma stadium in Fukushima, northeastern Japan, on July 21, 2021, the venue of the Tokyo Olympic softball tournament's opening game between Japan and Australia. The game was played behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic ahead of the July 23 opening ceremony of the Olympics. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Valerie Arioto (C) of the United States scores on a single by Michelle Moultrie as Italy catcher Erika Piancastelli takes the throw in the fourth inning of their opening-round game of the Tokyo Olympic softball tournament at Fukushima Azuma stadium in Fukushima, northeastern Japan, on July 21, 2021, two days before the opening ceremony of the Olympics. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
People watch a Tokyo Olympic women's football match between Japan and Canada on TV at a sports bar in Sapporo, northern Japan, on July 21, 2021. The match was played behind closed doors at Sapporo Dome amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
U.S. gymnast Simone Biles takes part in official practice for the Tokyo Olympics on July 22, 2021, at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Photo shows National Stadium at sunset in Tokyo on July 22, 2021, a day before the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics is held there without spectators from the general public due to a surge in novel coronavirus infections. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
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Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - July 10~16

Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - July 3~9

Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - June 26~July 2

Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - June 19~25