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

Aug. 19

The world athletics championships kick off in Budapest. (Kyodo)
 

Aug. 20

Noah Lyles of the United States strikes an iconic anime pose after winning the men's 100 meters final during the world athletics championships in Budapest. (Kyodo)
 
The Motherland Monument in Kyiv is photographed from a drone with the Ukrainian trident insignia being installed on a shield in the statue's left hand and the Ukrainian national flag seen on the right. The Soviet hammer and sickle symbol was removed in July for replacement, amid the Russian invasion of the country. (Kyodo)
 

Aug. 21

The 105th National High School Baseball Championship is under way at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya. (Kyodo)
 
Nozomi Okuhara plays in the women's singles tournament as the world badminton championships open in Copenhagen. (Kyodo)

 

Aug. 22

Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returns home after spending years in self-imposed exile. He was transferred to the Supreme Court and later to a prison in Bangkok to serve an eight-year sentence. (Kyodo)
 
 

Aug. 23

 
Keio high school ends a 106-year drought, winning Japan's prestigious national summer high school baseball championship and dethroning last year's champs Sendai Ikuei high school 8-2 in the final at Koshien Stadium. (Kyodo)
 
As Japan prepares for the discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea the following day, China expresses strong opposition while the Hong Kong government said it will restrict Japanese seafood imports from 10 prefectures. (Kyodo)
 

Aug. 24

Kumamon, the popular black bear-like mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, announces that it will take part in the M-1 Grand Prix "manzai" stand-up comedy contest. (Kyodo)
 
North Korea says it made an unsuccessful second attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite, as the Japanese government condemned Pyongyang for suspected use of ballistic missile technology. (Kyodo)
 
Ukrainians gather to mark the country's second Independence Day since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. (Kyodo)

Aug. 25

A cargo ship capsizes off Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, after apparently colliding with another freighter, leaving two crew members missing. (Kyodo)
 

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Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - Aug. 12~18

Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - Aug. 5~11

Japan and beyond: Week in Photos - July 29 ~ Aug. 4