Photo taken on Nov. 26, 2022, in Asago in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, shows about 500 lanterns lit at the Takeda Castle ruins, a tourist spot dubbed a "castle in the sky" as it is famous for a sea of clouds surrounding the ruins. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
U.S. first lady Jill Biden speaks at an unveiling of this year's White House holiday theme and Christmas decorations in Washington on Nov. 28, 2022. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
A doll maker in Tokyo unveils "Hina" dolls modeled after newsmakers of the year on Nov. 29, 2022, including Yakult Swallows cleanup hitter Munetaka Murakami (lower left), the Central League's first batting Triple Crown winner since 1986. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Ecuador supporters cheer before a World Cup Group A football match against Senegal at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 29, 2022. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attends a House of Councillors Budget Committee session in Tokyo on Dec. 1, 2022. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Santa Claus arrives at Narita airport in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, from Finland on Dec. 2, 2022, as part of a promotional campaign by the northern European country's airline Finnair. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
