A sperm whale, which had remained in a shallow bay in Wakayama Prefecture since mid-May, returns to the Pacific off Tanabe in the prefecture on June 1. People living nearby and animal lovers had become concerned as the 15-meter whale appeared weak and apparently unable to find a way out of the bay despite a series of unsuccessful rescue attempts. (Kyodo)

Members of a civic group dealing with global warming wear maid cafe costumes in Tokyo's Akihabara district on May 31 during their campaign to appeal for the Japanese government to be more active in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Kyodo)

Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko attend a ceremony at the Pacifico Yokohama convention complex in Yokohama on May 31 to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the city's port. (Kyodo)

Emperor Akihito delivers a speech during a ceremony at the Pacifico Yokohama convention complex in Yokohama on May 31 to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the city's port. (Kyodo)

Panelists at a symposium in Tokyo on May 30 talk about the tough labor conditions many women are facing. (Kyodo)