An illumination in the shape of Shuri Castle's main hall has been set up in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, as part of a project to rebuild the monument that was destroyed in a fire nearly one year ago.

Senior high school students led the countdown for the unveiling of the LED-illuminated structure at a commercial complex in Naha City on Wednesday night.

An NHK survey shows one-in-three respondents affected by last month's rain-triggered disasters in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, are experiencing negative effects of the coronavirus on their lives and rebuilding efforts.

NHK conducted the survey in late July, covering 104 people in Hitoyoshi City, Kuma Village, Yatsushiro City, and Ashikita Town. The four municipalities were hard hit by floods and mudslides caused by record downpours on July 4, almost one month ago.