PHOTO of the DAY (JAPAN)

[AsahinaKimi]

Homare Sawa, top, celebrates with teammates after scoring Japan's second goal during their semifinal match against Sweden at the Women's Soccer World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany, on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. Japan defeated Sweden 3-1. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)


Bonus

Balls lit up by LEDs float down the Nihonbashi River in Tokyo on the evening of July 14 in a tribute to victims of the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, and in hope for speedy reconstruction in the stricken Tohoku region. Named inori-boshi (prayer stars), some 1,500 of the balls were released as part of the opening ceremony for events beginning on July 15 commemorating the centennial of the construction of the Nihonbashi bridge. (Mainichi)




Ozeki Kaio beats Kyokutenho on July 14 during the ongoing Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament to rack up his 1,046th win -- a new career victories record. The previous record of 1,045 wins was set by former Yokozuna Chiyonofuji some 20 years ago. (Mainichi)



A seagull rests by swan pedal boats at the Shinobazu Pond in Tokyo’s Ueno Park.

[stevedeshazer]

1. This game is going to be fun.

I'm rooting for both teams.

[Major Hogwash]

2. Kizuna.

I learn something new every day.

That seagull in the last picture looks a little perplexed to me.

[Art_from_Ark]

4. Maybe that seagull is wondering where the sea is

Ueno Park is fairly far inland from Tokyo Bay. I can't remember seeing any seagulls there before.

[Art_from_Ark]

3. There are a couple of pictures there that are quite familiar to me

The swan boats at Ueno Park, and the Nihonbashi bridge. I had no idea this was the centennial year of the bridge.

[gateley]

5. I love the looks of joy on their faces! Thanks for the smile.

And the tribute is touching and sad. :hug: