SAPPORO -- A massive "supermoon," the largest full moon of the year, was observed from this northern Japan city and across the country on Oct. 17.

According to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the moon appeared larger because it approached about 357,000 kilometers from Earth, the closest distance at full moon. Compared with the smallest full moon of this year on Feb. 24, the supermoon was said to look some 14% larger in diameter.

The bright full moon began to rise a short time after sunset and could be seen alongside the Sapporo TV Tower in Odori Park in the city's Chuo Ward.

(Japanese original by Taichi Kaizuka, Hokkaido Photo and Video Department)