From a comet and "cat employees" to Godzilla and realistic police officer dummies, the Mainichi editorial team has selected 10 of its well-read photo featured articles from 2024 for your year-end enjoyment.

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Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS observed with naked eye from Japan's capital sphere

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which has arrived from the edge of the solar system, was observed from various parts of Japan including the capital sphere on Oct. 13. Full story, video and photo special.

Japan Photo Journal: Mountain burning, fireworks create fantastical image in Nara

Fireworks are seen over Mount Wakakusa alongside the ritual burning of the mountain with Kohfukuji Temple's five-story pagoda silhouetted in the foreground, in the city of Nara in this composite image made from 36 photos taken between 6:18 p.m. and 7:43 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2024. Full story.

'Cat employees' at Tokyo office boost efficiency for human co-workers

TOKYO -- A system engineering firm here has 11 unusual employees: cats, whose "work" consists of being cute, taking naps by the window and helping (or, interrupting) their human co-workers, among other feline things as they meow through the busy workdays. Full story and photo special.

Japan Photo Journal: Rare sight of 'Doctor Yellow' test train passing by sunflower field

A "Doctor Yellow" track inspection shinkansen bullet train passes by the Ogaki sunflower field in this recent photo taken in Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture. Full story.

Flashy kimonos, dresses steal the show at coming-of-age ceremony in southwest Japan

KITAKYUSHU -- Young men and women dressed in flamboyant attire added bright colors to a Jan. 7 coming-of-age ceremony here, known as a place for new 20-year-olds showing up in unique fashion every year. Full story, video and photo special.

Old sliding door paintings in northern Japan match with British Museum collection

NAKADOMARI, Aomori -- Four traditional Japanese paintings on sliding doors owned by an old family in this northern Japan town have been paired with pieces at the British Museum in London rendered by the same artist, according to the local board of education. Full story and photo special.

100-meter Godzilla 'destroys' Tokyo gov't office in projection mapping display

TOKYO -- A projection mapping of the giant monster Godzilla displayed on the walls of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building began on April 27, and the roughly 100-meter-tall Godzilla "destroying" the capital's landmark drew cheers from passersby. Full story and photo special.

Japan Photo Journal: Heart made by famed north Japan castle park cherry blossoms

Blossom-clad branches of two Somei Yoshino cherry trees overlapping to make a heart shape are seen a day before the trees reached full bloom, at Hirosaki Park in the city of Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, on April 18, 2024. Full story.

Realistic police officer dummies, fake patrol car in west Japan create social media buzz

TAMBASASAYAMA, Hyogo -- Realistic police officer dummies along with a fake patrol car that have suddenly appeared by the side of a straight road with a clear view in this western Japan city have created a buzz on social media. Full story and photo special.

10 new photo negatives of post-bombing Hiroshima discovered at Mainichi's Osaka office

Ten photo negatives showing central Hiroshima within months of the atomic bombing of the city during World War II have been found at The Mainichi Newspapers Co.'s Osaka Head Office. Full story and photo special.